READING MURDER

Hokitika Guardian, 12 October 1929, Page 5

READING MURDER

DREW’S THEATRICAL STYLE (United Press Association—By Eleotric Telegraph —Copyright). LONDON, Oct. 10. Drew’s leonine presence, appearance and melodramatic methods dominated the Reading tragedy inquest to 'the end. ' The Coroner, in summing up, detailed the testimony of the sixty witnesses, the evidence of the greater number (of whom concerned Drew’s whereabouts in the fatal ten minutes (between the absence of the deceased’s wife from his shop and her return to find him dead).

When the jury returned, the famous blue suit and other exhibits were taken to the retiring room, and also a book entitled “A Day from London to Penzance,” which the deceased, Oliver, was reading when he was struck down.

There ' was a hush in the crowded court when the foreman began to read the verdict, but the closing words “Persons unknown,” resulted in an aniazihg scene.

Women rose in the court and waved their handkerchiefs. Men threw their hats in the air, cheering. Drew was occupied in consoling Mrs Lindo, who wept with relief on hearing the verdict.

When Drew appeared with his counsel,. Mr Whittingstall, in the,streets, the ovation was repeated. A crowd outside greeted the actor with cheers and a storm of hand-clapping, while Drew, surrounded by a dozen constables, made his way to his hotel. ' Drew was finally carried shoulder high, and the police had to fight a way for Drew and his party, until they reached the hotel.

Drew then went on to the balcony, and threw kisses to the crowd below. At last, Drew 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 the prayers that you sent up on my behalf. I shall never forget this demonstration of glorious sympathy you extended.”’

' Drew eottoluded: “Moreover, I shall never forget the wonderful courtesy that the glorious pre=s has unanimously accorded' nie. ‘Good afternoon to you all!”

Interviewed' later, he said: “I feel deeply that the system of Coroner’s inquiry is wrong—not exactly the “third decree” or “crucifixion,” but a terrible ordeal. My conscience is satisfied absolutely. I have shirked nothing.' What ‘more, should I do? I sincerely trust that the man who killed Oliver will be found, sooner or later—not for my personal satisfaction, but in the interests of justice, and also to confute the few doubting Thomases who niay still exist. Any of these who 1 have seen me ,go through the ordeal must realise that I have held up ray head from first to last. I had no reason why I should not.” “The Coy. in the West End of London, in a fortnight, with Drew, his ’wife, and himself in their old parts’. - ’Mrs Lindo’s final analysis of the situation is summed up thus: “To me, men, especially actors, are helpless creatures.” She added: “Tjie evidence shdwed Drew to be the big baby he is.”