A NOVEL CASE.

Evening Star, Issue 3160, 5 April 1873, Page 2

A NOVEL CASE.

A peculiar case came before the Melbourne Equity Court on the 22nd ult., upon a caveat filed by a Mrs Lucy Moore, claiming to be the wife of Wm. Moore, of the West-end Hotel, Spencer street, who died in January last, against an application for letters of administration to his estate being granted to Mrs Mary Moore, who also claimed to be the widow of the deceased. From the facts stated it appeared that, in 1852, Wm. Moore m imed Lucy Gibson, in Glasgow, and emigrated to this country soon afterwards. He and his wife lived in Melbourne for some time. They then removed to Emerald Hill. In the course of time they quarrelled and separated, Mrs Moore going to the country to service. She appeared to be very indignant with her husband, and though she met him frequently afterwards, she declined to recognise him. However, by the assistance of a lady friend, she was kept posted as to Mr Moore’s proceedings. The information accorded from time to time was not of a character to allay her feelings of irritation. Her husband went to lodge with a Miss O’Brien, and after a time she passed as his reputed wife. In 18()2 he actually married her, and continued to live with her as man and wife until her death, which occurred about four years ago. He was then proprietor of an hotel in the west of the city, and was possessed of some property. A lady friend who had known his deceased wife, commiserated his lonely condition, and agreed after six months’ delay to mairy him. They lived together for four years, when Moore died, and his immediate widow applied for letters of administration to his estate. Lucy, the first wife, however, who was perfectly aware of all that was going on, and who was too proud during tVxe life o£ lier* lius\>a.rul ever to prosecute him for bigamy, was not so scrupulous about enjoying his property at his death. She accordingly left ner rural retreat, and, to the astonishment of Mrs Mary Moore, appeared upon the scene, claiming to be the legal wife of the deceased. The case was fully gone into, and his Honor Mr Justice Molesworth having heard evidence, declared Lucy’s marriage, contracted in 1852, to be legal; but in consequence of the indifference she had displayed about her husband’s conduct, costs of the suit were ordered to be paid out of the estate.