THE PORTLAND MILLIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6, 7 January 1908, Page 5

THE PORTLAND MILLIONS.

HERBERT DRUCE PROSECUTION. CHARGE OF PERJURY DISMISSED. CLAIMANT'S CASE VANISHING. (Received S.IS a.m.) LONDON, January 6. The prosecution of Herbert Druce, on a charge of perjury in swearing that T. C. Druce and the Duke of Portland were separate entities was continued to-day. The evidence showed that T. C. Druce's gTave had apparently been untouched since it was made. The bricks below the coffin were removed and a crowbar was driven 16 inches into the clay under the brick floor. Dr. Pepper, who had charge of the exhumation, described this clay as undisturbed virgin soil. There was, he said, ample evidence that the cause of death was in accordance with the medical, certificate given at the time. The face bore a striking likeness to Druce's photograph, and deceased had a heavy, bushy beard. Dr. Pepper ridiculed the idea that this had grown since death. Thackerah, partner with Druce in the Baker-street Bazaar, positively identified the body as that of Druce. Mr Atherley Jones, counsel for George Hollomby Druce, said that after this evidence he could only withdraw from the case. The charge of perjury was then dismissed.