CHARGE OF BIGAMY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXX, Issue 3783, 4 July 1899, Page 3

CHARGE OF BIGAMY.

In the Magistrate’s Court yesterday, before Mr Haselden, S.M., Adam Hamilton was charged with having, on the Bth January, 1898, at Wellington, being then lawfully married, gone through a form of marriage with one Jessie Arthur. Mr Dunn appeared for the prosecution and Mr C. B. Morison for the defence. Mrs Yardley deposed that she was resident at Kuro, near Oaraara, and that she had known the accused for many years. Her daughter became acquainted with him in Palmerston South. Witness was present at the marriage, which took place ht her house in Palmerston on 30th Sentember, 1887. Accused, having failed in business, went to Roxburgh, thence to Dunedin, where he was for some time employed, after which he proceeded to Melbourne, where lie remained for two years. On his return, ho once or twice visited his. wife. Witness produced a document, which she stated was the certificate of marriage of her daughter with accused. Mr Morison contended that the document could not be admitted as evidence, as it did not state the district in which the ceremony was performed. His Worship, after noting and marking the document, allowed the evidence.

In cross-examination, witness .staled that it was ahput three years after inc marriage that accused left for Melbourne. Jessie Arthur stated that she me., accused in Wanganui in March, 1896, and that they were married in Wellington. The certificate was produced in corroboration.

James Arthur, father of the last witness, recollected the marriage; he .as present on the occasion. , The Rev W. Shirer, Presbyter' >n in ister, who performed tue ceremony, aiso gave evidence. The accused was committed' f» • tna 1 . Bail was allowed, himself in £l l 0 and two sureties of £SO each.