A ROMANTIC LAWSUIT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20283, 16 December 1927, Page 11

A ROMANTIC LAWSUIT

LARGE FORTUNE CLAIMED. PETITION AGAINST CROWN. LONDON, November 30. A romantic lawsuit has been opened in the Chancery Court regarding the ownershin of the “ Lcpine millions, which are supposed to be worth £2,500,000, although counsel expressed the opinion that this estimate was exaggerated. _ Maria Lepine, who died in DoS, was alleged to be illegitimate, and she left .no heirs. The estate passed to George 111, who conferred it on Admiral Howe, requiring him to furnish an indemnity on behalf of himself to future kings, should the genuine claimant be discovered. The nine present claimants are descended from Maria’s aunt. Counsel stated that a marriage certificate, which had recently been discovered in St. Martin's Church, London, proved that Maria was a legitimate child, and the _ indemnity undertaking must be honoured. Meanwhile, the Howe beneficiaries are dead and, bo urged, the Crown should pay. The action is by petition e-f right against the Kina. The Attorney-general. Sir Douglas Hogg, intimated that even if the positioners .should otherwise establish their claim, they are legally debarred from recovering.