MYSTERY MAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 10 April 1926, Page 9

MYSTERY MAN.

DEATH IN STRANDED YACHT. Australian and N.Z. Gable. Association. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, April 8. In the year 1896 the palatial steam yacht Viilfroyiu, 1800 tons, arrived off the Essex const, and dropped anchor, which was not weighed until 9 years ago, when the yacht was dry docked at Wivenhoe, an old-world village on the Essex Coast. The owner. Mr Bayard Brown,, an American millionaire, strikingly handsome. and stalwart, remained aboard the whole of 36 years, until he died to-day, white haired and aged 74 years. The props with, which the yacht was dry docked are aged one) rotten, but tho hull is shiningly spick and span. Thero is a complete crew of a dozen aboard, together . .with ample provisions. . The engines were kept oiled and ready to start instantly, but the order’ did not come. Extraordinary mystery e-urrounds tile owner; who was , friendless. It is. known that he came, from California, where , he is believed to have belonged to a family of rich,, bankers. . , The world first heard of Brown when, the British court assessed his income at £IO,OOO annually, on which he was ordered to pay’ taxes. He seldom had visitors. , . ■ He talked on the strangest subjects, and incoherently, and always lapsed into silence when America was mentioned. '

He was known to give £SO when asked for help. At other times he met a request with a : nr of coal. He used to spend 1 leaning on the rail of the yacht, c;.,p on the back of the head, gazing towards the North Sea.

“CROSSED IN LOVE.” CLOSER VIEW OF STRANGE CHARACTER. CLOSELY INTERESTED IN FINANCE.’ By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received April 9, 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, April 8. It is stated that Bayard Brown, who died aboard Iris yacht, Valfreyia, when young was crossed in love, consequently lie left America. It is stated that when his father died, lie was greatly distressed. Ho went on a world cruise, and finally decided not o return. Brown, however, never confided his reasons. Only once he slept away from tho ship during repairs. He had a private secretary, but ho came and went. Visitors were never allowed aboard. Brown was generous in his own peculiar way. It is known he made many benefactions in tho neighbourhood, mostly anonymously. It is stated he gave a quarter of a million since hero.

It is now disclosed, in spite of eccentricities and general supposition that lie lived an aimless life, that Brown was actively engaged in business till his death. Intimate friends say finance was his hobby. It sis believed lie trebled his fortune while here. Only a fortnight ago lie sold a block of property in New York at a profit of several thousands, and was going to tho American Consulate this week to sign the deeds. Another, who had known Brown for thirty-live years, says lie probably knew inoro about Wall Street than any man living. He visited London two or three times a week, and despatched cables to America, mid returned to the yacht the moment his. business was done, Brown’s lawyers and secret,'uy T conferred aboard yesterday. It is understood a proposal was discussed l.n convey the body to New York for burial in the tomb of his faLhcr. It. is likely the Valfreyia will go at least part of the journey. The. yacht is in splendid condition owing to Brown’s hobby and perfection of workmanship.