WOMAN’S MASQUERADE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 March 1929, Page 9

WOMAN’S MASQUERADE

FURTHER REVELATIONS.

HER IDENTITY ESTABLISHED

INCIDENTS IN MARRIED LIFE

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Received 1.45 p.m. to-day. LONDON, March 7.

It is stated that Scotland Yard is investigating the career of Barker, who is still in Holloway Gaul. An application for her release will be made in the law courts to-morrow. It is now definitely established that her real name is Barker. Somerset House records reveai that when twenty-two she married an Australian, Lieutenant Smith, whose ! whereabouts are unknown, but there are two children of the marriage. The mystery of the name Pearce Crouch, under which they are known, both in Paris and in Little Hampton is unsolved, but it is understood that they lived in Paris under that name, together with the two children. Pearce Crouch is stated to have been an officer in the Australian army, but the suggestion that Barker’s husband changed his name from Smith is at present unconfirmed. It is learned that they lived in an old world cottage in Little Hampton under the name of Mr and Mrs Pearce Crouch, but it is definitely stated that the couple quarrelled and that the husband loft, after which Barker went to Brighton. Inquiries reveal that Barker lived at many places in England. The storids of her behaviour and activities are all adding to the amazing character of her successful masquerade.

SO-CALLED WIFE 1 INTERVIEWED NO SUSPICIONS AT FIRST. Received 10.15- a.m.- to-dav. LONDON, March 7.

The “Evening Standard” says that “Captain Barker’s” marriage certificate. dated April 27, 1918 (Milford, Surrey), shows that the bridegroom was Harold Arkell Smith, aged 38. a bachelor, second-lieutenant in the Australian forces. Barker’s so-called wife, in an interview, said that -she was terrified at the thought of disgrace being brought on her family. She never for a moment suspected anything. She had been thinking of obtaining a divorce for some time, but could not afford it. The first part of tlieir married life had been happy enough.