MAN WITH TWO WIVES.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume L, Issue 16424, 7 May 1924, Page 5

MAN WITH TWO WIVES.

WHO GETS' THE ESTATE?

(Per Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, this day. A peculiar position has arisen in the disposal of the estate of the late Fred William Collins, Edgeware road, St. Albans, Jsaker. He left a will bequeathing £l5O a year to. “my wife.” It is now found that he had two wives—one in England 1 arid one in New Zeataid, olne legal wife and one illegal. Mr. Justice Adams, in the Supremo Court, was asked to decide which wife will benefit under the will. Collins married Charlotte Jane Smart at Parish Church, Bilston, Staffordshire, England, in 1885, and lived with her for about three years. Then he left her and she never saw him again. She still lives at Bilston. He came to New Zealand, and in Christchurch in 1889 went through the marriage ceremony with, another woman, who appeared in the proceedings as Emily Sophia Collins, his widow. He often referred to her in Christchurch as “Mrs. Collins.” His will was made shortly before he died in April, 1922. The Judge was asked whether in the event of deciding in favor of the New Zealand wiife, the English wife would be entitled to any provision under the Family Protection Act. Both widows were represented, as well as several nephews and 1 nieces who are beneficiaries in the residue of the estate. Argument is proceeding.