BREACH OF PROMISE CASE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXI, Issue 453, 24 April 1909, Page 4

BREACH OF PROMISE CASE.

Recently a writ was issued by the Melbourne Supreme Court, on behalf of Elsie Ursula Potter, of Ormond-road, Elsteruwick, spinster, against Charles Payne, then of the Grand Hotel, Melbourne, electrician, but now of New Zealand, claiming as damages for alleged breach of promise of marriage. As delesdsttt did not enter an appearance, judgment was given against him, and the case was referred to the Prothonotary of the Supreme Court to assess damages. The case came before him last week. Plaintiff said she first became acquainted with defendant seven years ago. She was then 16 years of age, and defendant 21. They became engaged about nine months afterwards, the engagement being made by letter. After the engagement there was regular correspondence between them, and that correspondence led her to believe that defendant was very much attached to her. He was away in India for several years, but right up till January of the present year plaintiff believed he would carry out his promise. Counsel for plaintiff said he would not attempt to read all the letters, because the task would occupy a week. On 14th November, 1906, defendant wrote : “ My Very Dearest, —I wrote you yesterday, and here I am writing you again to-day. I could not wait another minute. I felt I must write at once. I met old Carter, and he told me a lot of things about you which I was so pleased to hear. Carter always calls you Mrs Payne. He is only a bit previous, isn’t he ? He says, as I have always said, you are sensible. You must remember that you are an engaged young lady, and must not go gadding all over the place. Well, Elsie, darling, write and say you love me, and that you are not going off with one of those Jew boys. All my lovh to my own sweetheart.—Your Chari.” Continuing, counsel said that in one of his letters defendant said he was making ,£4OO and £SOO, and he kept three motor-cars. The Prothonotary assessed damages at £3OO, with costs.