BREACH OF PROMISE

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1928, Page 1

BREACH OF PROMISE

LONDON. Jan. 23. A hreacli of promise action in ivo .'li the woman was 55 and the man 82 tame before Mr. Justice Rigby Swift and a mixed jury at Lancaster Assizes yesterday. Miss. Margaret Thomason, a fancy goods dealer, of West End. Great Eecleston Eylde sued Mr James Robinson, a retired stonemason, of Churelistreet Silverdale fot dam ges. Mr. Jolly, for Miss Thomason, said tha the promise of marriage was made when Mr. Robinson was 70. Mr. Goldie (for the defence) : We are still willing to carry out the contract. Mr Jolly: So arc wo. Mr Justice Swift: Had we better not adjourn and sit in another building which is just outside (the parish church)? If they want a best man and a bridesmaid T ant sure Mr. Goldie and you will oblige. Mr. Jolly: We should be quit? willing. Mr. Jolly said that Mr. Robinson told Miss Thomason he was worth £3O. 000 having land in Alberta, war. bonds and property at Silverdale. He could not write and a Silverdale fiend, Mrs Fleming, wrote letters for him and enclosed them to Miss Thomason. ‘‘GETTING ROMANTIC. ” Mr. Justice Swift: It is geLtiiig more romantic. (Laughter.) Mr. Jolly said that -Miss Thomn - son received a lock of Mr. Robinison s hair and he gave her snowdrops in the spring and roses in the summer. Correspondence was produced \\ hich led ilr Justice Swift to remark,“Mrs Fleming was playing the part ot ( upid.” Miss Thomason in evidence, said Mr. Robinson was young looking for his years and an ardent lover. He never came empty-banded, always having eatables or flowers. The ring was produced to Mr Justice Swift, who said. “Diamonds and rubies.” Mr. Goldie (cross-examining) : When has defendant refused to marry von He has not absolutely refused, but he has long enough time to he shaping (Laughter.) SHAKE: MEN UP. Did you propose to him —He told me he would marry me. Ladies hav? to shake men up sometimes when they are so slow. Mr. Robinison. in evidence, admitted be had land in Canada for which he was asking £I,OOO. If there had been a quick sale there would have been a marriage. Mr. Goldie: Would you marry her tomorrow if you could afford to keep a w jfe? -Yes. Happen, before to-night (Laughter.) Mr. Goldie asked if they had walked out. His Lordship: Asked him if he courted her. When you get to the age of your client, Mr. Goldie, you will know more about these things.” (Laughter.) Mr Goldie: F have forgotten all I ever knew. (Renewed laughter) Mr Robinson said that be previously altered his will to give Miss Thomason an equal share with his daughter, hut he had made another will in which he had left her nothing. His Lordship: And yet you still say you love her and are ready to marry her. The jury awarded Miss Thomason £SO damages.