AN INFATUATED GIRL

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 289, 1 May 1911, Page 6

AN INFATUATED GIRL

CHARGE OF VAGRANCY. •RELUCTANTLY AGREES TO RETURN HOME. Auckland, hursday. A singular cn=e came before Mr. C. C. Kettle at the R.M. Court, in which a respectable-looking <rirl. seventeen years of age, was chirm! "'ifli vaorrnncv. Chief Detective explained that the girl lnd l>e-n r*<inr-"- with vagrannv, as she absolutely declined to return to her home. The action of the police had been taken to tr • and save the girl. THE LOTHARIO CALLED.

William Henry Ellis was called and stated that he wanted the girl to marry him, but she could not do so without her mother's consent, as she was under age.

In answer 'to Mr. Kettle, witness said he did not induce the girl to leave her home in Wellington and come to Auckland. He sent her £1 because he thought if she came to Auckland she ■would want money. He had lived with a woman for about ten years, and was maintaining lii.s two children by her. She had gone to Australia.

Mr. Kettle: Why did she leave you?— I suppose she saiv a better looking man! Mr* Kettle: You know this girl came up here against her mother's wish ?—Her mother gave her consent to the marriage in Christcliurch, but since then has raised obstacles. This girl was kind to my kiddies. I have kept these children the ]ast three and a-half vears, and you are holding me up to be a scoundrel. Mr. Kettle: Will you induce this girl to go home with her mother?—l will try to induce her to return to Wellington, and will promise not to encourage her to leave her mother. ° Mr. Kettle (reading from a letter sent by Ellis to the girl) : "Never mind what your mother says. I shall alwavs be on the railway station at Auckland." Witness admitted it was wfong to have written that letter. Pie also said Dr. McArthur, S.M., had warned him not to write to the girl, saying if lie did so the facts would be sent to the inspector of police at Auckland. "DANGER AHEAD."

Mr. Kettle said they were trying to rescue the girl from danger ahead. Then turning to witness, added in a stern voice: ''Stand down, sir; stand down. I have done with you." Witness: If you will give me a chance to explain Mr. Kettle: I will give you no chances. You are trying to ruin thin girl's life. Stand down. (To the girl): Will von go back to your mother? Can you not see what is in store for you? The girl: I will go back with my mother to-night if Mr. Ellis is left alone. Mr. Kettle: He won't be touched. The girl made the promise required, and the information was withdrawn.