“UNFORTUNATELY”-HE LIED

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12616, 29 November 1926, Page 3

“UNFORTUNATELY” - HE LIED

PEARSON AND THE PUBLISHER ‘ ; WHISPERING~GALLERY” CASE. Australian and N.Z. Cnblo Association. LONDON. November 26. Hesketh Pearson, charged with falsepretences. was remanded for a week. The publishers’ couusel pointed out that Pearson approached Mr John Dunbar, of Oldham’s Pres 6, Limited, with whom he was acquainted, and suggested the publication of “The Whispering Gallery” as a serial in the newspapers. Mr Dunbar said that this would lie useless without a name. Subsequently, as the result of pressure, Pearson gave Sir Ronald Rodd’s name as the author. Mr Dunbar then submitted the manuscript to John Lane and Co., the publishers, giving Pearson’s name. Mr Dunbar’s name was of high standing in the publishing world, so Lane proceeded with the publication. When the newspaper attack started, Mr Dunbar interviewed Pearson. The latter said: “I nm sorry I have caused this trouble.” Air Dunbar said: “Did you tell me a lie?” Pearson replied: “Unfortunately I did. I have already apologised to Sir Renneil llodd for it.” The book ‘“The Whispering Gallery” purported. amongst other things, to give intimate descriptions of what transpired in the British Cabinet room in the early days of the war, and contained quotations of alleged conversations between some of the more prominent personages. When newspaper protests were raised against the veracity of the book it wrs withdrawn from publication.