BIGAMY CHARGE.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 160, 11 September 1916, Page 2

BIGAMY CHARGE.

MATRIMONIAL ADVENTURES

Maud Williams, an amiable-.',coking woman of middle agie, who dli not seem at all put out at being charged in the Auckland Magistrate’s Court with having one more husband than the law allows her, was alleged by the police to have gone through the form of marriage with William Oscar Cochrane at .Auckland, while her lawful husband, Thomas Perkins Williams, was alive. Evidence was given by Amy Rankin, one of the witnesses of the lirst marj riage, who said that accused had taken a room in her house just before being married to Williams, and continued to live with her some time after. A certified copy of the marriage ceitificate was produced. William Oscar Cochrane, a nervous little man, who appeared as much con cerned as his ex-wife was nonchalant, admitted being a cook, and having gone through the marriage ceremony with defendant, who passed herself off as a widow. They lived together for four years. At the end of that time lio left her, owing to her drinking habits. Previous to his parting with the accused, she referred to one Williams aa her husband. Her pet name for him was “Lean Tom.” The latter, a serious looking man with signs of age upon him, was identified in court by the witness, who said he -had lirst met him a few weeks ago. Detective Lewis deposed to having arrested accused and charged her with 4 bigamy. She said: “I’m not surprised; I’ve been expecting it. Williams Las been annoying me at every chance he got.” The Williams referred to by the last witness was Thomas Parkins Williams . Accused, Avho was defended by Mi. H. F. O’Leary, pleaded not guilty, • and reserved her defence. Bail was dxed at £2O.