HIS FIRST WIFE.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 15, 12 July 1911, Page 8

HIS FIRST WIFE.

STRANGE MATRIMONIAL CASE. Auckland, July 9. The strange matrimonial dispute between Lizzie Le Rossignol and her husband, which has been before Mr. C. C. Kettle, S.M., on several occasions, was again called at the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Mr. J. R. Lundun appeared for the complainant, who asked for a separation order and maintenance, and Mr. W. E. Hackctt represented the defendant,

Mrs. Le Rossignol stated that when she married Captain Le Rossignol in Melbourne 17 years ago she understood he was a widower, but in May last she found letters in his pocket which went to 9how that his first wife was living in England. Mr. Hackett willed Captain Edwin Albert Le Rossignol, who stated that he was married many years ago in the Old Country. The last he heard of his first wife was in 1882, when she wrote to him saying she would not come out to New Zealand. A letter was handed to him a few days ago which purported to come from his wife, but he did not know that it did come from her. He was told long ago by the secretary of the Seamen's Union in Wellington, whom he had known in the Old Country that his first wife was "very likely dead or married again, and he should nat worry about it."

In answer to Mr. Lundun, the witness said ho thought the letter he received was from his first wife. It was written from North Shields, and he replied to it, addressing his letter to ''Mrs. Le Rossignol, North Shields." The letter he received stated that his son was engineer on some steamer, and was doing well. Mr. Lundun: And didn't Uio letter say that she would rejoin you in New Zealand?— Yes, and very likely she will.

His Worship: Have you any doubt as to whether your wife is living at Home ? —Yes. I won't believe it until I see her. It's so many years ago.

Do you believe the letters were concoctod? —I believe they are her letters, but I have not seen her since 1883.

Mr. Hackctt: Well, I advise you, Captain Le Rossignol, to assume that the woman is not alive.—Well, this woman (indicating complainant) knew all about this matter when she married me.

Mr. Lundun: But didn't you write a letter to your brother saying your first wife was dead ?—Yes, as far as I knew she was dead.

His Worship said a man had a right to be master in his own house, and it appeared from the evidence previously taken that the whole trouble wots in connection with tho boarders, whom the defendant did not wanit to see in the house at all. He advised defendant to relinquish his claim to the furniture and the other things, and make the girls an allowance until they were 16 years of age-. . ' With this suggestion the case was adjourned until 10 a.m. on July 22.