SHARE OF AM ESTATE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 189, 15 July 1925, Page 3

SHARE OF AM ESTATE.

MISSING MAN TURNS UP. » (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, July 14. A story with a touch of romance about it was revealed when a simple, matter-of-fact document, in the form of an affidavit, was filed at the office of the Supreme Court. This document, properly attested, identified beyond any shadow of doubt -a middle-aged man as Alfred Duncan Glass, who, in the course of proceedings in the Supreme Court a month ago, involving the interpretation of the will of his father, the late. John Glass, was stated to have disappeared in 1902 and had not since been heard of. The point which the Court had to determine was whether Alfred Duncan Glass or his son, Alfred George Duncan Glass, was entitled to a share of the estate of testator.

Considerable doubt having arisen owing to extraordinary mistakes having been made in the names of several of tho descendants of. tho testator, after going closely into the case, Mr Justice Reed came to the conclusion that the son of the testator, Alfred Duncan Glass, was entitled to the share in question, and ruled accordingly. It then became necessary to locate the beneficiary, but a series of advertiser merits failed to disclose any trace of the man, who had not been heard of by liis nearest relatives for 23 years. This produced a rather complicated position, but last Monday the missing heir reported his arrival in Auckland. Ho explained that he had left Auckland about 23 years ago, leaving his wife, who had since died in Auckland.

He went to reside in Hastings, and had since remained there continuously, going under the name of Alfred Campbell, his mother’s maiden name having been Campbell. About a month ago, an acquaintance who had known him at Devonport and Ngaruawnhia as Glass and as Campbell at Hastings, drew his attention to a newspaper report of the will case. He and his friend lost no time in coming to Auckland, travelling overland by motor car. He was readily identified by his elder brother and by an aunt, who had been appointed executrix under the will. These facts were legally set out and lodged with the Supreme Court in an affidavit. Thus, by .the lucky chance of the reading of a newspaper report by an acquaintance, ,the fortunate beneficiary is placed in a position toreceive a legacy of 'over £7OO.