A MARRIAGE GLUB.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3392, 7 December 1911, Page 7

A MARRIAGE GLUB.

“MAURY EARLY ANl> OFTEN. Charles Thomas Jones, mkldle-ageu, was placed on trial at tlie General intensions, Melbourne, upon a charge of having, between July 10 and August zd fast-, counselled l Glennie Jane Warren and Albert David Ward to- commit .perjury. Mr. Woinarski, K.C., for tho Crown, said that the prisoner carried on business in Brunswick Street, Fitzvoy, on the jiremises of a now delicensed hotel. From outward indications the businesses carried on by the prisoner were those of undertaker and teacher of motoring. In addition, there was a sign, “Rev. Charles T. Jones. Marriages solemnised. Marry early and often.” It was alleged by the Crown that the prisoner had counselled the young man and girl 17 and 18 yeans of age respectively, to commit perjury by swearing, for the purpose of being married, that they were 22 and 21 years of ago respectively. Ho gave the boy two forms to be filled up and handed to the Registrar of Marriages at South Melbourne. The boy and girl signed the forms, but became alarmed and destroyed them. Another form was obtained by tho boy subsequently, and with a girl and a female employee of the prisoner’s named Stead the two went before the Registrar at South Melbourne, where perjury was committed. 'When confronted by the police accused denied the statements made by the boy and girl, and said that in any case lie had committed no offence, and that the boy was a member of his “marriage club.” During the hearing of the case Actting Judge Gurner said: What is ‘this Ma trim oni a 1 Cl ub ?

Mr. Tucker (counsel for accused): ]t is a club where young persons who- have been in certain relationships arc brought together and advised what they should do, and all about the formalities of marriage.

Acting Judge Gurner: Is it to prevent suits for breach of promise ? Mr. Tucker: No; they are simply given instructions. But they get no instructions until they have paid, their subscriptions to the club. Mr. 'Woinarski: Upon one of the forms it is stated: ‘'Agency Matrimonial Club. Come benefits: Half yearly subscribers will have marriages arranged without further cost. . Quarterly subscribers may have introductions. All (including entrance) may have use of rooms for socials. Otboi benefits accrue as means of advoitismg the club. Subscriptions: Annual, £1 Is; half-yearly, 12s Gd; monthly, 2s 6d; weekly, 1«.” , . , The case had not concluded when too Court adjourned.