GIRL BIGAMIST.

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15269, 5 April 1913, Page 2 (Supplement)

GIRL BIGAMIST.

CADET WHO "MARRIED " WHEN AT 17.

Edith Bassbtt, 23, was recently, It Westminster, committed for trial on -a charge of bigamy., The evidence, disclosed a romantic story. Theodore George Martin, who is now 19, who was a student at the Royal Mibtary Academy, Woolwich, in ,1911, and described himself as a mechanical engineer, said ho made the acquaintance of Bassett in Regent Street, in August, 1911, by speaking'to her. They became on friendly terms, and ho asked her to marry him. She never told him that she was already married. After going through the ceremony 6f marriage with her m November, 1911, at Chelsea registry office, they went to Canada, where they stayed until June, when she returned alone to England. Martin said he came back in August last; and stayed.with Bassett for a.couple of weeks. Prior to thcee proceedings he last saw her in October, when -he sailed for Canada again. He-had supplied her with money. Cross-examined by counsel for Bassett, Martin said he lived happily with her. She returned from Canada by herself solely on accountof ill-hoalth. Evidence was of Bassett's marriage at Fulham registry office on November 1, 1910, to Edward Bassett, a young naval stoker. Detective-Sergeant Stevens said, on. apprehending Bassett, she said to Mr. Martin, "Why did I marry you? Was it not to save your life?" She afterwards;said that she knew Mr, Martin,,'; sen,, the father, was making inquiries, abd that..she did not givei herjeight name'when eke was married to Maaim, being, afraid that they would find out aboat l^otfeac-wearnage.