THE DRUCE CASE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XXII, Issue 9022, 9 December 1907, Page 2

THE DRUCE CASE.

Press Association—Copyright. London, Dec. 7

Marks testified that he last'saw Druce in the afternoon prior to seeing the coffin. Ho heard bodied suddenly, and he never heard of any mystery connected with the death. Witness saw Herbert Druce at the Bazaar constantly. After the funeral he saw the hearse and two empty coaches leave the Bazaar with the coffin. Charles Ball deposed that lapels of tho coat in Druce's portrait were like those on the Duke of Portland's coat. Tiie Duke's coats were always made in sets of three, enabling him to wear ouo over another.

Edmund Shaw, a Southport doctor, lias informed the 'Daily News that ho wi>s a personal friend and neighbor of Druce at Milhill. .He medically attended him throughout 1804 for dyspepsia. Druce underwent a serious operation in September and he saw him thrico daily until the night of Decembor 27th, when lie left him dying. Very early on the 28th £Dr. Shaw was summoned to the bedside and found that Druce had just died. He gave a certificate of d'eaht, assisted the nurse to lay out the bodv, and attended the funeralfat Highgate, at which there were atlozon mourning coaches.

Dr. Shaw says he never saw signs of skin disease on Druce's face. Druce wore a natural dark beard and side whiskers.

Dr. Shaw subsequently went to Now Zealand and thence to Tasmania settling at Southport in 18G7. Received Dec. S, 5.13 p.m. Loudon, Dec. 7.

Mr Justice Joyo dealt with the application of the new Druce-Port-land Co., for an injunction to restrain Blakeston and Captain Hall, ex-directors, from parting with any monies. He made an order directing the company not to part, without tho Court's permission, with any portion of the £3OOO or £4OOO subscribed. His Honor said lie thought it would bo found John Sheridan's commission notes gave no claim in the estate, or on George Hollaniby Druce's share of the estate, even if his right were proved, and prima facio the whole thing appeared illusory. Defendant's stated that they were unable to complete tho purchaso of tho commission notes until they had investigated Charles Edgar Draco's alleged prior rights to thoso of George Hollaniby^Druce, and that itj perhaps would bo necessary to take their subscribers' views. Received December 9, 8.57 a.m. London, December 8. Justices Buckley and Kennedy granted tho Walden appeal against tho decision permitting Caldwell's evidence in the coming civil action to bo taken on commission. The Court hold that ho was a crucial witness and that it was essential his story should be tested before a jury. Dr. Shaw, mentioned yesterday, gave evidence in tho will suit brought by Mrs Druce against the executors of 'E. C. Drnco in 1901.