NORTHCLIFFE CASE.

Waipukurau Press, Volume XXII, Issue 222, 13 December 1926, Page 8

NORTHCLIFFE CASE.

DRAMATIC TURN. LONDON, December S. The Northcliffe case took a dramatic ■ turn when Louise Owen, plaintiff, was cross-examined. In tlfc course of her evidence she had said Lord Northcliffc, in recognition of her services as. confidential secretary, gave her 100() : shares in the Associated Newspapers,advising her never to sell, as it was a nice nest egg. She had not done so until it was necessary to begin this case. Witness {recalled that Northcliffe, in a codical to his will, valued the shares at 140 s instead of 80s, which Lord Rothcrmere paid. When the cross-examination began interest was tense. Air A. F. Luxmoore, on behalf of Lord Rothcrmere, asked if witness claimed to be in communication with Northcliffe now. Witness dramatically protested against dragging in religious views, and waving a sliver cross, cried: "Here’s my religion.” Mr Luxmore insisted upon an answer, and witness appealed to the Judge, who told her to answer. Owsen said: 'I claim to be in communication with Northcliffe, as with my mother and father, who have gone over, but are looking after me.” Mr Luxmore proceeded to read extracts from the "Psychic Gazette,” containing Owen’s letters describing Northcliffe’s appearance since his death by means of a medium. Mr Luxmore asked what the circumstances were under which Owen refused to sign the agreement with the executors, -which the other bencciaries accepted, until the executors admitted her as a creditor in the Northcliffe estate for £4OO per annum. Witness replied: I signed under compulsion, but this compromise is a fraud,” adding dramatically, <f l aw ready to be penniless, as I stand to be as a result of this case, in order to see my chief’s wishes carried out.”