MONEY IN CHESTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22086, 16 April 1935, Page 8

MONEY IN CHESTS

DISCOVERY AT HOUSE ESTATE OF BLIND MAN BEQUEST TO THE INSTITUTE RESIDENT OF RAMARAMA A search of a house at Ramarama, formerly occupied by a blind man, recently brought, to light a sum of money hidden in two old sea chests. The money, which totalled £llO, included 13 sovereigns. The occupant of the house, the late Mr. William Edward Gates, who died on April 2, was a well-known identity in the district, and spent his time in making baskets. It was an idiosyncracy of his that no fire was allowed in the house, although his friends had urged him to instal a heating system.

Among several bequests left by deceased was one of £IOO and 30 acres of ground to the New Zealand Institute for the Blind, the executors of his small estate, and it was with the anticipation that Mr. Gates had accumulated liquid resources that a search was made of his dwelling by representatives of the institute and some of his friends. Deceased left bequests to certain people who had cared for him, and the money discovered will be placed to the credit of the estate.