2,000 ENGLISH BRIDES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1789, 14 February 1918, Page 1

2,000 ENGLISH BRIDES.

MARRIAGES OF AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS. ,

The fact that some-2,000 Australian soldiers have married women in the United Kimgdom has been communicated to the New South Wales State Premier by the Agent-General in London.

“A somewhat novel development,” writes Sir Charles Wade, in a letter received by Mr Holman, “hhs taken -place with regard to Australian soldiers who marry English women whilst on service on this side of the world, and who are anxious for some concession to be made in the passage money of the wives on the journey to Australia. Under the provision for nominating immigrants, .any resident oE New South Wales may, under certain conditions, nominate a person in Great Britain, who will receive the benefit of reduction in passage rate on emigrating to the State; and it is sought by these soldiers who have so married to bring their wives uni der the operation of this scheme.

“Literally, nominations do not apply to soldiers who are over at the front indefinitely. The immigration officer, however, has applied these provisions in favour of certain soldiers who have asked for the concession, but, as the question is likely to grow, I should like official confirmation of the Government to this extension of their immigration poliev. “I am informed that already some 2,0()b Australians have married women in the United Kingdom, and recently these marriages have taken place at the rate of 800 per mouth. In the next year or so it may be reckoned that a substantial number will be claiming concessions in this direction. I shall, therefore, be glad to receive the authority of the Government to extend this concession of reduced rates for wives of soldiers who marry in this country and desire to make their homes in Australia after the war.” Mr Holman has cabled to Sir Charles Wade, stating that the benefit of assisted passages may be extended to the wives of soldiers marrying in Great Britain and desiring to make their homes in Aus tralia as suggested.