NOT HIS WIFE.

Waikato Times, Issue 12184, 20 September 1911, Page 4

NOT HIS WIFE.

WOMAN'S STORY IN DIVORCE COURT.

R&nee Major (falsely called Ward) told a remarkable story in the Sydney Divorce Court in giving evidence in support of her petition to have her marriage with George Ward annulled oil the ground that his lawful wife (Lily Ward) was aliv e at the time of petitioner's going througih the ceremony with him. She said she went through a form of marriage with him om October 3rd, 1904, in Auckland, New Zealand. They lived there together for about three years, during which sha left him for about 12 months. Mr Perry (for petitioner) : What did you leave him for •?—He would not give me any money to buy my frocks, and would not support me. ' She went on to say that they had a quarrel in New Zealand, during which he said •'You are not my wif?, I already have a wife," Petitioner did not believe him, and in the year 1907' they came to New South Wales. On the voyage over he told petitioner that he had another wife in Sydney, and expected to be arrested. He then suggested they should go to Queensland, and they •did so. She left him there and came to Syney. Evidence was given by Lily Ward that she went through the form of marriage with the respondent prior to 1904. and that she was his lawful wife. She lost sight of him abo" 16 years ago. She heard of him at different times sftnee. Mr Perry : Did you hear ruimcr; about him •?—Yes ; lots of them. Did he support you ?*—No. Petitioner, recalled, said she hni seen respondent in Sydney since she Ibft him. He asked bar "not to 'give him away." This was during the winter, and he added that he did no; want to have to go to gaol them, as he had rheumatics, and thought they might become worse. His, Honor, Mr Justice Gordon granted a decree nasi, returnable in six months.