UNUSUAL CASE

Northern Advocate, 22 May 1929, Page 9

UNUSUAL CASE

WOMAN CLAIMS BANK DEPOSIT. BONA TIDES PROVED. (Per Press Association.—Copyright.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day, A case presenting unusual features came before the Supreme Court, when Sarah Leyland Nelson sought a declaration that the sum of £483, deposited in the Bank of New Zealand in the name of herself and John Watkins, a labourer, was her property.

The statement of claim set out that 35 years ago plaintiff contracted an informal marriage with Charles Nelson and during the course of her married life she amassed £483. Nelson died in 1926. As the result of a consultation with a friend (John Watkins) plaintiff, who knew little about the business of banking, decided to have the money placed in the bank and Watkins and she signed their names to the deposit slip. In 1927 Watkins was admitted to a- mental institution and the Public Trustee took over administration of his estate. Frederick Allen Ellis supported the evidence of plaintiff. His Heiioud said he had no doubt about the bona tides of the transaction and plaintiff was entitled to the declaration she asked for.