WIDOW’S ESTATE

Hokitika Guardian, 11 November 1936, Page 7

WIDOW’S ESTATE

PLAINTIFF’S ACTION SUCCEEDS

PALMERSTON N., November 9

In a reserved judgment, Mr Justice Ostier granted Artnur Tanu uraveuor Rhodes, of 10 Old Jewry, Lonuuii, letters of administration in respect of the will of the late Catherine Wilson, a widow, of Palmerston. North, as trustee lor the legatee, Brinsley Sheridau Buslie Plunket, a son of a former Governor of New Zealand. Mrs Wilson died in January, 1935, bemg discovered lying at the foot of the stairs in her house by tue police, who had to break into the dwelling. I'or a number of years before that, Mrs Wilson lived the life of a recluse, and during the hearing of the case evidence was given that she was eccentric. Wills datqd October, >1815,, and February 8, 1922, were found; but a will dated February 17, 1922, was undiscovered, although a solicitor had a copy. Rhodes claimed that he was entitled to probate on this third will; but on the other hand the. Public Trustee submitted that the will had been revoked by destruction. His Honour stated that this , presumption by the defendant was based on the premise that . Mrs Wilson retained her testamentary capacity; bub in the last few months of her life she suffered from delusional insanity which ,caused her to -entertain an unreasonable hatred of the aristocracy as a class, and that hatred was calculated to poison her mind against Plunket. She accordingly was-Mncap-able ~of revoking the will. ;V . . '

The <|state is valued / at between Elß.ooo and £20,000. > : -