A CURIOUS BIGAMY CASE.

South Canterbury Times, Issue 2745, 10 January 1882, Page 2

A CURIOUS BIGAMY CASE.

A bigamy case presenting some very complicated and peculiar features came before the City Police Court at Hobart lately. A m«n named Hadin was charged with having in June, 1878, married one Elizabeth Otick while his wife, Mary A.nn Matilda Smith, whom he had married.in Apri1,.187.6, was. yet alive. It appeared that the woman Smith, at the time of her marriage with Hadin, was married to a man named "Mitchell; who had deserted her, And who, for all thatls known of him, may be yet alive. It is contrary to law that in such a case the legal wife, should give evidence against him, and the question now arises—Which of these two women is Hadin’s wife ? lE.,.the woman Smith was the wife of Mitchell, supposing him to be alive, and there is no evidence that He is not, she cannot be the legal wife lof Hadin,; and therefore the second woman. Otick,i must die his legal wife.' If; on the other' hand, Mitchell is dead, and there lij -tfo evidence to shew-that he is alive;? ! lhe woman Smith is . Hadin’s legal wife. As a consequence; the Bench did' hfit know how to, proceed, us in either case they might possibly take evidence under these circumstances the Police .'Magistrate said; they ‘Weald anjourn 'the hearing with* the double object of, if possible,;obtaining more information as to tlie bearings of the case, and to consult .with(the law officers ; in the matter. Hadin was admitted to bail in his own recogniaauce of/jjoO.— 'Mercury.’-' -•- -»■ v- w «.-«*««