ASTOUNDING “RAG”

Evening Star, Issue 22327, 1 May 1936, Page 9

ASTOUNDING “RAG”

STUDENTS KIDNAP VARIETY ACTRESS

MONEY FOR CHARITY DEMANDED Pre»* Association—By Telegraph-Copyright LONDON, April 29. The ‘ Sun-Herald ’ Agency says a big party of “ ragging ” students who were celebrating Viscount Allenby’s installation to the rectorship of the Edinburgh University, stormed the stage door of the Empire Theatre, bound the doorkeeper and stage hands, and kidnapped Renee Houston, a popular variety star, while she was changing between acts. Renee, who was scantily clothed, was bundled from the dressing room into a waiting car. The kidnappers’ plans were upset by a woman passer-by, and the car was stopped soon after starting. Renee was in a hysterical condition shortly after the kidnapping. Two youths told her manager: “ Renee will not be returned unless yon give £25 towards a charity for which we are collecting.” Renee’s husband (Pat Aherne) describes the affair as an astounding case of hooliganism, and alleges his wife was dragged through a car window. She was black and blue all over, and her terror was increased by claustrophobia, from which she suffers. He added that 15 students confessed to the kidnapping. “Renee is such a sport that she wants the matter dropped, but the police insist on independent action. The university authorities intend to take disciplinary action against all those concerned.”

GDURT PROCEEDINGS IN ABEYANCE QUESTION TO BE ASKED IN HOUSE OP COMMONS. LONDON, April 30. (Received May 1, at 11 a.m.) The ‘ Sun-Herald ’ Agency says several Edinburgh students have been charged by the police in connection with the Houston rag, but it has not been decided whether court proceedings will be taken. Mr M'G-overn is asking in the House of Commons on May 5: “If the Lord Advocate will ensure that the law is set in motion against the persons responsible for the outrage? ”■