A DISPUTED WILL.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20708, 4 May 1929, Page 24

A DISPUTED WILL.

WIDOW’S ANNUITY INCREASED. PUBLIC TRUSTEE RAISES NO OBJECTION. (Per United Press Association.) AUCKLAND, May 3. Considered by Mr Justice Blair to have been allowed an insufficient sum under the will of her husband, Annie Skene had her annuity under a will raised from £lB2 to £3OO in the Supreme Court to-day. The judge further ordered that Mrs Skene should be paid a lump sum of £250 for her present requirements. The allowance for Mrs Skene was described by Mr Richmond, who conducted the claim against the Public Trustee, as unjust and showing want of recognition of moral duty.” The assets of the estate at the death of Allan Skene on January 28 were £9385 19s Bd, and the liabilities £54 10s. “ The manner in which the testator has dealt with his wife is highly unjust,” Mr Richmond said. “ One can only call it that, Mrs Skene has been left practically penniless. In asking that the annuity should be increased to £3OO. a large amount is not being asked for. A lump sum of £250 is also claimed for Mrs Skene’s immediate needs.” ‘ I am bound to say there is a good deal of justice in my friend’s contentions, said Mr Johnstone, representing the Public Trustee and other beneficiaries under the will. “It is conceded that the deceased had a moral duty to perform, and we do not think it unreasonable that a sufficient sum should be allowed to Mrs Skene. Charities in the United Kingdom—some of them are as far away as Aberdeen—to which money has been left would probably not put. forward any strenuous opposition to an amount being paid to the widow.” The judge agreed, it appeared that the deceased had not fulfilled his moral duty to the person most entitled to consideration. In making the new annuity payable from the date of death he said the will would stand in all other respects.