REMARKABLE LAWSUIT

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 59, 3 December 1926, Page 11

REMARKABLE LAWSUIT

SALE OF NEWSPAPERS IN NORTHCLIFFE ESTATE

CLAIM THAT IT BE MADE VOID London, 'December 1. A remarkable law suit is engaging the attention of the Chancery Di» kipji, Louise Owen, who was the late Lord Northcliffe’s confidential secretary and a beneficiary under' his will, is claiming that the sale of newspaper properties by Sir George' Sutton to Lord Rothermdrc on September 21), 1922, for £1,613,000, should be declared void. The plaintiff claims that the property is really worth much more, as is shown by the fact that Lord Rothermere sold it a year later for £5,600,000. The Inland Revenue Department is also interested in the suit, believing that the value of the death duties was under-estimated. Seventeen King’s Counsellors are engaged in the case; which is additionally interesting as the plaintiff suggests a breach of trust on the part of Sir George Sutton and Lord Rotherjuere, who both have a fiduciary relation in the estate.

(Rec. December 2; 9.5 pan.) London. December 2. Tn the Northclifle will case, Thomas Marlowe, late editor of the “Daily Mail,” and at present chairman of directors, gave evidence that he sought to purchase controlling shares on behalf of Sir Malcolm Fraser, formerly chief agent of the Conservative Party, but did not pursue the matter after learn-, ing that Sir George Sutton had accepted Lord Rothermcrc’s offer. Witness might have offered £5 to £6 if be had known the pricey Sir George Sutton would consider. The hearing was adjourned.