FAMOUS COURT FIGURE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22166, 20 July 1935, Page 3 (Supplement)

FAMOUS COURT FIGURE

HYDE PARK ARREST RECALLED Clerk to the Privy Council from 1898 to 1923, in which position he enjoyed the confidences of three Sovereigns and many leading statesmen, Sir Almerio Fitzßoy died recently at his London home at the age of 84. He had been in failing health for a considerable period. His wife, to whom he was married in 1887, died in November, 1933.

Sir Almeric entered the Education Department of the. Privy Council Offico in 1876. He rose rapidly, and after holding various positions was appointed in 1895 private "secretary to the Lord President of the Council, the Duke of Devonshire. Three years later he became Clerk to the Privy Council, a post he held until his retirement in 1923. He was responsible for the ceremonial when King Edward and King George were crowned. King Edward's Coronation provided something of a problem, for there had not been such an event for 63 years, and no detailed records existed. In October, 1922, a sensation was caused when Sir Almeric was arrested in Hyde Park and charged at Marlborough Street with wilfully interfering with and annoying persons using tho park. Sir Almeric, who appeared in court accompanied by his wife, pleaded not guilty. He was defended by Sir Henry Curtis-Bennett, K.C., and Sir Richard Muir. Two police officers and a woman gave evidence that a man alleged to be Sir Almeric attempted to enter into conversation with several women in tho park. A woman witness collapsed under cross-examination, and tho solicitor prosecuting on behalf of the police admitted ho could not rely upon her evidence. After a long hearing, the magistrate, Mr. Mead, imposed a fine of £5, with 10 guineas costs. Notice of appeal was given, and one month later the conviction was quashed at London Sessions.