HAMILTON MAN’S LEGACY

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 June 1928, Page 2

HAMILTON MAN’S LEGACY

RICH UNCLES’ ESTATE

(Special to “Star.")

AUCKLAND, June 23.

A fortune of £B5OO has been inherited by Leonard Wilfred Williams Brown, of Hamilton, as a sequel to the death of two uncles in England. Cabled advice was received by Mr Brown yesterday that the Probate CouH case concerning the disposition of the estate of Uncle Charles Joseph Brown, Newport, banker, referred to in that morning’s cables, had been settled. Charles Brown died last May, at the age of 80, and his estate was valued at £50,000. The case has been settled as the result of an agreement to divide the estate equally between Miss Ansell, the late Mr Brown’s housekeeper, and the four children of Air Brown’s brother, each of whom will receive £lO,OOO The fortunes of the Brown family were founded by Samuel James Brown, grandfather of Leonard Brown, of Hamilton. The former owned two private batiks known as William AViUiams Brown and Company, Leeds, and Brown, Jensen and Company, London. The businesses were carried on by Charles Joseph Brown and his brother, the late William James Brown. The latter died last August leaving net personalty of £30,000, three-twelfths of which Leonard Brown inherits, in addition to the amount left by his Uncle Charles. This brings Mr Brown’s fortune up to £8,500. Legal correspondence that lias passed between the executors of the wills and Air Brown attest to the accuracy of the position in which Air Brown finds himself. Other beneficiaries in the fortune left, by Charles Brown are two brothers and a sister of fSßonard Browm who live in Christchurch. Leonard Brown was born in Christchurch 56 years ago. lor the past fourteen years he has been a resident of Hamilton and for four years has conducted a labour registry office. His lather is living in retirement in Auckland. Mr Brown is married and has six children. While in Hamilton. Mr Brown has taken a keen interest in the Athletic Association, and is Chairman pf the Hamilton Rugby Union Advisory Board. He is also handicapper of various Waikato sports fixtures and swimming events.