LAW.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7003, 28 April 1884, Page 2 (Supplement)

LAW.

We are likely to have a "native will case" before the Courts shortly which will attract a good deal of attention. Patuone, a native, brought an action to recover possession of a piece of land from Mr. C. O. £>avis, the wellknown interpreter. Plaintiff claimed the land as son of Eruera Patuone, deceased, who occupied during the latter portion of his life 15 acres of land near Lake Takapuna. It is stated that this land is now worth £3000. Eruera Patuone was suppoied to have died intestate. His descendant got a "succession order" in the usual form, and proceeded to sell the laud. But ho was met by a will in favour of Wiremu Patuone, a relative of the elder Patuone. Wiremu conveyed a moiety of. this land to C. O. Davis. Hence the action by the son to recover possession. The plaintiff declares that the will set up was obtained fraudulently ; that is, by undue influence and coercion. The criminal sittings of the Circuit Court opened on the 3rd of April. The calendar was light as regards the number of offences, but some of these were of a serious character. There was one case of arson, one of rape, and one of shooting with intent to murder. The civil sittings opened on the 9th. - There were no cases tried of general public interest.