BODY EXHUMED

Southland Times, Issue 20495, 25 May 1928, Page 7

BODY EXHUMED

MORPHINE FOUND DEVELOPMENTS AT INQUEST ADMISSIONS OF WITNESS (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) London, May 23. Following up the sensational development in the Pace murder case public interest is now centred on the inquest on Hilary Rougier, aged 77 years, a bachelor farmer at Woking. The case has taken a remarkable turn owing to the examination of William Lerwill, a well-dressed man in his early thirties. in whose house Rougier was living when he died on August 14, 1926. The body was exhumed two months ago and an inquiry was ordered by the Home Office. Lerwill, in evidence to-day, admitted that he had between £5OOO and £6OOO from Rougier by cheques. Other evidence was to the effect that when Rougier was exhumed morphine was found in the body. Lerwill said he had no idea how the morphine came there, but he had a recollection that Rougier asked him to get some laudanum for his dogs which were suffering from eczema. He admitted that many of the cheques were in his handwriting, but the signature was Rougier’s. He did not know Rougier had only £5O left when he had received £6OOO. This was mostly in the form of gifts as Lerwill was in financial difficulties. Mr Hardwick, a solicitor, gave evidence that he personally met Rougier and explained that Lerwill was in financial difficulties. Rougier said he had known Lerwill since boyhood and was willing to help him avoid bankruptcy. Hardwick added that he thought Rougier must be wealthy in view of the free manner in which he gave the money.—Australian Press Associa-