Mexborough and Swinton Times, May 11, 1928
Early Marriage.
Wombwell Parents Over-Ruled.
The West Riding Magistrates at Barmsley on Tuesday granted the application of Lewis, J. Afford, aged 19, Mellor Road, Wombwell, for permission to marry Lilian Fenton, aged 17, also of Wombwell.
Mr. C.. M. Clegg (for applicant) said Afford, a colliery trammer, was working about four days a week, earning 11s. a shift.
Under title circumstances the girl’s parents were agreeable to the marriage, but Afford’s parents objected
Mrs. Afford said she greatly objected to the mange, and applicant’s father said the couple were only children and his son could not maintain a wife with, the pits working short time. He was also in debt, and the responsibility still fell on him.
The Chairman. (Mr. T. Norton) said people did marry early in these days, probably too early.
Sheffield Daily Telegraph – Thursday 03 May 1928
Desire To Marry.
Barnsley Magistrates Consent to Wombwell Application. A young Wombwell couple yesterday obtained the consent of the Barnsley magistrates to marry.
Louis J. Afford (19), trammer, of 9, Mellor Road, Wombwell, the applicant, was represented by Mr. C. M. Clegg, who said Afford was 19 years of age last August and desired to marry Lilian Fenton, aged 17, of 10, Hatfield Street, Wombwell. Afford was working about four days per week at Cortonwood Colliery and earning about 11s. per shift.
The girl’s parents were agreeable to the marriage but the youth’s parents refused their consent. Afford’s mother told her son that he must either give up this girl and marry some other girl whom she wanted him to marry or leave home. “To his credit the youth left home, added Mr. Clegg.
The youth’s father. Walter G. Afford, addressing the Bench, said: “They are practically children. What can he do to maintain a wife? The pits are working short time. Last month he worked only 12 shifts. I really think that 125 shifts per month is not sufficient to maintain a man and wife.”
The Chairman (Mr. T. Norton) said that despite the protests of the applicant’s parents, the Bench thought it was only reasonable under the circumstances that they should grant the application. Evidently the boy had a good character.