Re the 1908 marriage and the NSW Guardian of Minors giving permission for the 17 year old to marry a 50 year old. That NSW official was basically breaching his then duty of care if he accepted the word of the minor re her parentage. He was required to carry out his own enquiries.
1899 Marriage Act ...
In the case of Minors.
9. .....
(a) of the written consent of the father of such party if within New South Wales or if not within New South Wales then of a guardian appointed by the father or
(b) if there be no such guardian in New South Wales then the written consent of the mother of such party if within New South Wales or
(c) where there is no such parent or guardian in New South Wales or he or she is incapable of duly consenting by reason of distance habitual intoxication or mental incapacity then the written consent of some justice of the peace appointed for that purpose. Such justice shall make inquiry on oath as to the facts and circumstances of the case before giving his consent. [/color][/b]
10. (1) For the purposes mentioned in the foregoing section the Judges of the Supreme Court shall appoint from time to time one or more justice or justices of the peace in every registrar's district who shall by virtue of such appointment give consent in such cases as
aforesaid.
....
11. When a marriage is celebrated upon the production of any such written consent as aforesaid a statement of the fact of such consent shall be indorsed on the certificate of such marriage and on the copy thereof signed respectively by the minister or registrar celebrating the same.
Edith was still being let down by the system !
JM
