NORTHCLIFFE’S WILL

Gisborne Times, Volume LXIV, Issue 10261, 3 December 1926, Page 5

NORTHCLIFFE’S WILL

SALE OE NEWSPAPERS.

BENEFICIARY WANTS TKANS-

ACTION VOIDED

LONDON. Dec. I

A remarkable law-suit' is engaging the Chancery Division. Louise Owen who was Lord Aorthelitte’s confidential secretary, and a beneficiary under his will, is claiming that the sale of newspaper properties by Sir George Sutton to Lord Rothermere on September 20, 1022, for £1,613,000, should be voided.

The plaintiff claims that the property was really worth much more, as shown by the fact that Lord Rothermere sold out a rear later for £5.600,000.

The Inland Revenue Department is also interested in the suit, believing that the value for death duties was under-estimated. Seventeen King’s Counsellors are engaged- in the case, which additionally is interesting as the plaintiff suggests a breach of trust on the part of Sir George Sutton and Lord Rothermere. who are both fiduciaries in relation to the estate.—A. and N.Z.C.A.

(Received Dee. 2, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. In the Northclilfo will case Thomas Marlowe, late, editor of the Daily Mail, and at present chairman of directors, gave evidence that he sought to purchase the controlling shares on behalf of Sir Malcolm Fra* ser, formerly chief agent of the Conservative party, but did not pursue the matter after learning that Sir G. Sutton had accepted Lord Kothormero’s offer. Witness might have offerod £5 to £6 if lie had known the price Sir G. Sutton would conThe hearing was adjourned.—A. and N.Z.C.A-