ALLEGED BIGAMY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19969, 10 December 1926, Page 12

ALLEGED BIGAMY

CHARGE AGAINST MAORI. COMMITTED FOR TRIAL. (Feom Oub Own Coeeespondent.) WANGANUI, December 9. A charge of alleged bigamy was preferred against a Maori, Hori Tureia, ami the accused was committed for trial. Matahewa Tureia stated that she was married to Tureia at Paranui by Father Vibaud, of Jerusalem. Mr Bain at this stage objected to the evidence proceeding. He pointed out that the witness was apparently the original wife of the accused. By the law he did not think she could be compelled to, give evidence against her husband. Detective Walsh then produced a 1926 amendment which made it clear that the first wife could give evidence in a bigamy C£l Mr Bain:.Oh, well; the amendment has not been made generally available to the prosecution. Detective Walsh: But, sir, it has been in the court for some months. Matahewa then continued her evidence. She said she had been married to Tureia for five years, and there were two children, both girls.. At the end of five years witness went to her parents at Kakahi. To Mr Bain: She had Been living with Hori Tureia for some time prior to the ceremony, according to the Maori custom, as man and wife. . , Mr Bain: Do you think you were doing the right thing by leaving your husband and going to live at Kakahi? Detective Walsh; This is not a court of morals, your Worship, and I strongly object to the question. Counsel only needs to ask her whether she understood the marriage ceremony at the time in 1913, but he will not put that question. Mr Bain pointed out that the evidence showed that the parties lived together under the Maori custom. The prosecution had to prove a guilty mind in the case. He intended to make tEe proceedings as short as possible. Detective Walsh:. Mr Bains explanation is one of the most astonishing I have ever heard in this court. It was well known, he said, that ignorance was no excuse in the eyes of the law. After further evidence was heard the accused was committed for trial at the next session of the Supreme Court at W 7 anganui on February 15.