CLAIM BY WIDOW

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20819, 1 June 1939, Page 15

CLAIM BY WIDOW

FARMER SUED FOR £SOOO ALLEGED MARRIAGE CONTRACT (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) GISBORNE, Wednesday An allegation that York Hutchinson, a Poverty Bay farmer, had entered into a contract to marry her on certain stipulations, and bad since refused to fulfil the arrangement, was made in the Supreme Court to-day by Catharine May Davis, widow. She claimed £SOOO for breach of contract. Counsel for plaintiff said her husband had been a station manager. On his death lour years ago she became housekeeper to defendant at his Ruakituri station. Defendant eventually offered to marry her under certain conditions. Marriage was discussed and defendant proposed definitely that they should marry before Christmas, 1937. Parents’ Opposition In December, 1937, defendant's parents visited the station, and the following morning defendant, much upset, told plaintiff that his father forbade their marriage. After the departure of his parents defendant refused to carry out his promise of marriage before Christmas. Ilis attitude, however, was that his father's opposition was dominating him, and his behaviour was that of a man who cared warmly for plaintiff. Shortly after the birth of plaintiff’s child his attitude changed as a result of further intervention by his parents, and arrangements for plaintiff’s maintenance and that of the child were taken up by a solicitor. After plaintiff had given evidence the hearing was adjourned.