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- from "The Press", 9 Feb 1892 (paperspast.natlib.govt.nz)
MACPHERSON - BURTON - At St. George's Church, Toronto, on 26th December, by the Rev. R.D. Cayley, rector, assisted by the Rev. Canon Du Mouline, Malcolm Macpherson, of Christchurch, New Zealand, to Sophie, eldest daughter of the Honorable Mr Justice Burton.
- from "Bay of Plenty Times". 18 Sept 1920 (paperspast.natlib.govt.nz)
To English Estate Wellington, Sept 17 Sir R. Stout had before him an originating summons to determine the legality of the marriage of John MacPherson, of Matata, who was believed to be married to a Maori woman named Mariana Teoha, and if the union were legal the children were entitled to share in the estate of their uncle, Malcolm MacPherson, of England. John MacPherson died at Matata in 1887, leaving several children. The Chief Justice said there was no evidence of the authorisation of the marriage by any registrar or any certificate by any registrar or clergyman. It was agreed that MacPherson lived as man and wife, and were generally regarded as such. Some feast or celebration was held to commemorate the marriage, and Mariana said it took place in the Roman Catholic Chapel at Matata with Father Mac Donald, now dead, officiating. MacPherson, however, was a Presbyterian, and no register could be adduced. Several witnesses said they always looked on the pair as married. It was a common practice for white men to contract what was called a Maori marriage with native women, but it had never been recognised by law as valid. Moreover, at the time, Mariana was under age, and no consent was given by her guardian, properly appointed. He therefore ruled there was no evidence that the marriage took place.
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