A WIFE'S NATIONALITY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 263, 6 August 1915, Page 3

A WIFE'S NATIONALITY.

PUZZLING LEGAL RIDDLE.

"I'm an Englishwoman; I was born here," was the reply of Catherine Bjork when summoned before the Liverpool stipendiary for having, as a-

alien, failed to furnish particulars to the head constable.

Mr. Cripps, for the police, said it was true that the defendant was born in England, and she was of British parents, but she married a Swede 17 years ago, and, of course, she had to take his nationality.

He was a, seafaring man, and registered himself in March last. On tiiar occasion he told his wife that she ought to register, too. She said sTie did not like to go to the registration office.

Mr. Stuart Deacon expressed doubts as to whether an Englishwoman who married a foreigner necessarily took her husband's nationality. Was it suggested that those Liverpool women who married Chinamen necessarily became Chinese? It might be correct, but he was not aware of it. Mr. Cripps mentioned the case of an Austrian lady who had married an Englishman, and who consequently was free to move about the country as she chose.

"Ah! that's a different thing," remarked his Worship. "We annext other people as our citizens for our benefit, but we don't allow citizens of our own country to become citizens of other countries."

The hearing of the summons was adjourned with the object of enabling Mr. Cripps to substantiate his point as to the legal position of an Englishwoman who marries a foreigner. .The case came before the court later in the week. -

Mr. Cripps now explained that the Aliens Act of last year declared* that the wife of an alien shouM be deemed to be an alien. The Stipendiary: That seems elear enough. Defendant, a well-dressed person, said her husband was a citizen of America. The Stipendiary Magistrate: Well, then, you are an American. Americans are aliens, you know. Your husband was a Swede, then he became an American. You were an Englishwoman: yon have lived in Liverpool alt your life, and then you marry him. Defendant: I am reckoned a foreigner. The Stipendiary Magistrate: I have had a number of letters since this case was last before the court. Apparentlv there are other ladies in the same position as this lady who feel their position acutely. I suppose a magistrate ought never to confess to ignorance of the law, but I must confess I was •• little: surprised to find it so. It does seem to be clear. (To defendant) : Will you promise me to register now Defendant: I have registered, on April 16.

The Stipendiary Magistrate: In that ease I will be satisfied. I will bind yon over. You have, at any rate, called attention to a state of "h.\v which Parliament may see fit to remedy.