MISERLY WOMAN

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 912, 4 March 1930, Page 10

MISERLY WOMAN

GOLD IN SECRET HOARD LIVED SQUALID LIFE A remarkable story of a woman’s secret hoard of over £2,000 is associated with the estate, just admitted to probate, of Miss Elizabeth Emma Underwood, of North Street, Lewes WHO lived the life of a recluse. She took the most elaborate precautions to secure her privacy, and people living in the same street rarely saw her. Had it not been for the kindness of her next door neighbours, in all probability she would have died of cold or starvation, as she lived without fire or light. Neighbours provided her with food believing she was in abject want. her condition became such timt the attention of the relieving officer was called to her, and he sum moned a doctor. The woman lemoved to tile County Mental Hospilast Wh6re 6 dled ° U Chrlst mas Day When an examination of her house was made, it was found to be in a state of indescribable squalor. ffnn r - Ch revealed a hoard of over f ’ s^ ld . and silver, while cbrlv, i ° ffice Savings Bank book credit a considerable balance to her r There were two bankbooks of the mtnv S v°if baDk ' T hich was taken over S as ° by Barclays Bank, j In addition there were bundles of deeds relating to property hi the town including several houses in the street in which she lived, firm T lll y as discovered, but a local firm ot solicitors made inquiries a ~d as a result they have been able to I find several relatives, who will share i in the estate.