ON Thursday, July 5, 1984, The Fiji Times reported on a man who ran a company where people could ‘order a bride or groom’ for as little as $50.
Gyaneshwar Prakash operated Nina Marriage Service in Suva whose job was to introduce clients to people best suited for them.
Prospective clients would fill in a confidential data form which included personal details and professional background.
The clients also listed qualities they desired in a prospective partner — height, weight, complexion, hair length, family background and employment status.
“We are only introducing likely couples who may find each other suitable, we are not responsible for how the marriage works out,” said Prakash’s assistant, Sushila Devi Maharaj.
The company had received 20 applications, all from Indo-Fijian men and women, since it first started.
Majority of the applicants were Muslims as time went by.
The oldest applicant was a 32-year-old divorcee who was looking for a second wife, someone who was around his age.
The newspaper also reported an Indian national who wanted to marry a girl from Fiji within 10 days before returning to India that year.
The youngest applicants were an 18-year-old man and an 18-year-old girl.
“Most of the girls are looking for husbands with sober habits, a permanent job and no previous attachments, while the men are looking for working girls,” she said.
“The applicants have to give minute details, including their religion, parents’ details, height, weight, complexion, hobbies, and whom to be their leading spokesman for introductions.”
She said the company would not introduce a man and a woman and then leave them in a room to arrange their future lives.
The company also did not do refunds.
“We go through the parents and all the discussion take place with the parents of the boy and the girl present,” she said.
“We do not want to be blamed for putting any girl or boy in trouble later.”
