MARRIAGE-MAKING

Evening Star, Issue 19661, 14 September 1927, Page 10

MARRIAGE-MAKING

BRIDES AND THEIR GROOMS. It is sometimes said that “marriages are made in heaven,” but there are still many people who arc content with the more prosaic method of having them made in the Registry Office (says the Auckland ‘Star’). Out of a lota) of 1,186 licenses issued in Auckland during the first seven months of tho present year 235 sought the personal services of tho registrar. Tho corresponding figures lor the first seven months of last year were 1,279 and 1514 respectively—a more profitable season both for ministers and Government. The reason for tho slight falling off is not definitely knewn, but with tho coming of spring and tho poetic “ turning of fancies ” there is yet time for thti annual total to equal that of last year.

The registrar is a man of many exuenences. Ho is both discreet and expeditious, tho former out of respect for tho occasional touches of romance that light up tho otherwise drab appearance of his typical departmental office, and the latter to be obliging. “ Make it snappy,” was the greeting of a prospective bridegroom recently, as his head appeared through the office door in advance of his more leisurely bride. So the registrar did his best. The procedure is very simple. Each of the parties says; “I do solemnly declare that 1. know of no impediment why 1 cannot be loined in matrimony to .” Then each says: “i call up these persons tierc present to witness that I do take thee to be my lawful wedded wiio •or husband, as the case may bo).” The two witnesses sign tho register, the bride receives tier marriage lines, and that is all there is to it—no promising to obey or other restrictions such as in these modern times arc doomed by many to be both tedious and unnecessary.

A recent marriage was that of a young Dalmatian tradesman to a sweetheart who had conic to him from overseas. Their courtship had not been in English, and neither was their marriage. An interpreter assisted—in the latter performance only. Not very long ago the registrar thought a sailor was taking a rise out of him. The applicant gave his name as Schcllbaek, and not having heard this nomenclature before, the official kont his man wailing while he consulted an electoral roll. His mind in a double sense reflected upon the ocean. The man of the sea was perfectly genuine. Ho had fallen in love with a young lady of the land—-from somewhere down the lino—and the latter was soon rejoicing in the name of Airs Schcllbaek.

Sometimes a Chinese brings along a bride who has arrived from the Land of the Sunflower, and without allowing time to recover from the voyage proceeds to take her for better or worse. On occasion a Maori appears with his kotiro, who thereupon becomes his wahinc. In the Alaori way she is among the happiest of brides. ALcmbors of certain religious sects believe in tho form of marriage as carried out by the State. Among these are some Jews, Plymouth Brethren, and Christadolphians. In certain eases the parties go through both the religious ceremony and that provided by State, but this is more tedious and none tlio more binding, “There is not tho same prejudice against marriage in this department as there was some years ugo,”_ added the registrar, with the conviction of one who believed wholeheartedly in his calling.