LADY HOUSTON WINS FREEDOM

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12538, 30 August 1926, Page 3

LADY HOUSTON WINS FREEDOM

SEVEN SPECIALISTS TESTIFY SHE IS SANE WIDOW’S FIGHT FOR SHARE OF £7,000,000. LONDON, July 16. I The Jersey Royal Court, after bearing evidence by seven famous specialJ ists, decided on Saturday to restore Lady Houston, widow of Sir Robert Houston, the multi-millionaire shipowner, to freedom. Lady Houston had been placed under the care of a committee or curatelle on May Ist, on the ground that the shock of her husband’s death had rendered her incapable mentally and physicially, of conducting her affairs. This decision was fought strenuously by Lady Houston, who summoned World-famous experts to her aid. Their fees and expenses are said to have amounted to £IO,OOO. TO MANAGE HER AFFAIRS Tho story told in court was one oi practically complete agreement for relatives, friends, neighbours, and tho most eminent of English, French, and Scottish doctors followed to convince the court that Lady Houston is competent again to manage her own affairs. The Jersey Chief Magistrate, after a brief consultation with his brother judges, confirmed Lady Houston’s application, and granted her the reinstatement of rights for which 6he has fought.so hard. “THANK GOD” Her counsel then asked If, as she was leaving the island, Lady Houston could appoint an attorney. Rising in court with upraised arm Lady Houston took the necessary oath. As she was assisted down to her car by two friends—being still weak after her grave illness—a crowd gathered round her congratulating her. “1 am overjoyed and very grateful. What can I say except that I thank God that this is all over,” said Lady Houston, before leaving for England in her yacht Liberty. FIGHT FOR MILLIONS Lady Houston is now free, to engage in a second fight for her four-fifths of the £7,OOO,<JOG estate. The will is being contested by Mr Elmer Skinner, who claims to be a j relative of Sir Robert Houston. It | was on his application that an order y placing the estate in the care of | the Vicomte of the island for a year I and a day was made. j Sir Robert Houston, who died on ] April 14th last, left £7,000,000. To his wife he bequeathed £IOO,OOO, his ] luxurious yacht Liberty, plate, and other effects, and four-fifths of the residue of his estate, after payment, of many bequests.