THEY “KEPT COMPANY.”

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20360, 18 July 1934, Page 1

THEY “KEPT COMPANY.”

Professor’s Costly Gifts to Woman. United Press Assn.—By Electric Tel eera ph —Copyrigh t. SYDNEY, July 17. At a further inquiry in the Bankruptcy Court into the affairs of Professor 11. G. Chapman, evidence was given by Alice Maud Dunn, former assistant-secretary to the Royal Society, cf which he was treasurer, that she had “ kept company ” with Professor Chapman since 19i6. Although she knew he was married she accepted an engagement ring. Professor Chapman told her his wife had not long to live as she had an incurable disease. lie gave her a motorcar and several presents of jewellery. He represented that he was a very wealthy man. The inquiry was adjourned.

A week after the death of Professor Chapman, who was professor of physiology in the University of Sydney, a leading figure in cancer research, the Royal Society and the National Research Council, it was alleged in the Bankruptcy Court that he had misappropriated funds totalling nearly £20,000 from these two organisations, of which he had been treasurer. A list attached to his wi!l, showing assets of £85,000, was described by witnesses as “ mere bluff,”