A REAL ADVENTURER

Grey River Argus, 10 February 1928, Page 5

A REAL ADVENTURER

Or a “Stuntist” EXPLORER’S LIBEL ACTION. AGAINST LONDON JOURNAL. (Reed. Fob. 9 at 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 8. The explorer. Mitchell Hedges, is claiming damages from the Daily Express for a. libel allegedly contained in a report to the effect that .the hold-up on January 15, 1927, was a hoax, and a publicity enterprise. Hedges detailed the adventure and denied previous knowledge of the attack when Mr Jowitt, K.C., sharply cross-examined him as to whether he was a real explorer, of the British bull dog breed, or “a newspaper stuntist.” Questioned regarding his war record, Hedges said he had volunteered for the army but was totally rejected. He also tried to enlist in America, but failed. Mr Jowitt questioned Hedges regarding th«’ Jailer's claim that he had discovered an unknown race in Panama, suggesting that Hedges never knew a word of thdjr language, though he claimed to understand the meaning of conversations of tribal chiefs. Hedges admitted that the expenses of the expedition were paid by Lady Richmond Brown. Also that he was bankrupt in .1911. Mr Jowitt: “1 started by pointing out a distinction hot ween two types of ihe other who has bogus adventures modestly in a scientific manner, and the other who has bagus adventures and publicity stunts. You sec why J am asking questions?’ 11 edges: *‘ Oh yes. ’ ’ The hearing was adjourned.