APPLICATION BY WIDOW

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23288, 25 August 1945, Page 4

APPLICATION BY WIDOW

Provision Sought From Late Son’s Estate (Special) CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 24. An application by Ellen Barber, widow, of Christchurch (Mr J. .K. Moloney), was granted by his Honour Mr Justice Northcroft in the Supreme Court to-day. The- petitioner sought financial assistance from the estate of her son, William George Barber, who was killed on active service in 1943. The defendant was Jean Peterson, Albury, executrix and sole beneficiary under the will, for whom Mr G. S. Raymond (Timaru) appeared. Mr Moloney said that Barber had left an estate of about £7OO. After death duties had been paid, there was £537 in the bank. Mrs Barber was receiving £B4 a year age benefit and a soldier's dependant’s allowance, but was otherwise destitute. His Honour said that Mrs Barber had had an unfortunate life. The son had been brought up in an orphanage, and had been befriended by the defendant, Mrs Peterson, and he would therefore not disturb the disposal of the capital. In answer to his Honour, Mr Raymond said that his information was that Mrs Barber could not receive more than 10/- a week without having her present benefits reduced. His Honour said that he proposed to make an order granting Mrs Barber such income from the estate as would not reduce the pension she at present received, and adjourned the case to enable counsel to ascertain by bow much her income could be increased.