Booth V. Booth

End of Lengthy N.G. Case

From Our Own Correspondent.

RABAUL, December 18.

The Chief Judge gave his judgment in the lengthy Booth litigation on November 28.

The plaintiff, Charles Booth, claimed that he was entitled to a dredging or sluicing claim known as Cliff side; also another claim known as Clifftop. He claimed for the sum of £3,000 which it was allege had been wrongfully retained by the defendant (Mrs. Doris Booth) and also furniture and household effects wrongfully retained.

In his summing up His Honour re viewed the evidence of the case, which had lasted in the Central Court for thirty-two days. In his resume the Chief Judge recalled the remarkable pioneer work of this married couple on the gold fields of Morobe.

The details were interesting, and showed something of the operations of such men as W. Park, W. Royal and others of the early miners of the Bulolo and Edie Creek. Reference was made to an option which one of the big companies took over the Cliffside lease, but failed to exercise. £5,000 was paid for this option.

The resume contained references to the Booth’s trip abroad in 1928; to the pur chasing of property in Hollywood: and the publishing of the book “Mountains, Gold and Cannibals,” which, the evidence showed, was written by a Mr. O’Dwyer from material furnished by Mrs. Doris Booth.

His Honour severely criticised the evl

dence of both plaintiff and defendant, and their actions in matters which led up to the case. He returned a verdict for the defendant in the first three claims made by the plaintiff; but allowed the latter his claim for furniture, household effects, etc.

The costs are to be taxed and an order for stay of proceedings was granted for three months.