BEYOND THE VEIL
TENSE MOMENTS IN NORTH- •- CLIFFE CASE
EXAMINATION OF PRIVATE SECRETARY
“STILL IN COMMUNICATION! WITH LATE EMPLOYER”
“PARENTS WHO HAVE GONE OVER LOOK AFTER ME”
(United Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received Dec. 10, 9.5 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. .9 The Northeliffe ease took a dramatic turn when Louise Owen, plaintiff, was cross-examined. . In the course, of her evidence she said Lord Northeliffe, in recognition of her services as confidential secretary, gave her one thousand shares in the Associated Newspapers, advising her never to sell, as it was a nice nest egg. She had not done so until it was necessary to begin this case Witness recalled that Lord Northeliffe, in a codicil to the will, valued the shares at 140 s, instead of 80s, which Lord Ilothermere paid. When the cross-examination began interest was tense.
Mr Luxmoore, on behalf of Lord Rothermere, asked if witness claimed to be in communication with Lord Northeliffe now. Witness dramatically protested against dragging in her religious views, and waving a silver cross cried: “Here’s my religion”. Mr Luxmoore insisted upon an answer and witness appealed to the .kidgo -,who told her to answer. Miss Owen said: “I claim to be in communication with Lord Northeliffe as with my mother and father who have gone over but are looking after me’ ’.
Mr Luxmoore proceeded to read extracts from the “Psychical Gazette” containing Miss Owen’s letters describing Lord Northeliffe’s appearances since his death, by means of a medium. Mr Luxmoore asked what the circumstances were under which Miss Owen refused to sign the agreement with the executors, which the other beneficiaries accepted, until the executors admitted her as a creditor in Lord Northcliffe’s - estate for £IOOO per annum. Witness replied: “I signed under compulsio.n but this compromise is a fraud” adding dramatically, “I am ready to be penniless, as I stand to lie, as the result of this case, in order to see my chief’s wishes carried out”.—A and N.Z.C..A
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Bibliographic details
Gisborne Times, 11 December 1926, Page 7
Word Count
323BEYOND THE VEIL Gisborne Times, 11 December 1926, Page 7
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