"HUMAN DOCUMENT."

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 293, 11 December 1929, Page 8

"HUMAN DOCUMENT."

LATE MISS CAMPBELL'S WILL RELIEF OP INDIGENT GENTLEWOMEN. SUPREME COURT - ASKED FUR INTERPRETATION". Eight counsel, representing, various benevolent, charitable and church, societies in Auckland, were engaged in a Supreme Court action before Mr. Justice Smith this morning, when nil interpretation of tho will of the late Miss Isabella Campbell, who died on March 27 of this year, was asked for. The will directed "that £.">OO each, be donated to the Auckland Presbyterian Social Service Association, the Home Mission fund of the Presbyterian Church, the Leslie Orphanage, St. Mary's Home, Otahuhu, and any society in the city of Auckland established for the maintenance or relief of indigent gentlewomen that may be in existence,at the time of my decease." On this clause the action was brought about. The plaintiff was James Alexander Peacock, solicitor, of Wellington, trustee of the estate (Mr. McVeagh) and the -defendants were John Falconer Ewen, warehouseman, of Aucklan:!, James Hay, Commissioner of the Salvation Army, George Craig Cruickehank, vicar of St. Mark's, Auckland, and others. Mr. McVeagh was for the plaintiffs. Mr. G. P. Fihlay appeared for the St. Vincent dc Paul Society, Mr. Northcroft for the Auckland Ladies' Benevolent Society, Mr. Reid for the Salvation Army, Mr. Cocker for tho Rev. Cruickshanjc and the Jannett Haridcock Memorial fund, Mr. Drummond for the Y.W.C.A., Mr. Weir for the Presbyterian Church Property -Trustees and Mr. Peak for the Martha Trouneon Benevolent Trust Board.' "This is a strikingly human document," said Mr. McVeagh, while reading tlu* will. Counsel said he appealed for tho assistance and direction of the Court in the administration of the late Miss Campbell's, will. The will contained various provisions and the question had arisen as to what bodies were entitled under the gifts.