BLACKMAIL CASE

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12094, 23 March 1925, Page 8

BLACKMAIL CASE

THOUSANDS PAID AWAY. IMPORTANT LETTERS. Australian and N.Z. Caible Association. LONDON, March 20. During the resumed proceedings in the Waterhouse case a feature of the hearing was Mr Justice Shearman’s decision to admit three letters written iby Frank Waterhouse and given to | Lady Wilson-Barker fpr an alleged blackmailer. In the first the writer said: “I have now no capital and only I a yearly income. Sinoe I gave the | lady £2IOO last ytar, I managed to have a further £4OO, which I have given her with this letter. If requisite, I will be able next June to give her a further £4OO or £sou.” The letter expressed gratitude for the recipient’s bravery when first she knew of the qiacter, and also her “kindness to us ever since.” Frank’s next letter said: “I am sorry you are both displeased. You will find 1 can raise £2OOO by the end of the month, which you will give the lady immediately, and more if you wish it. I have never asked your name, therefore I cannot write to you direct. I have taken nobody’s advice, and feel convinced after all that this time you would not cause the ladv such misery as to divulge what only we three knew.” The case was adjourned.

Mrs Waterhouse, executrix for her dead husband, who was an invalid, is suing Sir David Wilson-Barker, his wife, and a man named Sheldon. She alleges that Lady Wilson-Barker obtained from Mt Waterhouse large sums by means of fraudulent representation.' and that Sheldon and Lady Wil-son-Barker participated in a fraudulent conspiracy for the same purpose. The plaintiff seeks an account of these payments, and, alternatively, damages.