AMAZING SCENE IN COURT

Taranaki Daily News, 12 October 1929, Page 9

AMAZING SCENE IN COURT

READING MURDER INQUIRY CRIME OF UNKNOWN PERSON THOUSANDS ACCLAIM DREW MELODRAMA AT HIS HOTEL By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian Press Association. United Service. London, Oct. 10. A verdict of murder by someone unknown was returned by the jury at the inquest into the death of Alfred Oliver, an elderly tobacconist who. was found dying in his shop at Reading on June 22. The foreman of the jury announced that the evidence was too conflicting to permit a more definite finding. When Philip Yale Drew, the actor who was so closely questioned during the inquest, emerged from the court he he was carried shoulder-high to his hotel. He was most unconcerned, even when the verdict was cheered both inside and outside the court.

The jury was two and three-quarter hours considering its verdict. There were remarkable demonstrations in the crowded court, where Drew was acclaimed, and in the street, where a crowd of 4600 accompanied him to his hotel and listened to a fervid speech from the

balcony. “The One Above (here he almost broke down), like myself, knows that I had nothing to do with this crime,” Drew said. “From the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Mr. and Mrs. Lindo, I thank you.”

When Drew retired Mrs. Lindo, wife of one of the owners of “The Monster” ! Company in which Drew was acting, came to the front of the balcony and threw kisses to the crowd, and thanked them in broken phrases, until Drew returned and kissed her lips amid cheers. The Lindos say that there is a possibility of their appearance in “The Monster.” Drew said: “I do not want a holiday. I would like to appear in ‘The Monster’ to-night. When I do I shall act as never before.” DREW DOMINATES INQUIRY. Drew's leonine presence, appearance and melodramatic methods dominated to the end of the inquiry. The coroner, in summing up, detailed the testimony of the 60 witnesses, the evidence of a greater number of whom concerned Drew’s whereabouts in the fatal ten minutes. When the jury retired the famous blue suit and other exhibits were taken to the retiring room, as was a book entitled, “A Day from London to Penzance,” which Oliver was reading when he was struck down. There was a hush in the crowded court when the foreman began to read the verdict, but the closing words, “persons unknown,” resulted in an amazing scene. Women rose and waved handkerchiefs, and cheering men threw their hats in the air. Drew was occupied in consoling Mrs. Lindo, who wept with relief on hearing the verdict. When Drew appeared with his counsel, Mr. Fearnley Whittingstall, in the streets, the -ovation was repeated. The crowd outside greeted the actor with cheers and a storm of hand-clapping, while Drew, surrounded by a dozen constables, made his way to the hotel. He was finally carried shoulder-high, and the police had to fight' a way for him and his party till they reached the hotel.' Drew went on to the balcony and threw kisses to the crowd below. At last he stretched out his hands and signalled for silence. ; “THIS GLORIOUS SYMPATHY.” “Just a moment before you go to •your homes,” he said. “I want to thank you for the prayers you sent up on my behalf. I shall never forget this demonstration of glorious sympathy you extended. Moreover, I shaH never forget the wonderful courtesy the glorious Press has unanimously accorded me. Good afternoon to you all!” Interviewed later Drew said; “I feel deeply that the system of coronial inquiry is wrong; it is not exactly third degree nor crucifixion, but a terrible ordeal. My conscience is satisfied absolutely; I have shirked nothing; what more should I do? I sincerely trust the man who killed Oliver will be found sooner or later, not for my personal satisfaction, but in the interests of justice and to confute a few doubting ' Thomases who may still exist. Any of 1 those who have seen me go through 1 this ordeal must realise I held up my ' head from first to last. I had no reason why I should not.” ’

Mr. Lindo says he is opening ‘The Monster” Company in West End, London, in a fortnight with Drew, Mrs. Lindo and himself in their old parts. Mrs. Lindo’s final analysis of the situation may be summed up thus: “To me, men, especially the actors, are helpless creatures.” She added; “The evidence showed Drew to be the big baby he is.”