MR. SIMPSON’S WRIT.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 383, 15 March 1937, Page 5

MR. SIMPSON’S WRIT.

Allegation of Slander. Reference to the issue of Mr Ernest Simpson of a writ for alleged slander against Mrs Joan Sutherland, of Connaught Square, London, was made in a recent issue of the Glasgow Herald, which stated that Mrs Sutherland is the wife of Lieutenant Colonel H. C. Sutherland.

The only son of Sir George Sutherland, who for many years had business associations in India as a partner of a Calcutta firm. LieutenantColonel Sutherland joined the 81-ck Watch in 1910, the journal adds, and served in the Great War from 1914 to 1919, acting as military secretary to General Lord Horne. He retired in 1922.

Lieutenant-Colonel Sutherland, who is a director of tea companies, is a member of the New Club, Edinburgh and has a residence at Ferniehaugh. Peeblesshire, of which county he is s Deputy Lieutenant and Commissioner of Supply. Lieutenant-Colonel and Mrs Sutherland last autumn rented Holy Lee, a small shooting estate near Peebles.

Apart from such visits, they have lived almost entirely in London. They were married in January, 1928, at Holy Trinity Church, Brompton Road, London. Mrs Sutherland is his second Wife, and they have a son and daughter. There is a son of Colonel Sutharland’s first marriage to a dri-lighter of the late Captain W. G. Pitt-Miller, of Thistleton, Lancashire. Mrs Sutherland, who before her marriage was Miss Joan McKechine, is the only daughter of Mr and Mrs George McKechnie, of Palhum Crescent, London. Her mother is a daughter of Captain Brooke G Seville, a kinsman Of the Earl of Warwick and Lord Greville.

Sir George owns the properties of North Slipperfield and Medwynhead, both in the parish of West Linton. He lives in Upper Brook Street, Mayfair, London, and also at Cringletie, three miles from Peebles. He is Deputy Lieutenant, justice o~ the peace and Commissioner of Supply tor Peeblesshire. The legal action is based on words alleged to have been uttered concerning Ihr divorce proceedings instil til ed by Mr Simpson,