THE SACKVILLE SUCCESSION.

Auckland Star, Volume XLI, Issue 31, 5 February 1910, Page 5

THE SACKVILLE SUCCESSION.

FINDING THE TRUE HEIR. DRAMATIC SCENE AT THE TRIAL. LONDON, February 4. During the continuation of the hearing in the Probate Court of the case in connection with the Sackville estates, the President of the Court (Sir J. G. Bigham) remarked that although the late Lord Sackville had repeatedly held out the petitioner, Ernest Sackville West, as his legitimate son, he (his Honor) was satisfied as to the marriage of the Spanish woman, Josefa Duran, or Pepita (the mother of petitioner), with a man named Gabriel Oliva. In the course of further evidence it was shown that the late Lord Sackville left a sworn declaration to the effect that he had never married Pepita, adding that if she passed as his wife it was for the sake of her reputation; and also stating that the adopted children, including the petitioner, were not legitimate.

It transpired also that the respondent (Major Lionel Sackville West) had married petitioner's sister, and that the petitioner wrote to her in 1890 saying, "Father could not have done more for us, as we are his illegitimate children." When in 1891 her daughter was born, petitioner, in a letter to his father, said that he regretted that the child was not a boy, so that he could inherit the family estates.

A dramatic incident occurred during the trial. The petitioner handed Sir Edward Clarke (his senior counsel) a letter, requesting an adjournment of the case In order that he might produce certain documents that had been collated In Spain. Petitioner added: "Should the judge refuse to agree, 1 wish you to retire from the case, as I do not care to go on further with such an unfair trial."

Sir Edward Clarke, considering that his client had not been guided by his advice, withdrew from the case, the petitioner's junior counsel doing likewise. The judge will decide to-day whether the production of the documents referred to by the petitioner is necessary. (Received 8.20 a.m.)' LONDON, February 4. The claimant is now conducting Ms own case.