THE DRUCE CASE.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXXV, Issue 9730, 6 January 1908, Page 1

THE DRUCE CASE.

[Bi Eiectiuc TBtEOttiPit.—CoJ'riuoJrr.]

(Per Phess Association.) Received January 6, at 4.18 p.m. • London, January 4. Caldwell has signed a deathbed statement, reiterating that the vault contains a coffin in which there is lead to counterfeit a body.

CALDWELL'S EVIDENCE. Caldwell, who was under arrest in NewYork on a charge of perjury, giving evidence in the perjury case against Herbert Druce, thus testified to the alleged bogus funeral:— Did you go to the store to buy something?— Yes. What was it?— Sheet lead. What was the weight of it?— About 2001bs.

Why 2Qolbs?—lt represented about the weight of a person who had died. Where did you take it?—To the shop. What did you do with it?—l put it in the box with an old man at the shop. Wheie was the Duke? —I do not know. He was not at the simp then. When the coffin came, what did you do? —Put the lead in it. The witness said he did not remember the shop at which lie purchased the lead, but it was not far from the bazaar.

Do you remember a funeral taking place the next day?—l do, very distinctly. - Did. you order n hearse?—l did; from a livery stable, not from an undertaker. At whose request did you order the hearse? —At the request of the Duke of Portland. I never took orders from anyone else.

Did you order any mourning coaches? — I did, sir. Also at his request?— Yes. Mr l'lowden: Was the Duke's request in .writing?—No, verbally. Mr Jones, How many mourning coaches were there? —I believe there were fifty altogether. What was done with the coffin?—lt was placed in the hearse. Did you see it put in?—l assisted to put it in.

Was there any body in it?—No, only lead and brass.

Was the coffin closed up?— Myself and the old man put the lid on, and a carpenter was called to screw it down. Did you go to the funeral? —No.