THE DRUCE CASE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2813, 12 February 1908, Page 27

THE DRUCE CASE.

LONDON, February 4. The Daily Mail reports that the Master (Mr J. A. Bonner), sitting in Chambers, dismissed the civil action brought by Hollamrby Druce against Lord Howard de iWalden, claiming the property which he had obtained from the Portland Estates. * !Mr Arnold Statham, who appeared for ■Druce, gave notice of appeal. "Miss" Robinson has made a full confession of her perjury in connection with the Druce case.

February 5. When the prosecution against "Miss" (hobinson was resumed at the Bow Street Court, Sir Charles Mathews informed Sir A. Rutzen that the prisoner had made a fall confession of her guilt, thus confirming all the material circumstances of his . opening statements. No - details were divulged. The accused was remanded for « week.

The Daily Chronicle publishes an amazing diary, consisting of several columns of the history of a Bible presented to " Miss " Robinson by the Duchess of Gloucester. The history is addressed to the Mortlake National School, where Robinson was educated.

February 6.

The Master (Mr J. A. Bonner) dismissed the action brought by Di>uce*igainst Lord Howard de Walden on the ground that

it was frivolous and vexatious. Costs were allowed against Druce.

In his opening statement Sir Charles Mathews stated that the accused's husband worked as a shepherd at Worksop in 1870. Both sailed for New Zealand in 1874. and were residing at Waimate in 1875. "Miss" Robinson was the mother of several children, including a girl named Maud, who was born in 1881, and who as Maud O'Neill appeared as a witness before Mr Plowden, but who never stated her relationship or real name. After her husband's death in 1884 " Miss " Robinson kept boardinghouses, including houses at New Brighton and Falsgrave street, Christchurch, until 1806. She had been paid £3 17s weekly since her arrival. Sir Charles Mathews stated that he had a witness from New Zealand who had known '* Miss " Robinson Bince 1878.