LOVE AND THE LAW.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3777, 12 March 1913, Page 8

LOVE AND THE LAW.

SCHEME FOR MARRIAGE PROPOSALS TO BE MADE IN WRITING.

The latest American novelty in the way of matrimonial legislation is a movement to have all proposals of marriage declared invalid unless they are made in writing. Should the plan be enacted into law no breach of promise suit could bo brought upon a verbal proposal, and one enterprising publisher is already advertising that he is prepared to supply voung ladies at summer resorts with "blank forms that can be filled uji as promptly as dance programmes. Otherwise they might ‘‘lose the catch, even after ; hooking him.” It is recognised that there is a dan- j ger that the movement may confuse j or complicate the plans of the eugen- ! ists. It is_ one of the aims of American scientific marriage people to in- \ validate all engagements not based : upon a properly certificated licence to j marry. Under this rule a young man ] would have to obtain a licence from an ! official physician to acquire the right ) to make a written proposal. The j young lady, therefore, must first de- i maud to see the certificate. This, it ! is. suggested, may seriously interfere ; with love-making and stimulate more : enterprising couples to elope to Can- i ad a.