THE DRUCE CASE.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXX, Issue 9016, 30 December 1907, Page 5

THE DRUCE CASE.

FACULTY FOR OPENING THE GRAVE. LONDON, December 27. Chancellor Tristram, K.G., Chancellor of the Diocese of London, has granted a faculty for the opening of the grave of the late T. C. Druce, but refused leave for George Hollamby Druce or his solicitor to be present, as that was unnecessary, because a doctor of the Home Office would be entirely responsible for the exhumation. Herbert Druce did not oppose the opening of the grave.

STATEMENT BY DRUCE'S COUNSEL. OPENING OF GRAVE IMMATERIAL. WAS A QUESTION OF VALIDITY OF MARRIAGE. Received December 29, 4.40 p.m. LONDON,, December 28. Mr Statham, Hollamby Druce's counsel,stated before Chancellor Tristram that the opening of the vault was absolutely immaterial, as the main issue in Druce's action against Howard De Walden did n it tufn on fhe Question of the mock burial, but on the fact of whether the fifth Duke married Elizabeth Crickner, and whether the mairiage was valid, both being under age. Hollamby Druce claimed to be a descendant of that marriage. Whether the Duke ; of Portland was subsequently guilty of eccentricities and indulged h a mock funeral did not affect the question. Mr Hollamby Druce and Mr T. K. Cockburn, solicitor, would like to be present at the opening of the vault, though they would be represented by a medical man and a surveyor. Mr Herbert Druce, owner of the grave, would be similarly represented. Chancellor Tristram thought that Mr Hollamby Druce's presence was unnecessary, since he would be repre-

sented. The "Daily Mail" states that the opening of Druce's grave wiU take place on Monday.