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Otago Daily Times, Issue 22328, 31 July 1934, Page 11

Fate has reveled the fortunes of the two famous Du Mauriers. The father, George du Maurier, made little money all his life as a Victorian artist. Then ho wrote " Trilby " just before his death —and so died in 1896 worth £48,000. His eon, Sir Gerald du Maurier, made much money all his acting life—but he died recently poor. The great actor's family have now been told that when his estate i 6 settled the surplus will be very small. His life was insured for more than £12,000, but outstanding taxation claims and the death duties are likely to absorb a great part of this amount. Cannon Hall—the actor's beautiful Hampstead home—is to be put on the market, and owing to certain conditions, it will benefit the estate but little. Sir Gerald du Maurier had made more than £15,000 a year for a long time in the West End as a stage actor alone. Yet he was the victim of his own kindnests and generosity. His pockets were always filled with sovereigns—literally, for he insisted upon being paid in gold—which were always at the service of his friends and of unfortunate members of his profession He made provision for Lady du Mauiier in his will. She is provided for also under her father's will. Their three daughters are beneficiaries under tlie > ill of their grandfather, George du Maurier.