BIGAMY CHARGE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 19 June 1936, Page 3

BIGAMY CHARGE

UNUSUAL STORY UNFOLDED COMMITTED FOR SENTENCE (By Telegraph—Press Association; AUCKLAND, 18th June. An unusual story was unfolded in the Police Court when a single man and a married woman admitted having gone through a form of marriage in order to save enough money for the latter to secure a .divorce from her husband. The accused were Mrs Florence May (23) and John Rodger (28). John William May, who is on sustenance, said he had returned to live with his wife during the past week. They were married in September, 193.1, and in February, 1935, his wife obtained a separation order at Thames, and he had since paid her £1 weekly maintenance. Last year he visited-his wife, in a flat at Auckland, having ascertained she was living there, under the name of “Mrs Rodger.” Rodger arrived, and they had tea together. Witness added that he intended to stand by his wife irrespective of the, outcome of these proceedings. A detective gave evidence that both the accused had been very frank. Both pleaded guilty and were committed to, the Supreme Court for sentence. „

Rodger pleaded guilty to a further charge of making a false statement to the Unemployment. Board, declaring that be was a married man. A detective said that as the result of being paid as a married man Rodger obtained sums totalling £26 10s in excess of what he was entitled to as a married man. Rodger was remanded for sentence on this charge until after being dealt-with in the Supreme Court on the other charge.