IS MANGAWAI BACHELOR'S WILL VALID?

Northern Advocate, 12 June 1937, Page 6

IS MANGAWAI BACHELOR'S WILL VALID?

[Special to “Northern Advocate ”l AUCKLAND, Friday.

The hearing was continued in the Supreme Court yesterday of a dispute regarding the validity of a will of William Charles Wintle, retired farmer of Mangawai, whose death occurred on July 19 of last year. Mr Justice Smith presided.

Shrewd Man in Money Matters.

Continuing his evidence yesterday, Claude Wintle, Senr., brother of the testator, stated that all witness’ buying was done for him by William, and he was more alert than most at picking up news.

Other witnesses who had known deceased intimately gave evidence, which showed tha\; he used to deliver meat and bread over a period of years. He was a shrewd man in money matters, had a good memory,, could jread and write and was a good companion, the evidence showed. . ■ Walter Wintle, for the defence, said that his brother William learned nothing under a governess they had. For several years he went to school, but the teachers were practically unable to teach him. He did nothing on the farm and spent his time wandering about. > " “NfevCr Fit to Make Will.” He had never known his. brother to read anything' and had never seen any writing of his except his name. William was never fit to make a will. The day following the making of the will, deceased informed witness that he did not sign. He stated that they had taken his hand and put a cross on the paper. He said that the will had not been read to him. At this stage the court adjourned until this morning.

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