SUPREME COURT.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXI, Issue 12480, 17 September 1904, Page 4

SUPREME COURT.

AN UNUSUAL CASE.. Per Press Association. " DUNEDIN, September 16.At the Supreme Court to-day a case was commenced of an unusual nature. It was in the form" of a motion in re the matter of Thomas Keenan for a ruli nisi for the issue of a writ of habeas corpus. Keenan was a runholder of Dunstan Creek, but is now residing at Forbury road, and is believed, to have- property worth from £25,000 to £30,000. He was seized by a stroke of paralysis and • asked A. H. Vernon King, then a bank manager, but now a gold buyer, to look after his affairs. In March last Keenan was removed to Dnnedin, and is living in Forbury road, where three male servants attend on him» It is alleged that he is kept under restraint by King, and that Ke is completely under his influence. Affidavits were filed by two Catholic priests, W. L. Simpson and agister of Keenan, recently from Ireland, to.show that they were denied access to Keenan, except with difficulty; that Keenan expressed his fear of being i'l-freated by his attendants if they heard him complain, and that he had expressed a desire that W. L. Simpson should look after his interests, and get a statement of accounts from King.. On the other side an affidavit was filed by Keenan, denyiDg that he desired to" take his affairs out of King's hands, and by King, who declared that- he had submitted statements to Keenan. He was sole executor under Keenan's will. Drs Roberts and Colquhoun made . Affidavits, that Keenan was capable of knowing his own business interests. Dr Rilev, who was present when Keenan signed the affidavit, ; thought the man understood the meaning and purport of the affidavit. Dr Church, medical at-, tendant on Keenan, srrid that the latter had expressed satisfaction with his surroundings and attendance, and annoyance at the proceedings being taken against King. Evidence was given by Dr Church. A. H. Vernon King was examined by Mr J. E. M. Eraser as to his dealings with, Keenan's money. He declined to give some information, but admitted that the money was transferred from the Bank of New South Wa'es and placed in the Union Bank to witness' account,. Before seeking final judgment Mr Eraser.suggested that Keenan should be seen by persons of repute, not doctors. Mr Justice Williams said that the, case could not rest where it was. He affidavits made out a prima, facie case of coercion which the other affidavits did not rebut. A very unsatisfactory state of things had been disclosed. Tlie case had better stand over till Mondav. to see if it could be arranged for two independent persons •to see Keenan.