THE DRUCE CASE.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume L, Issue 12145, 30 December 1907, Page 5

THE DRUCE CASE.

(United Px-ess Association—Copyright)

(Received December 28, 10.40 a.m.) LONDON, December 27. The Chancellor of the Diocese of London has granted facility for opening the Dructe grave. Ho refused, however to allow Hollamby Druce or his solicitor to be present, ias it was unnecessary, because a doctor of the Home Office was entirely responsible for the exhumation. Mr. Herbert Druce Avas not opposed to the opening of the grave.

(Received December 29, 4.40 p.m.)

LONDON, December 28

Mr. Sbatham, Hollamby Dnice's counsel, stated before Chancellor Tristram that the opening of the vault was absolutely immaterial to the main issue in Druee's action against Howard de Waldon, which did not turn on the question of the mock burial, but the fiact of whether the fifth Duke married Elizabeth Crickner, and whether the marriage was valid, both being under age. Hollamby Drace claimedl ta be descended from that marriage. Whether the Duke of Portland subsequently wias guilty of eccentricities and indulged in a mock funeral did! not affect the question. Hollamby Druce and Mr. K. Oockburn, his solicitor, would like to Be present at the opening of the vault, though lie would be represented by a medical man and a surveyor. Herbert Dtilcd wished to be similarly represented.

Chancellor Tristram thought Hollamby Druce's presence was unnecessary since he would be represented.

The "Daily Mail" states that tho opening of Druce's grave takes place on Monda.v.