THE PORTLAND MYSTERY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 3778, 31 December 1907, Page 3

THE PORTLAND MYSTERY.

Druce’s Body to be Exhumed. London, December 28. Chancellor Tristram, K.C., Chancellor of the Diocese of London, has granted a faculty for the opening of the grave of the late T. C. Drnce, but refused leave for Gorge Hollamby Druce or his solicitor to be present, as that was -unnecessary, because a doctor appointed by the Home Office would be entirely responsible for the exhumation. Herbert Druce did not oppose the motion for the opening of the grave.' Mr Statham, counsel for George Hollamby Druce, stated before Chancellor Tristram that the opening of the vault was absolutely immaterial to the main issue in Druce’s action against Lord Howard de Walden, which did not turn on the question of a mock burial, but on whether the fifth Duke of Portland (as T. C. Druce) married Elizabeth Crickner, and whether .that marriage was valid, both being under age. Mr Statnam said his client claimed to be descended from that marriage. Whether the Duke of Portland was subsequently guilty ot eccentricities, and indulged in a mock funeral, did not effect the question. George Hollamby Druce and Mr T. K. Cockburn, solicitor, would like to be present at the opening of the vault, though Druce would be repie-c nted by a medical man and a surveyor. Herbert Druce would be similarly represented.

Chancellor Tristram said he thought Charles Kollambv Druce’s presence at the vault was unnecessary since he would be represented. The Daily Mail states that the opening of T. C. Druce’s grave is to take place on Monday. [Cord Howard de Walden is the holder of that portion of the Portland estate which passed from the fourth to the fifth duke,, and became alienated to his lordship owing to the fifth duke, as alleged, not leaving any lineal descendant.]