Hi all, Have a couple from Wangaratta area married at 448 Queen Street Melbourne. According to Wise's PO Directory this was the premises of James Holt, Matrimonial Agent. I've googled and found a little about Holts. Would anyone have any further information on Matrimonial Agents - late 1800s/early 1900s. I'm thinking along the lines that it was easier to marry at a Mat. Agent as perhaps they didn't ask as many questions? My couple didn't use Holt's as an introduction agency, as they had a child born some years earlier. Thanks Jackie

Hi Jackie, Just checked Sands & MacDougall for 1929 and it has the following for the block in Queen St between Franklin & Therry Sts. No. 442 - McMahon, Mrs. A.B. - lodginghouse No. 438-440 - Mills, Alfred & Sons - fruit merchants - James' Bureau - Matrimonial Agency No. 444 - Slattery, Patrick M. No. 448-454 - Chinese Looks like the place was pretty downmarket by 1929. Perhaps the numbers changed and the bureau at 438-440 took over Holts? Note that the rep for Sands couldn't even get a name or occupation for the Chinese living at 448-454. I guess they may not have spoken English. Jenny -----Original Message----- From: Jackie <[email protected]> To: [email protected] Sent: Thu, 27 Oct 2005 11:24:57 +1000 Subject: [HC] Matrimonial Agents early 1900s Hi all, Have a couple from Wangaratta area married at 448 Queen Street Melbourne. According to Wise's PO Directory this was the premises of James Holt, Matrimonial Agent. I've googled and found a little about Holts. Would anyone have any further information on Matrimonial Agents - late 1800s/early 1900s. I'm thinking along the lines that it was easier to marry at a Mat. Agent as perhaps they didn't ask as many questions? My couple didn't use Holt's as an introduction agency, as they had a child born some years earlier. Thanks Jackie