THE PORTLAND CASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2812, 5 February 1908, Page 27

THE PORTLAND CASE.

LONDON, January 29. " Mies " Robinson, who was recently arrested on a charge of perjury as a result of the evidence given by her in connection with G. H. Druce's claim to the Portland estates, has written a letter to Mr Kimber, solicitor for G. H. Druce, stating that she does not wish to sac him again. She states that 6he gets far more sympathy and good advice in prison than from him. Mt Kimber is at a loss to understand "her attitude. February 2. Mr Oofoum, solicitor for G. H. Druce, has been instructed to sue the Daily Chronicle for libel. NEWSPAPER COMMENT. LONDON, January 31. The Daiily Chronicle says that neither George Hollamby Druce nor G. H. Druce (Ltd.) will be able to continue the civil action in regard to the Portland Estates. The Chronicle claims to possess documents showing that Sheridan was associated with Anna Druce's claims until her litigation ceased and that he sold for £200 to Mr Trewinnard, who held Charles Edgar Druce's power of attorney in London, certain information which was expected to be useful in supporting Edgar Druce's claim. Then, in 1903, Mr Trewinnard attended a conference with Mr Hollamby Druce and Mr Coburn in the chambers of a barrister in London, and informed Hollamby Druce that he was not the heir -while Edgar Druce was alive. It was then resolved' to cable to Edgar Druce's solicitors to renew his power of attorney granted to Mr Trewinnard in 1899. The Teply referred them to a firm of solicitors in London, who advised that the Druce family's claims were based on insufficient evidence and were not worth pursuing. Mt Coburn then went to Australia, and secured an agreement whereby Edgar Druce professed to transfer his rights and pledged himself not to interfere in Hollamby Druce's proceedings on condition that he shared in the spoil in the «rent of success. Sheridan, in March, 1904, joined the Hollamby Druce camp, and catered, into m agreement, receiving

from Hollamby Druce a commission note of 6' 2 per cent, on all property recovered, Mr Coburn promising him 3£ per cent, of the amount paid to Drue©; hence in 1907 the Druce-Portland Company, -which formed the new DTuce-Portland Company to acquire Sheridan's assets.

George Hollamby Druce publicly disassociated himself in connection with the sale of Sheridan's rights, but the fact remains that his and Mr Coburn's action made it possible.

In November last it was announced that a new Druce-Portland Company was being formed, with a capital of £25,000, of which £20,000 was being issued. The company was to acquire the rights of John Sheridan Sheridan, under agreements with George Hollamby Druce and T. K. V. Coburn. Sheridan claimed 10 per cent, -of any proceeds accruing to George Hollamby Druce from the Portland and Howard de Walden estates. George Hollamby Druce warned the public that he had disposed of the whole of hi* rights to G. H. Druce (Ltd.). The Druce-Portland Company warned the newspapers circulating Druce's warning that tho statements were libellous. The prospectus suggested that Sheridan's inierest was worth £1,600,000.