DISPUTED WILL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 298, 17 December 1930, Page 21

DISPUTED WILL.

LATE SIR GEORGE HUNTER. 'EVERYBODY WILL BE HAPPY' PROVISION FOR YOUNGER SON. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Tuesday. The hearing was continued in the Supreme Court to-day before Mr. Justice Reed of the case concerning the will of the late Sir George Hunter, the granting of probate of which is opposed by Lady Hunter, chiefly on the ground that when the will and codicils purported to have been executed Sir George was not of sound mind, memory and understanding. Sister Alice Maud West said she was called to Sir George's house in Dixon Street 011 September 27 by Lady Hunter. She remained there until December 19. Throughout that time Sir George showed a steady improvement. Several days after Sir George became ill Mr. Dunn, his solicitor, visited the house, and there j was some talk of a will being made. Witness remembered a, long interview Sir George had with Mr. Dunn. Sir I George appeared to have stood it well. Witness said to Lady Hunter that she hoped the interview had not unduly taxed Sir George. Lady Hunter replied: "Oh, well,' West, it is nice that everybody will be happy now I have got Sir George to leave Bobby some." Bobby was Lady Hunter's younger son.

Sister West said that for some weeks Sir George had been practising his signature, winch he was anxious to be able to write. One morning Sir George asked witness if she would mind witnessing hie will. He had no difficulty in expressing himself. Lady Hunter also asked witness if she would witness the will, which she did. Sir George signed the will by making liis mark on a number of pages. ' Mr. Gray: Sir George had been practising writing bis signature. Why did he not write his name? Witness: It was because it was considered that the exertion would be too great a strain on liis right hand, in view of the paralysis in his right arm. As far as you can see, did Sir George show any signs of failing intelligence and mentality ? No, he was regaining strength all the time I was with him. When she left, said witness, Sir George was in an advanced state of convalescence. Not long ago witness had had a conversation with Lady Hunter over the telephone. She said she was disputing the will. ■ Sir George had "bested" her and had gone to Mr. Dunn's office on the day they left for Rotorua, and revoked part of the will concerning Betty, and had left his nephews £5000 each. Mr. Watson said he must object to the. fact that' Dr. Steele had been nodding his head and signalling to witness with his hands. Mr. Gray: I must confess I have seen nothing of that., ... Mr. Watson: I have been watching it closely. His Honor said lie thought the witness could be relied upon. Sister West, in answer to his Honor, said she had no>t been looking at Dr. Steele. Dr. Steele, who had been sitting next to Mr. Gray, rose and protested against Mr. Watson's allegations. "I can assure vour Honor I have been doing nothing of the kind," he'said. Turning to Mr. Watson, he added: "I am rather suiprised at your suggesting it." Dr. Steele left his seat alongside Mr. Gray. Dr. Hughes Steele said Sir George was in a semi-comatose condition when he had first seen him, but lie rapidly improved. Witness spoke to Sir George about the will and he was satisfied tnat he knew what he was doing. _ Witness had never heard any suggestion about mental impairment until the present case had been started. His opinion was that Sir George never had suffered from mental impairment. He had suffered from mental lethargy, which had slowly passed away, until in June, 1030, he had had complete control of his mental faculties. The Court then adjourned.