ALLEGED BIGAMY. The Troubles of a Much – Married Publican. (From the Auckland "Star," July 4.)

Te Aroha News, Volume II, Issue 58, 12 July 1884, Page 3

ALLEGED BIGAMY. The Troubles of a Much - Married Publican. (From the Auckland "Star," July 4.)

A choice morsel of social scandal has attracted considerable attention here lately, and has been widely and fully discussed by local gossips. The facts appear to be wellknown, and in substance amount to a very serious accusation of bigamy against an Auckland publican, the victimised second wife being a young lady who passed her earlier years in Auckland, and whose relatives reside here. Prom the story which lias 1 been related to us it appears that the alleged offender came here from Australia several years ago. He took an hotel in our leading 1 thoi'oughfare, and by the display of genial qualities became quite a popular boniface. Meeting the lady to whom we have referred, he became enamoured of hei', and duly proposed for her hand, lie admitted that he had been previously married, but it is asserted that he produced a newspaper obituary notice of his first wife's death, and also a letter from the priest who had married him, conlirming the assertion. These proofs appeared satisfactory enough, and the couple were married in Auckland. They have lived here since then, and two children have been boin to them It appears that some time ago they went on a trip to Melbourne, and it is alleged that while there the husband was accosted in the street by a woman who claimed to be his wife. Matters became complicated, the second wife leaving her assumed spouse and returning here alone. The husband followed her, and most emphatically denied the impeachment that he possessed any other wife alive. She, however, refused to live with him until most conclusive proof of the truth of his statement was produced. Retaining the charge of the children, she 1 took up her residence elsewhere, and in the meantime her brother proceeded to Melbourne to investigate the suspicious affair. He saw the copy of the obituary notice, which was published in the newspaper there, and says it bore the signature of the much-married man's i brother. The priest was interviewed, and ! declared that he knew nothing concerning the woman's death. It is further asserted that the woman is still alive and well in Melbourne, and intends to seek out her j absent lord. The whole affair is of a most unfortunate character. Steps are being taken now which will result in the whole affair being brought before a court of law. In the meantime, we refrain from publishing the names of the parties and other particulars which are in our possession.

When the period has arrived when "drunks" voluntarily place themselves in duranco vile, one may be excused for thinking that the policeman's millennium has arrived. Such a circumstance happened this morning, t3 the no small astonishment of the city watch-house keeper. While that functionary was seated in his office, two well-known characters— Jock Steward and Charlie Bright—entered the room, and after stating that they were lunatics, asked to be locked up and medically examined. Both the men appeared somewhat "fresh," but they were by no means "fou," and the constable prevailed upon them to "go home, like good men." Out they went, evidently much disappointed, but some time later they returned to the lock-up in the custody of another " mimber ot the foorce," who had been prevailed upon to run them in. Jock and Charlie were thereupon consigned to a cell, Jock's last request as the bolt shot being that a doctor should be sent for at once, as he was desirous of being examined. No doubt by this time the would-be lunatics have repented their funny little joke,— Auokland "Star," July 9,