NEW ZEALAND LAND.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 221, 19 September 1927, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND LAND.

«Ap CHEAP AS XT EVER WILL

i. :£.3aߣ> BE "

A FARM WHICH PROSPERED.

"Land in New Zealand to-day is probably as cheap as it ever will be," said Mr. D. C. Chalmers, barrister, in the Supreme Court to-day when making application for a payment of £500 each to two of the sons of a Whakatane farmer, deceased, in order to enable them to start in business on their own account. It was a case in which Annie Comiskey, widow, and George Henry and Thomas Patrick, sons of the late Patrick Comiskey, applied for increased provision from an estate valued at approximately £12,000. They were represented by Mr. Chalmers. Mr. A. H. Johnstone appeared for the Public Trustee and the two daughters of deceased, KatlQeen and Patricia, whilst Mr. J. Hogben represented the eldest son, Charles Stafford Comiskey. Mr. Chalmers said the farmer died on January 4 last, after having occupied a farm of 130 acres on the Whakatane River for 30 years. He left an annuity of £3 a week and a house on the property. The house was old-fashioned and unsuitable for Mrs. Comiskey'a use, particularly in view of the fact that her relations with the eldest son, to whom the farm was left, were not at present amicable. In an affidavit the widow stated that she had worked long hours and endured great privations in her work on the -farm, and an affidavit by one of the sons attributed the prosperity which was attained mainly to his mother's work and management. Mr. Hogben opposed any reduction in the allowance of the eldest son.

Judge Stringer said some additional allowance should be made for the widow; the only question was the incidence of it. He did not think anything could be done for the younger sons unless they were willing to accept £500 now instead of the legacies of £1000 each to which they would be entitled on the death of the widow. He reserved judgment.