MISS MARIE LLOYD DIVORCED

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 12758, 7 January 1905, Page 2 (Supplement)

MISS MARIE LLOYD DIVORCED

Tub ease of ■ Courtenay v. Courtenay and Hurley, which came before Sir Francis Jeune in the Divorce Court on November 12 -was the undefended petition of Mr. Percy Charles Courtenay for a. divorce by reason of the alleged adultery of- his wife, Mrs. Matilda, Alice Victoria Courtenay (uce Wood), known on the music-hall stage as Miss Marie Lloyd, with Mr. Ale-. Hurley, the well-known " coster" comedian. There was no defence. Mr. Barnard, for the petitioner, luted that the parties were married in 1387 at Si. John's parish church, Huston, and there was one child of the marriage. Subsequently they lived together at Arlington .Square, New North Bond. '.'., and elsewhere down to 10 io 11 years ago. At that time .Mis. Courlemiy was well able to earn her own living and support herself, and she left her husband. She ultimately refused to return to him. lie had. inquiries made and found that she was living with the co-respondent Hurley, and about four years ago he instituted proceedings in the Divorce (Joint. lie was unable to puisne them because of want or means, and so the petition that he had filed was dismissed. The petitioner then went, to France* and there lie was enabled to make .some money, villi which he relumed and set down the present suit for hearing. Originally answers were tiled defending the suit, it was only last year that Mr. Courtenay returned to London, and he found that respondent, and co-respondent were still living together at "98. King Henry-street, BegentVPark. Uece.nlly (be respondent's solicitors wrote ■i letter in which I hey said that although they had tiled a forma! answer neither (he respondent nor the co-respondent could deny the adultery. Mr. Courtenay on being called bore out the opening statement of counsel. He was. unable to pursue the previous suit, for want of means. How old is your child?l6 years. Where is (die?-- In a convent. I Mi-. Hay ford (on behalf of the respon- I dent) : I have only one question to ask I you. Have you ever supported your child? I —No,) 1 have not. Hail 1 had "the means J I would have been quite willing to do j so. ' ! Mr. Bayford : She lias been with the re- j spondent ever since?— Yes ; she has always lived with her mother. Maud Wilson said that sire- had been a servant- to "Mr. and Mrs. Hurley" at, 98, King Henry's lload. Do you know Mrs. Hurley's stage name? —Yes: it is Miss Lloyd. Edith .Messenger, another servant at the same address, gave similar evidence. Mr. Barnard: What is -Mrs. Hurley's" stage name? —Marie Lloyd. Mr. Barnard: 1 should like to recall the petitioner, my lord. Sir F. Jeune: Very well. Mr. Barnard (to the petitioner): What is your wife's stage name?— Marie Lloyd. Sir F. Jeune: There will be a decree nisi with costs. But, I don't knew what to say about the child. Mr. Barnard: 1 am quite willing to let the child stay in the convent. I Sir F. Jeune : Oh ! Very well, then.