MILLIONAIRE MYSTERY.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVI, Issue 96, 10 April 1926, Page 5

MILLIONAIRE MYSTERY.

RUMOURS AND REPORTS. London, April 9. It is stated that Bayard Brown, American millionaire, who died aboard his yacht Valfreyia, when young was crossed in love. Consequently he left America. It is stated that when his father died he was greatly distressed and went on a world cruise and finally decided not to return. Brown, however, never confided the reason. He only slept away from the ship during repairs. He had a private seoretary, but he came and went. Visitors were never allowed aboard. Brown was generous in his own peculiar way. He sometimes threw £5 and £lO notes to pretty girls boating around the yacht. It is known he made many benefactions in the neighbourhood, mostly anonymously. It is stated that he gave away £250,000 since being here.

It is now disclosed that in spite of his eccentricities and the general supposition that he lived an aimless life, Brown was actively engaged in business till his death. Intimate friends say finance was his hobby. It is believed he trebled his fortune while here. Only a fortnight ago ho sold a block of property in Now York at a profit of several thousands and was going to the American consulate this week to sign the deeds.

Another man who has known Brown for 35 years says he probably knew more about Wall Street than any man living. He visited London two or three times a week, despatched cables to America, and returned to the yacht the moment his business was done. Lawyers and his secretary conferred aboard yesterday. It is understood a proposal was discussed to convey the body to New York for burial in the tomb of his father. It is likely the Valfreyia will go at least part of the journey. The yacht is in splendid condition owing to Brown’s hobby for perfection in workmanship.— (A. and N.Z.) -