THE READING MURDER.

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 17840, 12 October 1929, Page 8

THE READING MURDER.

ACTOR’S MELODRAMATIC METHODS DOMINATE THE INQUEST. AN AMAZING SCENE. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, Oct, 10. Drew’s leonine presence and melodramatic methods dominated the Reading tragedy to Ihe end. The coroner, in summing up, detailed the testimony ofefiO witnesses, the evidence of the" 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, also a book entitled “A Day from London to Penzance,” which Oliver was reading when lie was struck down. There was a hush in the crowded court when the foreman began to read the verdict, hut the closing words, "persons unknown,” resulted in an amazing scene. Women rose and waved handkerchiefs, and men threw their lvats in the air cheering. Drew was occupied in consoling Mrs Lindo, who wept with relief on hearing Urn verdict. When Drew appeared in the streets Ihe ovation was repealed. The crowd outside greeted the aclor with cheers and a slorm of handclapping, while Drew, surrounded Jiy a dozen constables, made his way to his hotel. The police had to light a way for Drew and his party until they reached the hotel.

Drew went on to the balcony and threw kisses to Ihe crowd below. At last he stretched out his hands and signalled for silence.

He said: “Just a moment before you go to your homes. I want to thank you for ihe prayers you sent up on my behalf. 1 shall never forgot this demonstration of glorious sympathy you extended.”