MISERLY WOMAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 8 March 1930, Page 3

MISERLY WOMAN

(iOLD IN SECRET HOARD LIVED SQUALID LIFE A rotuarkablo story of a woman's Bocrot hoard of over £2OOO is associated Willi llin estate, just, admitted to probate of Miss Elizabeth Emma Underwood, of North si root, Lowes, who lived Ibo lifo of a recluse. She took llio most, elaborate precautions to secure her privacy, and people living in the. same street, rarely saw her. Had it not been for the kindness of her next door neighbours, in all probability she would have died of cold or starvation, as she lived without, lire, or light. Neighbours provided her with food, believing she was in abject want. Later her condition became such that (he. attention of the. relieving oflicer was called to 'her, andjio .summoned a, doctor. The woman was removed To the County Mental .Hospital, where she died on Christinas Day last. When an examination of her house was made, it was found to he in a state of indescribable sJualor. Search revealed a board of over £6OO in notes, gold and silver, while a Post Office Savings Bank book showed a considerable balance to her credit. There were two bankbooks of the Lowes old bank, which was taken over many years ago by Barclays Bank. Tu addition ('here were bundles of deeds relating to property in the town, including several houses in the. street in which she lived. No will was discovered, but a local firm of solicitors made inquiries, and as a result they have been able to find several relatives, who will share in the estate.