DRUCE TRIAL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8943, 18 December 1907, Page 5

DRUCE TRIAL.

POSSIBLE UNEXPECTED DEVELOPMENTS.

Press Association-Electric Telegraph-Copyright. LONDON, Monday. The flight of Robert Oaldwell, a witness for the prosecution in the Druce perjury case, and for whose arrest on a charge of conspiracy and perjury a warrant has been isaued, has' been confirmed

Upou Mr Atherley-Jonos, K.C., who appears for the prosecution in the present case, announcing tho intention of abandoning CnJkhvelPs evideuoo, Mr Plowdon, the Magistrate, asked what value was then attached to other testimony regarding the mock funeral, particularly Mrs Hamilton's vivid oorroboratiiou?

Mr Athorley-Joues asked that her evidence should be troated separately. Mr Horace E. Avory, K.C., iv opouiug for the dofouce, characterised the evidence for tho prosecution as a mass of contradictious aud inconsistencies.

Mr Avory couteudod that every oue of the promoters or subscribers to die companies for mod to forward the iutorosts of claimants to the Portland ostates was liable to bo prosecuted for champerty aud maiutouauoo. Ho said that probably the promoters of the companies would bo charged eventually with conspiracy, in preforonce to a false claim to the Portland aud other estates.

George Hollamby Druce also would probably bo charged with couspiring falsely to accuse the defendant and to swindle foolish subscribers.

Counsel said the defendant was williug. if the iutorosts of justice demanded it, to allow the grave of Thomas diaries Druce to be opeuod.

Evidence was given by Catherine Bailey, for mauy years iv Druce's employ. Sho testified that Druco died iv her presence at his Mill Hill residence in December, 18(>4.

The farther hearing of the case was adjourned uutil Friday.

llte<:mved Tn-dav. at S.ol a.m.)

LONDON, Last Night. Tho Scotlaud Yard authorities are applyiug for the extradition aud warrant of arrest of Caldweil on his arrival at New York.