A LONDON SENSATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 4 June 1918, Page 4

A LONDON SENSATION.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT,J THE BILLING CASE. LONDON, Juno 1. The Billing case is proceeding* Hundreds wore unable to gain admission. Mr. Spencer sharply cross-examined and detailed the alleged pro-German plot, of which Mistress George Keppel was a prominent member. Mrs Keppel went to Holland and conferred with Kulilmann. The object of the plot was to bring the Hon. Mr Asquith and Caillaux and

Giolitti back to power. Justice Darling intimated that Mistress Keppel would give evidence later.

AN IMMORAL PLAY. LONDON, Juno 1. Keppel’a counsel stated she wished to swear she had not been Holland since the war } nor had she seen Kuhlemann. Judge Darling sympathised but regretted that be was unable to allow her to give evidence.

Lord Alfred Douglas gave evidence that “Salome' l was an immoral and disgusting play and will be the greatest evil force in Europe of the past three centuries.

The prosecution produced letters that Wilde and witness exchanged in 1893. This led to violent scenes,between the witness, the judge and Billing. The witness shouted:—“Shame; this muck is raked up every time J come into Court.” He threatened to tear up the letter if it were shown him for identification of the handwriting. He finally identified it, while an usher was holding the letter two yards away. Father Bernard Vaughan gave evidence that the character of “Salome” could not be acted by a pure women, but only by a moral pervert. Several medical witnesses and dramatic critics, gave evidence that the play was <m immoral one. Hie case was adjourned.