BACHELOR'S DEATH

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 149, 24 May 1928, Page 2

BACHELOR'S DEATH

3.45 P.M. EDITION

EVIDENCE OF POISONING. CASE TAKES REMARKABLE TURN (United Press Association —By Eloctiic Telegraph—Copyright. Received May 24, 12.30 p.m-. •LONDON, May 23. Following up the sensational development in the Pace murder case, public interest centred in the inquest on Hillary Rougier, aged 77 years, a bachelor farmer at Waking. _ ~ The case has taken a remarkable turn owing to the examination or William Lorwill, a well-dressed man in the early thirties, in whose, house Rougier was living when lie died on August 14, 1926. The body was exhumed two months ago and an inquiry was ordered by the Home Office. Lorwill in evidence - to-day admitted that he had received between £SOOO and £6OOO from Rougier by cheques. Other evidence was to the effect, that when Rougier was exhumed morphine was found in the body. Lorwill said that he had no idea how. tho morphine came to he there. He had a. recollection that Rougier askccl him to get laudanum for dogs suffering from eczema. Ho admitted that many of the cheques were in his handwriting, but said the signature tv as Rdugier’s. Tie did not know that Rougier had only £SO left after lie had i eceived £6OOO. This was mostly m the form of gifts as he (Lorwill). was in financial difficulties. - Mr Hardwick, a solicitor, gave evidence that he personally met Rougiei and explained that Lorwill was in financial difficulties. Rougier said that ho. had known Lorwill since boyhood and was willing to help him to avoid bankruptcy. Mr Hardwick added that he thought Rougier must be wealthy in of the free manner in winch lie gave the money.