HERO-WORSHIP ENDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 793, 14 October 1929, Page 9

HERO-WORSHIP ENDED

SUSPECT ACTOR ENJOYS BRIEF REIGN READING MURDER CASE United P.A.—By Telegraph—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Press Association (United Service) LONDON, Friday. The question of a coroner’s powers continues to be widely discussed. Dr. Martin, the Reading coroner, said Drew, who was suspected in connection with the recent murder mystery, was treated fairly. The inquest was conducted in a similar manner to all others. He himself was inclined to agree that a coroner’s duty should be confined to determining the cause of death, but this and other points which were raised were matters for the Legislature. Drew is no longer the local idol. The orgy of hero-worship ceased as suddenly as it began. He is able to walk about with the same freedom as any other. Yesterday, his appearance help up the traffic and thousands cheered; today, in solitude, Drew was like an actor who has lost his audience.

When he posed for photographers outside his hotel, no more than a dozen loiterers looked on. - Drew says candidly that he is an actor who likes publicity; but he is perturbed by the thought that he may be regarded as a notoriety seeker. Asked whether he thought the inquest would have any effect on his career he replied, “I do not know. It may be a good thing, but notoriety may turn people against me. It will be an anxious moment when I make my next stage appearance. Producers have been tumbling over themselves for my services. I have been offered £6O to appear in a five-minute talkie, but I decided to do nothing like that yet. It is easy to commercialise publicity, but it is the last thing I intend.”