Duke Tells How He Looked For Rich Wife in U.S.

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 4, 6 January 1937, Page 9

Duke Tells How He Looked For Rich Wife in U.S.

PLAN TO PAY HIS DEBTS FELL THROUGH The Duke of Leinster admitted in London Bankruptcy Court that he went to America with the object of resusciating his finances by marying a rich woman. His statement of affairs showed gross liabilities £139,233, assets nil. Of the liabilities £58,954 represent the balance of debts proved in two previous bankruptcies. Between 1916 and March, 1919, he lived at a very extravagant rate and borrowed large sums of money on the security of his reversionary interest in the estates. In January, 1918, he entered into a contract to sell the whole of his reversionary interest in the estates to Sir Henry Mallaby-Deeley for £67,000, plus a covenant on Sir Henry’s part to pay him £I,OOO a year.

He succeeded to the title in 1922. Until 1928 he lived within the allowance of £I,OOO per annum. Asked about his visit to America, the duke explained that he conceived the idea of marrying somebody rich. He went to America and was on the point of marrying, but did not go on with it.

He agreed that he lived there at an extravagant rate on borrowed money. He entered into a contract that the woman should pay all his debts subject to the marriage taking place, but the negotiations were broken off.

He eventually married in December, 1932, and had subsequently lived within his allowance except for money payments needed to stave off the present bankruptcy.