A MAN NAMED RABBITS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3666, 30 October 1912, Page 7

A MAN NAMED RABBITS.

MARRIED UNDER A NOM DE GUERRE.

[PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM] AUCKLAND, Oct, 29. At the Police Court Edward Rabbits (Air McVeagh) was charged with having made a false declaration hv stating to the Registrar that his name was Robert Louis Roberts, whereas it was Edward Rabbits. Recently Rabbits was troubled in his mind as to the validity of liis marriage, and he consulted the clergyman who officiated at the ceremony. The clergyman advised him to see the Registrar, who reported the matter to the Registrar-General, with the result that a prosecution was ordered and Rabbits duly appeared in Court. The facts adduced in evidence were that Rabbits had come to Auckland from the South Island in January of this year, and had given out that his name was Robert Roberts. He fell in love with a girl and became engaged to her. Notice of the marriage was given to the Registrar on April 29, and defendant was married under the name of Robert Louis Roberts oii May 1. Air McVeagh said be had been instructed by his client to admit the facts elicited in evidence. In his own mind, however, he had no doubt there was really no charge to answer. He quoted English authorities to support his contention that a man could change his name as often as he liked without Act of Parliament or deed of poll. The Magistrate said he concurred with counsel, btiF he thought it would he better for the parties to have a Supreme Court decision on the matter.

At AVestport he had had a similar case before him and when it was referred to the Supreme Court it was thrown out by the Grand Jury. The difference in that case, however, was that the man had altered only his surname.

Defendant was accordingly committed to the Supreme Court for trial. Lie admitted tlio facts in evidence, hut reserved his defence. Bail was allowed defendant in his own surety of £2O.