HUNTER CASE

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 13, 15 July 1937, Page 11

HUNTER CASE

EVIDENCE NEARS END

Evidence in the Hunter case was expected to be finished in the Supreme Court today, the beginning of the fifth week of hearing, and the Court was then to adjourn until Monday, when counsels' addresses will be. delivered. The plaintiff, Lady Hunter, alleges mismanagement of the estate of her husband, the- late Sir George Hunter, by the two defendants. Cyril Paul Hunter and Thomas Percy Hunter, whom she seeks to have removed from the trusteeship. They deny her allegations. Mr Justice Smith is presiding. Mr. J. D. Willis and Mr. R. R- Scott are appearing for the plaintiff and Mr. C. H Weston, K.C., and Mr. J. H. Dunn for the defendants. William Hollis Leighton, a land agent and valuer, with eleven years' experience, said he had inspected the Hunter estate property in Dixon Street. « placed upon the main house a rental value of £7 10s a week. He would ask a little more to test the market but would accept £7 from a thoroughly reliable tenant. A present rental of £7, rising to £8 for the next two years, would be a reasonable rent. Alexander Dunn,' barrister ' and solicitor, gave evidence of financial transactions, in rebuttal of the plaintiff's allegations under the second cause of action, relating to the Pf™-. of a sum of £1166 on behalf of Sir George Hunter to-the estate of Thomas Paul Hunter, his brother. The witness dealt also with the financial position of the George Hunter estate. The business of Bcthune and Huntei had been his since 1010, said the witness continuing today, he having succeeded to it on the death of his father. The business was founded by Sir George's grandfather in 1840. 1 In. witness's father and Mr. Robert Hu - tor had the business in partnership in 1880. Since the purchase of Lorangahau station by Sir George's father the station accounts had been kept b> Bethune and Hunter. _ For looking after the affairs of the estate, said the witness, the firm icceived £250 a year, the use of the Old Customhouse Street office, and payment of 8d a bale of wool shipped. As against that the firm rebated to the estate all cash discounts and rebates, giving the benefit of wholcsa c prices fn goods bought. The Arm kept the station books, collected vents and interest, looked after the lett ng o properties, and was the general agent for the trustees in Wellington. Cross-examined by Mr. Willis, the; witness said that Bethune and Huntei had a staff of two-an accountantmanager and a typist. The witness was lengthily questioned by Mr. Willis on financial transactions affecting the estate. (Proceeding.)