NORTHCLIFFE’S ESTATE

Taranaki Daily News, 3 December 1926, Page 7

NORTHCLIFFE’S ESTATE

REMARKABLE LAWSUIT. By Telegraph—Press Assn—Copyright London, Dee. 1. A remarkable lawsuit is engaging the Chancery Division. Louise Owen, who was Lord Northcliffe’s confidential secretory and beneficiary under hia will, is claiming that the sale of newspaper properties by Sir George Sutton to Lord Rothennere on September 20, 1922, for £1,643,000 should be voided. Plaintiff claims that the property was really worth much more, as was shown by the fact that Lord Rothermere sold them a yehr later tor’ £5,600,000. The Inland Revenue Office is also in-

terested in- the suit, believing that th© value of the death duties was under, estimated. Seventeen King’s Counsel are engaged in the case, which is additionally interesting as plaintiffs suggests a breach of trust on the part of Sir George Sutton and Lord Rothermere, who are both in a judiciary position in relation to the estate. Received Dec. 2, 7.5 p.m. London, Dec. 2. Mr. Thomas -Marlowe, late editor of the Daily Mail and at present chairman of directors, gave evidence that he sought to purchase a controlling number of shares on behalf of Sir Malcolm Fraser, formerly Chief Agent for the Conservative Party, but did not pursue the matter after learning that Sir George Sutton had accepted Lord Rothermere’s offer. The witness said he might have offered £5 to £6 per share if he had known the price Sir George Sutton would consider. The hearing was adjourned.