PRICE OF SILENCE?

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 40, 10 May 1927, Page 13

PRICE OF SILENCE?

STARTLING ENGLISH CASE LLOYD GEORGE’S FUND By Cable. —Pxess Association. —Copyright Reed. 12.40 p.m. LONDON, Monday. A reference to an alleged payment of £35,000 to Mr. Lloyd George's fund was made when Robert James Wat kin sued Sir Henry Samman for £1,350 for services rendered at Leeds. Watkin gave evidence that he was an office boy in 1896, and a partner in 1917 and admitted receiving a gift of £ 1.000 for managing Samman's affairs while he was on a world trip. He also admitted receiving other emoluments and further admitted writing saying that he had no claim to the £1,350, but he hoped Samman would recognise the claim for certain reasons, meaning the transfer of fund 3 to the benefit of a woman who bore Samman a child. Counsel asked whether this included the reference to a youthful affair preceding marriage, hoping that Samman would buy silence. Watkin answered: “Certainly not.” He denied inserting a letter-claim in to the payment of £35,000 to Lloyd George's fund in consideration of the baronetcy conferred upon Samman, thinking he would be willing to pay instead of having the matter ventilated In a law court. Further hearing was adjourned.—A and N.Z.