GRETNA GREEN

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 394, 30 March 1937, Page 8

GRETNA GREEN

DEATH KNELL OF DECEIT Irregular Marriages in Scotland. The death-knell of romantic weddings ov,r the blacksmith’t anvil at Gretna Green has been sounded by the report of the committee on the low of Scotland relating to marriage, says a London correspondent. “The law 1 which permits a marriage to be contracted by a man and woman without lany intimation, ceremony, or procedure, is indefensible. It opens wide a door to seduction, deceit, and fraud.” Scottish L aw. The principle of Scottish law, it is explained, is that consent makes marriage, and it is this doctrine which has given rise to the distinction between regular and irregular marriages. Minors in Scotland may marry at 16, and parents’ consent is not needed.

Instances are given of the evils and misery which have followed Gretna marriages. Officials, it is stated, are constantly receiving inquiries from women asking if their marriages are valid. Recommendations, of the report include: (1) The introduction of a new and simple form of civil marriage; (2) The conferring of powers on certain churches—in addition to the Church of Scotland—to proclaim marriages land istue bans. (3) The Imposition of penalties on unauthorised persons who proffer to conduct marriages or marriage ceremonies.

It li also advocated that authority should be given to the sheriff—on the application of interested parties —to declare lawful any irregular wed ding, provided the parties had the necessary qualifications at its alleged date. It is. l further recommended that parents’ consent should be required when a Scottish minor proposes to contract v.’ith a foreigner a marriage which, though valid according to the law of Scotland, is invalid according to the law of the foreigner’s domicile. Irregular Marriages.

The report givei* a table covering the period 1926-1935, which shows that 2295 mlarriages were performed at the blacksmith's shop. Of these, 1876 were unregistered.

In 1935 there Were 305 marriages, 106 being unregistered. A comparison of regular and irregular marriages registered in Scotland from 1855 reveals that the proportion of irregular ceremonies has risen. The peak was reached in 1915 when it stood at 20.48 per cent, and since 1920 it has* been between 11 and 12 per cent. If the recommendations are adopted. there will be an end to Mr Richard Rennison’s career as the "blacksmith priest.” He maintains that there was real romance behind most of the marriages over which he has presided, and is surprised at the criticism levelled against this old custom. "What a day for Scotland!" he exclaimed. To think objection could be taken to a form of marriage which is simple, quiet, and to many minds, I suppose, romantic. The committee might Wish to abolish Gretna, but they cannot abolish unhappiness in marriage. Marriages in cathedrals and churches may turn out unhappy. The form and the method of marriage does not matter so much as the temperaments and ideals of those who s;et married. It is suggested that some form of notice of the marriage should be given beforehand. What difference wiil it make? Rules will not change mankind, and if two people wish to come here and marry without fuss, why should they be debarred from doing so ”