WIDOW'S CLAIM

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 102, 4 May 1929, Page 11

WIDOW'S CLAIM

GEANTED BY JUDGE

INCREASED ANNUITY (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, ,3rd May. Considered by Mr. Justice Blair to have been allowed an insufficient sum under the will of her husband, Annie Skeno had her annuity under the will raised from £182 to £300 in the Supreme Court to-day. The Judge further ordered that Mrs. Skene should be paid a lump sum of £250 for her present requirements. The allowance for Mrs. Skcno was described by Mr. Richmond, who conducted the claim against the Public Trustee, as "unjust and showing want of recognition of moral duty." The assets of the estate at the death of Allan Skeno on 2Sth January were £9385 19s Sd, and the liabilities £54 10s. "The manner in which the testator has dealt with his wife is highly unjust,'' Mr. Richmond said. " One can only call it that Mrs. Skene has been left practically penniless. In askinothat the annuity should be increased to £300 a large amount is not being asked for. A lump sum of £250 is also claimed for Mrs. Skene's immediate needs.'' "I am bound to say there is a good deal of justice in my friend's contentions," said Mr. Johnstone, representing the Public Trustee and other beneficiaries under the will. "It is conceded that the deceased had a moral duty to perform, and we do not think it unreasonable . that a sufficient sum should bo allowed to Mrs. Skene. The chanties represented in the United Kingdom—some of them are as far away as Aberdeen—to which money has been left would probably not put forward any strenuous opposition to some amount being paid to the widow." The Judge agreed it appeared that the deceased had not fulfilled his moral duty to the person most entitled to consideration. In making a new annuity payable from the date of death he said the will would stand in all other respects.