PECULIAR PLEA RAISED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 18949, 21 February 1925, Page 9

PECULIAR PLEA RAISED.

BREACH GF PROMISE SUIT. DEFENDANT'S MENTAL STATE. A. unci X.Z. LONDON. Feb. 19. | A society breach of ) <r<>11l is<• action in I wliidi Mrs. Lubbock, aged 35, granddaughter of the Karl of Eglinton and I Winton, is suing Mr. Frank Greswold j Williams, aged 50. a wealthy Worcestershire widower, and formerly a master of fox-hounds, took a, dramatic turn to-day. | I>efendant's counsel, in his cross-ox-I aminal.ion of plaintiff, indicated that he j intended to call witnesses to show that iat the time of defendant s alleged proj pof-al he was hopelessly demented, eontimiouslv intoxicated, and also in the habit of proposing to every woman be met. (.'•otmsei added that l>r, Hvslop, an eminent mental .specialist. "Wiis prepared to certify that defendant was insane, lie intimated, however, that he, was not pleading insanity. I The cross-examination of plaintiff suggested that she had bought, the most expensive jewellery and clothing with de- ] fondant's money immediately after the

alleged proposal. it was also indicated thai a man with whom plaintiff was associated., and also certain moneylenders. were financially concerned in the result of her action.