OXFORD GROUP

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 59, 11 March 1939, Page 14

OXFORD GROUP

PROBLEM OF LEGACY

NO FORMAL CONSTITUTION

(By Air Mail, from "The Post's" London

Representative.)

LONDON, February 13,

It was stated in the Chancery Division that application was being made for the formation of a company in the name of the Oxford Group Within a month or six weeks the company would be incorporated, and would be in a position to receive charitable bequests. This statement was made by Mr. 11. B. Vaisey, K.C., during arguments as to whether a legacy of £500 and other benefits, under a will, to the Oxford Group were valid, or "void for uncertainty."

The bequests were contained in the will of Dr. Margaret Grace Thackrah, of Belsize Park Gardens, N.W., who died on January 10, leaving between £10,000 and £11,000. Her sole executor, Mr. T. H. Thackrah, of Gray's Inn Place, E.C., sought the direction of the Court.

The defendants were Mr. Roland Whitwell Wilson and Dr. Frank Nathan Daniel Buchman, both of Brown's Hotel, Dover Street, W., who claimed to be the beneficiaries under the will, the next-of-kin who would benefit in the event of an intestacy, and the At-torney-General.

It was explained that Mr. Wilson acted as treasurer of the Oxford Group, of which Dr. Buchman was the founder.

Mr. W. C. Hart, for the executor, said Dr. Thackrah bequeathed "£SOO free of duty to the secretary or other proper officer of the Oxford Group whose offices are at present situated at Brown's Hotel, Dover Street." There was also, a provision for the payment of certain residuary income to the Oxford Group.

Tendering a copy of a book entitled "What is the Oxford Group?" Mr. Hart suggested that Mr. Justice Bennett might like to read it.

"I won't, unless it is necessary," replied the Judge.

Mr. Hart said the executor was doubtful whether either Mr. Wilson or Dr. Buchman was entitled to receive the legacy.

Mr. Justice Bennett: To whom is Mr. Wilson accountable?

Mr. Hart: I don't know.

Mr. Vaisey, who appeared for Mr. Wilson and Dr. Buchman, said it was agreed that at the moment the Group had no formal constitution.

The matter was eventually adjourned for a week for further evidence as to who is legally entitled to receive money on behalf of the Group.

Mr. A. P. Herbert, Independent M.P. for Oxford University, has asked the President of the Board of Trade not to grant a licence for a company with the name "Oxford Group," on the ground that it is likely to mislead, since the natural inference that Dr. Buchman, his doctrines, and followers have, or have had, some special connection with the University of Oxford is not justified by the facts."

Mr. Herbert told the "News Chronicle": "I don't want to attack or criticise the movement. Many people think it does a lot of good. But it is a question of calling a spade a lobster.

"Dr. Buchman's movement came from America and took first root in this country, I believe, at Cambridge. Many Fellows and old Oxford men dislike the association of the university's name with the movement."

It is understood that the university authorities intend to send an official protest to the President of the Board of Trade.