DUKE OF ATHOLL

Evening Star, Issue 21570, 16 November 1933, Page 11

DUKE OF ATHOLL

CHARGED UNDER LOTTERIES ACT THE MYSTERY FUHD Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, November 14. The Duke of Atholl was charged at Bow street with alleged infringement of the Lotteries Act as a sequel to the distribution of money from the duke’s lottery fund. The prosecution, basing the charge on a ticket sold to Arthur Chappell, of Bournemouth, said apparently the duke honestly believed that he had invented a method of evading an, Act which had stood the test for 270 years. The duke originally intended to promote a sweep on the St. Leger, which he abandoned. He later asked 1,000,000 to subscribe _los to charity, not promising a prize, but suggesting that it would kill the Irish sweepstake. He used original, tickets |with the word “ cancelled ” printed on .the front, .and on the back a surcharged statement saying that the ticket was a memento of an effort to assist British charities. The proceeds .would be disposed of at the duke’s discretion. The prosecution added that only mentally deficient people could have doubted that the duke intended to'allot prizes. Mr Norman Birkett, for the defence, paid the duke had not offered a contractual right to a chance in the distribution of proceeds, which had figured in previous convictions. Consequently his conviction was impossible. The prosecution had not proved that .when a man paid 10s he bought a phance in the subsequent distribution. Chafjpel, who was recalled, said he decidedly thought he was purchasing » chance. The defence did not call evidence, land judgment was reserved. The duke received (£152,000 in response to his appeal. The prize-win-ners received £38,000 and charities £59,000. The expenses totalled £57,000. [No nobleman outside those of royal blood has so many titles of nobility as the Duke of Atholl. He belongs to one of the oldest Scottish families, yet is considered to be one of the most democratic- and best-liked peers. The duke is the only subject in Great Britain entitled to have a private army. It comprises thirty Atholl Highlanders, all of ■ the Clan Murray, attached to his castle. An ancestor, Lord George Murray, won the right to have 1,000 men at Culloden. The duke has spent many years in working for charity and Scottish welfare i associations, fie is deeply interested in Scottish religious life, is the chairman of many social and charitable committees, and played a leading part in initiating and superwising the construction of the Scottish National War Memorial in Edinburgh. He is fond of hunting and other sports. f Truth,’ in criticising the gigantic expenses of the Atholl fund, points out that the Edinburgh Infirmary recently raised mwe in a fortnight by voluntary subscription than the Duke of Atholl’s grandiose scheme.']