A ROYAL “PRETENDER.”

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3294, 12 August 1911, Page 2

A ROYAL “PRETENDER.”

, CALLS HIMSELF KING OF ENGLAND. It will be news to most people that King George has a rival in Mr W. Kendall Smith, of Brixton Hill. Lon“He calls himself the King of England and signs himself ‘W. Kendall Smith, Charles It.,’ ” said a solicitor m the City' of London Court, when the bogus king was sued by Messrs H. siiii.rners and Bon, hosiers, of Cornhall, for £ls for shirts supplied. “1 think such an exalted personage might pay £1 a month for his shirts,” continued the solicitor, amid the laughter of the people in court. Judge Rentoul said lie felt that if the defendant seriously talked in the way alleged ho was not sane. “Mas it a joke?” lie asked. Defendant said the allegation was nonsense, hut the solicitor produced defendant’s letter, signed as stated. In the letter the defendant said : “You serve in me the legitimate King of England. You are my sole suppliers of such articles. I feel justified in requesting you to be good enough to leave some items for settlement at n.y convenience.” Judge Rentoul said the King never requested anything; he always commanded. “I do not think it necessary for me to .go into this,” said the defendant. “Not in the least—if you pay the money,” replied the Judge. Defendant offered £1 a month, and the Judge made an order to that effect.