ANOTHER MYSTERY

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 121, 24 May 1928, Page 13

ANOTHER MYSTERY

DEATH OF OLD BACHELOR POISONING SUSPECTED Australian Press Association—United Servlci. (Received 24th May, 2 p.m.) LONDON, 23rd May. Following.up the sensational development in the Pace murder case, public interest has centred on the inquest on Hilary Rougier, a 77-year-old bachelor farmer at Woking. Tho case has .taken a remarkable turn owing to the examination of William Lerwill, a welldressed man in his qarly thirties, in whose- house Rougier was living when he died on 14th August, 1926. The body was exhumed two months ago, and an inquiry ordered by the Homo Office. Lerwill, in evidence to-day, admitted that he had had between £5000 and £6000 from Rougier by cheques. Other evidence was to the effect that when Rougier's body was exhumed, morphine was found in it.. Lerwill said that ho had no idea how the morphine got there. Ho had a recollection that 'Rougier asked him to get laudanum for dogs suffering from eczema. Lerwill admitted that - many cheques were in his handwriting, but the signature was Bougier's. He did not know that Rougier had only £50 left after ho had received £6000. This was mostly in the form of gifts, as Ledwill was in financial difficulties. A solicitor named itardwick gave evidence that he personally met Rougier and explained,that Lerwill was in financial difficulties. Rougier said that he had known Lerwill -since boyhood, and was willing to help him to avoid bankruptcy. Hardwick added that he thought Rougier fnust bo very wealthy in view of the free manner'in which ho gave money.