THE DRUCE CASE

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIC, Issue 13530, 27 February 1908, Page 5

THE DRUCE CASE

MRS. ROBINSON'S 'CONFESSION. Press Assouiation-By Telegraph-Copylight LONDON, February 25. Mrs. Robinson's confession' alleges that in 1906 a. mart calling himself Druce, whom Hollamby Druce afterwards declared to be his* brother William, visited Mrs. Robinson in Ghnstchurch, New Zealand, and offered her £4OOO,- firstly to write an attractive book relating all she knew about the Duke of Portland. Hetried to induce her to say that Dmce, the proprietor of the Baker Street Bazaar, was identical with the Duke. The object of tlie book was to raise money for legal expenses. The visitor urged her lo say tbat she came from America. She received pamphlets, she believed from Hollamby Druce and concocted, a. diary. She. received £250 and came to England. Mr Kimber met. her on landing and inquired about the diary. He -urged her to stick to her tale and stick to her- gums. Mr Kimber endeavoured to compel her to mak« statements based on the diary. She never came to England to swear falsely but only to raise money by means of the diary. Mr Coburn wanted her to swear about the lead coffin but she refused. The loss of the diary was "true-. She had no letters from the Dnke, but two from Charles Dickens which .she had lost. Mr Kimber and Hollamby Drue* tried to dissuade her from making the confession, saying she would get seven years', imprisonment. The- case has been adjourned for a week. \ .

Received 12.27 a.m., February 27th. LONDON, February 26

Mr Kimber on' being interviewed indignantly and 'Specifically contradicted Miss Robinson's statement.