Millionaire's Will

Cromwell Argus, Volume LXI, Issue 3160, 27 April 1931, Page 3

Millionaire's Will

CHILDREN HAD TO WORK. A curious story is revealed as a result of the announcement of the will of Mr Montague Napier, head of D. Napier and Son. aeroplane engine manufacturers, who died leaving more than ,£1.000.000. Why the widow was disinherited, and his four children were left only annuities of ;£i,ooo while approximately .£700.000 was left upon trust to Mrs Norah Mary Fryer, who lives in the south of France, and the remainder for cancer research, is explained by a woman friend of the family in an interview in the 'Sundav Express,' in the absence of Mrs Napier, who is on her way from South Africa.

The friend says: -'The Napiers agteed to separate twelve or fourteen years ago. when the father told the children that they must not rely on his money. They must learn to'stand on their own legs, and make their own way in life. The children acted on his advice, and joined the ranks of the workers. One son became an engine driver, and the other is employed in a factory. One daughter has a lingerie shop, and the other plays a 'cello. ''A son said: 'Dad was entitled to do what he pleased with his own money. We do not care twopence," the friend continues. "Mr Napier gave his wife the choice of an allowance of £BOO a year during his lifetime or ,£3,000 a year in hor lifetime. She choose the former. Mrs Fryer is about fifty, and is the widow of a doctor, who attended Mr Napier main- years ago. She continued after her husband's death to act as Mr Napier's nurse-secretary. She wrote all his letters, even those to his children, towards whom Mr Napier performed occasional acts of generosity, although always insisting that they should make their own careers. Mr Napier, though a millionaire, lived simply. Mrs Fryer, who has means of her own, also believes in the simple life, and does not intend to change her mode of living." The 'Daily Express' in an editorial, says:—"When the, will showed that Mr Napier had left most of his money out of the family many thought how mean it was. Now the matter is explained most people say how fine it is. It is a sound principle that children should make their own way in life."