BACHELOR'S WILL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 8

BACHELOR'S WILL.

BROTHERS AT LAW. VALIDITY CHALLENGED. FORMER MAJIGAWAI RESIDENT A hearing which is expected to occupy two days. involving' an action for probate in solemn form of the will of William Charles Wintle, formerlv of -Manfrawai, was commenced in the .Supreme Court before Mr. -Justice Smith this morning. The plaintifTs are Alfred Wintle and Claud Wintle (Mr. Richmond and Mr. Weir) and the defendant Walter Wintle (Mr. Hume). Mr. Richmond, in outlining the action, said the testator, William Charles Wintle, was a farm assistant and a bachelor. He died 011 July 13 of last year at the age of 07. 17 days after making a will leaving his estate to the children of his brother. Claud Wintle. The defendant, Walter Wintle, was also a brother of the deceased and had two children, and the defendant alleged that at the time of making his will the testator did not have testamentary capacity and did not approve of the contents of the will, also that undue influence had been exercised by Claud Wintle. sen., and members of his familv. It was also claimed, said Mr. Richmond, that the testator had been imbecile from birth, but a volume of evidence would be called to refute the allegation.

The testator hart lived for a number of years with his brother Claud and the latter's family at Mangawai, and about a quarter of a mile away lived the defendant, Walter Wintle. The deceased's estate was rot a big one, the chief item being an annuity of £100. He had a small amount of money, about £200. Many witnesses who had known the deceased for a number of years would be called to say that he was not imbecile, but that he was keen, alert and well able to conduct, and did capably conduct, liis business transactions. Evidence is being called on the lines indicated by Mr. Richmond.