MAORI WILL CASE:

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13725, 15 April 1908, Page 8

MAORI WILL CASE:

SOME FURTHER EVIDENCE, A QUESTION OF SANITY. Thk Maori will caw,' in which Mr. Heruirc Kails* u, M.P., sought toestablish Use validity of the will of all old Maori lady. named Mihi Biwi, of Waiuku, again came before Judge Edger, at, the Native I-and C.mrt yesterday. Mr. C. J. Parr appeared lor Mr. Nathan, and Mr. Fred. Earl for certain grandchildren of deceased, who contested the wilt on the grounds of idleged fraud, undue influence, and insanity Mr. Parr occupied most of the sitting in adducing evidence as to the sanity of the testatrix. A native named Taraihana, living near Waiuku, deposed that he frequently saw and conversed with Miiii Kiwi during the last years of her lift:, and she seemed quite clear in her mind. An old Maori, who said ho was a halfbrother in deceased, remembered Mihi corning i> his settlement at Onewbero, a fortnight before her death. He asked her where she had come from, whet; sir? replied t*>at she had go! too much drink at Waiuku, and was put into gaol, and on leaving gaol she was brought to Ouewhci-o. the witness then advised her to give up drin!:. She said, "No! 1* is food, and good for us to have." After this he ceased to lecture her on the evils of strong drink. When she came to Onewhero, she and her brother had a tangi, during which the, old woman wept copiously, and «m i nictated all their friends who had died since their last, meeting. This was regarded by the witness as. very strong cvi. donee of complete sanity. Mr. tribal!, a butcher, residing at Waiuku, testified to knowing Mihi for some year prior to her death. She frequently came to his shop and purchased meat. £he was quite sensible in her dealings and conversation. Mr. Earl railed Mr, Fitchett, the postmaster at vvaiuku, who said he remembered Mihi on one occasion entering the post office lobby with a large swag, which tihe deposited in a corner. She apparently intended te stay there all night. After a quarter of an hour he persuaded her to leave. She seemed silly from old age. In cross-examination by Mr. Parr, witness said he could not remember any conversation with her. This concluded the evidence, and the case was further adjourned for the addresses of counsel.