Elkington and Company Limited v Amery     Infant – Contract – Necessaries.
The appellant in August 1931, purchased from the respondent company certain jewellery and
paid cash. In January 1932, he purchased a lady’s vanity bag for £20 10s on credit. In June
and August 1932, he purchased also on credit two rings for £42 and £38 respectively. On the
purchase of the first ring he brought a young lady with him and stated that he wanted an
engagement ring. The second ring was treated as the wedding ring. All these transactions
took place while the appellant was under age. After he had attained his majority, proceedings
were commenced against him, but were compromised upon his agreeing to pay the debt by
instalments. After payment of one instalment, he made default and the present proceedings
were brought against him for the balance outstanding. The appellant was the son of a former
cabinet minister:—