At Ammanford Police Court, on Monday, a young girl, named Mary Williams, of Woodland terrace, Wind Street, Ammanford, summoned Private William Walker, Army Service Corps, of Penybank, for an affiliation order.
Mr. H. Noyes appeared for applicant.
When the case was called, the defendant came forward with his headgear on, and on being asked by the Deputy Chief Constable to take it off refused to do so, saying he had been instructed not to take his cap off.
Deputy Chief Constable informed him that he was not under arms, and was therefore bound to do so.
After being repeatedly told to take his cap off, defendant told to take his cap off, defendant did so, remarking, “We shall hear of this again.”
Mr. H. Noyes said the defendant was the father of a child the complainant had had previously. He appeared in the former case and disputed the paternity, but notwithstanding, an order was made. He had already paid to the applicant in respect of that child.
The girl was now only 19 years of age, and the defendant offered to marry her before intimacy toll place. Since then he had been at the house of the girl's parents continually, and promised them he was going to marry their daughter.
He now refused to do so, and said she was not good enough for him.
In reply to the Magistrates' Clerk, defendant denied being the father.
Complainant gave evidence, and said that she was 19 years of age in September. She gave birth to a male child on the 29 th August, of which Wm. Walker was the father. She had had a child by him two years ago, and there was a maintenance order for 3s. 6d. a week.
He had been going with her from October up to March last, and several times came to her house, and in the presence of her father and mother promised to marry her. She went with him every Saturday, Sunday, and Wednesday night.
She used to attend the “Home Circle” at the Y. M. C. A. in company with a friend, by name Miss Gould, and the defendant used to send them home. They all went together to see Miss Gould home, and then defendant would take her home.
When she told defendant of her condition, he said: “We shall have a nice family soon.” (Laughter). He offered her some money to buy some medicine, and said he would not marry her if she would not take it.
The defendant came to her house in February, and there was a conversation as to conscription, when her mother asked him: “What are you going to do about May?” He replied: “Marry her at once.”
Since she told him of her condition on March 6 th he had not been in their house. Many times he had called, but had been refused admission. She had arranged everything for the wedding.
Defendant, before joining the Army, was a collier, earning, according to what he told his brothers. £3 10s. a week.
Defendant: When and in what condition did I call in your house, if ever I did call? – No.
Defendant put it to her that she had been at Aberlash with another man, who was in the Army and couldn't be called, but she denied this.
Defendant: If you wish to say a couple of lies, I don't mind. (Laughter). He admitted he used to take her and Miss Gould from the “Home Circle,” and added: “You must have been taking me for a Dr. Barnardo's Home or an Orphan Institution, and think to shove everything on me.” (Laughter).
Witness denied that she had been with anybody else.
Defendant: According to common place talk you have been with many.
Nora Gould said she and complainant used to attend the “Home Circle,” and after they came out defendant used to accompany them, taking her home first of all, and afterwards accompanying complainant. She had not seen Miss Williams with anybody else.
Mr. Noyes: Do you remember when you were recruiting for Lord Kitchener? – Yes .
You remember going up to defendant and asking him why he didn't join? – Yes.
Did he give you any reason why he could not join? – He told me he had somebody dependant on him and he couldn't enlist.
Did he say anything about marriage? — He said he was partly married.
To whom? — I knew to whom very well.
Defendant questioned witness regarding the “Home Circle,” stating he had been there only twice, and asked if she persisted in the story that he used to send them home from the “Home Circle.”
The answer was not satisfactory, and defendant said: “Don't you think you have been practising this a long time?”
Witness: No.
Defendant: I dispute you, you know. (Loud Laughter as witness left the box).
Mrs. Williams, mother of complainant, was called, but was too hysterical to proceed, and John Williams, father of the complainant, said defendant promised to marry his daughter.
Defendant: I must have been very courageous them. (Laughter). I never promised to marry his daughter, or anybody.
Replying to defendant, the witness said he made the promise to marry in February and in March, in the presence of his (defendant's) two brothers, and witness' wife and daughter.
Were we in a very comfortable condition that night? — You were, anyhow.
Was either of my brothers? — They were better than you.
More credit to them. (Laughter).
Was anything said that night that I was not able to keep up to? — Several times.
I was under the impression I only visited your house twice; that was in company with my two brothers and my friend. I don't think I could say it several times, unless I said it several times the same night? (Laughter). — I can say so.
The Chairman said the tendency of everything was upwards, and there were war bonuses, &c. They would not be doing justice to this young woman unless they advanced a little on last time. Instead of 3s. 6d., they would make it this time 4s.
The Magistrates' Clerk suggested they had better ask defendant if he had anything to say, and he replied: “I have, sir.”
The Chairman: You can give evidence on oath, if you like.
Defendant: Of course, I am not guilty. What I wish to say is this. I have had nothing to do with complainant since the birth of the first child, but I must submit to the Court.
Another thing I wish to say is that she has not been very much respected towards herself, going about with other individuals. She was seen up at Aberlash, or Pontlash, with a male friend, and “intimation” took place between them.
The Clerk: You have not proved that.
Defendant: I have evidence which, I think, will prove it.
The Clerk: Do you deny taking her home from the “Home Circle” at all? — I deny it. I have never taken her at all.
Do you deny going to her house since the first child was born? — I have a recollection of going to her home twice in the company of my two brothers, and in company with my friend.
When was that? – Sure. I can't tell you exactly; but if I had the date of the commencement of these two friends in the Army, I could tell you.
You promised to marry the girl; is there any truth in that? – Not to any recollection and knowledge.
The Chairman: You were drunk going there? – Well, that's another thing. I don't know what condition I was in, but I recollect going there and what I said. I am almost sure I never said I would marry the daughter.
You admit you were under the influence of drink? – I admit I had a drink or two, but not enough that other people should twist me about.
The Chairman: I would not wish to twist you about. We shall not alter our decision. We believe you are guilty, and you will have to pay 4s.
Defendant: it is your business to believe what you like. I believe if I was in civil clothes you would no get anything out of me.
The Chairman: you had better leave the box.
Defendant: Yes; I wish I had never come into it. (Laughter). He then left the box, put his cap on, and walked out of the Court.
