HIS TWO WIVES.

Gisborne Times, Volume LX, Issue 9799, 8 May 1924, Page 6

HIS TWO WIVES.

WHO SHOULD BENEFIT UNDER

WILL?

BAKER’S ESTATE CAUSES COMPLICATIONS.

CHRISTCHURCH, May 7. A peculiar position has arisen in tho disposal of the estate of the late Fred William Collins, Edgeware road, St. Albans, baker. He left a will bequeathing £l5O a year to “my wife.” It is now found that he had two wives—one : n England and one in- New Zealand, one legal wife and one illegal. Mr Justice Adams, in tho Supreme Court, was asked to decide widen wife will benefit under the will. Collins married Charlotte Jane Sn art at Parish Church, Bilston, Staffordshire, England, in 1885, and lived with her for about three years. Then lie left her and she never saw him again. She still lives at Bilstou He came to New Zealand, and in Christchurch .‘n ISB9 went througn the marriage ceremony with another woman, who appeared in tho proceedings as Emily Sophia Collins, his widow. Ho often referred to her in Christchurch as “Mrs. Collins”. He will was made shortly before he died in April, 1922. The Judge was asked whether in tho event of deciding in favor of the New Zealand wife, the Engbsh wife would be entitled to any provision under the Family Protection Act. Both widows were represented, as v ell as sever xl nephews and nieces who are beneficiaries in the residue of the estate. Argument is proceeding.