MISSING WILL

Grey River Argus, 28 May 1935, Page 5

MISSING WILL

Probate Granted ON A COPY. (Per Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, Alay 27. Probate of a will, the original of , which could not be found, was granted by Air Judice N<nrhcroft in the Supreme Court to-day. The will was that of William Houston AfeLean, who committed suicide on November 13th. 1934. The ap}»Jication was made by the executor and executrix under the will, and it was not opposed by the next-ot-Kiii, who were beneficiaries. The estate was one of approximately eiO.OOO. 'rhe testator made a will on May ITthj, 1930. He was given the • riginal will, and a copy was made, md retained in his solicitor's office. It wa.-* on this copy that probate was sought. After his death, ihe original will could not be found, Il was sltated that, immediately before his death, McLean had suggested varying tlm will bv the appointing of his brother as an additional exeeillor. but not alt ering the dispos’d ion. of his property. Ft was argued that there was no evidence that AfeLean had wished to die intestate. In all of these statementsk counsel for the next-of-kin concurred. His Honour granted the application.