MISSING WILL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 279, 25 November 1941, Page 8

MISSING WILL

INTENSIVE SEARCH

ERRY CASE DEVELOPMENTS

Despite an intensive search, no trace has yet been found of the will of Mrs. Alice Merry, whose death in Wellington recently was followed by the sensational discovery in her house of banknotes to the value of nearly £27,000. Every solicitor in N'ew Zealand has been circularised, and it is now proposed to tear down t,he lining of the late Mrs. Merry's bedroom in a last attempt to locate a will.

The only document found is a blank printed will form, unsigned and therefore valueless. This discovery was made among Mrs. Merry's effects last week, according to Mr. Prescott Jenson, of 59. St. Stephen's Avenue, Auckland, who returned to-day from Wellington where he has been assisting in the search.

Mr. Jenson said he had visited Mrs. Merry regularly during seven years he spent in Wellington, and in the 12 months he had lived in Auckland he had maintained a constant correspondence.

"Early in January, 1938, Mrs. Merry told me that she was going to change her will, as she had a further four new houses in Coutts Street to leave to someone," said Mr. Jenson. "She also said she wanted to make provision for a special tomb, which she told me would cost £1200, for the three members of the family.

"Between February and March she frequently questioned me concerning the activities of various Wellington churches and charities. One evening late in March she asked for my full name and address, but when she learned that I was under the age of 21 she said I would be of no use to her in what she wanted done.

"After that evening I did not hear any more about the will, and naturally thought that she had completed it. I pow think it likely that there is a chance of Mrs. Merry having destroyed the will made in 1937, intending to make a new one in 1938, but putting it off and not making another."

Mr. Jenson added that in his opinion there was no will in existence, and the relatives would have to decide what steps would be taken to divide the estate, following the claims made by the Government.