PUBLIC TRUSTEE'S POWERS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10303, 7 November 1911, Page 3

PUBLIC TRUSTEE'S POWERS.

AN IMPORTANT CASE. [PKIt PIIKSS ASSOCIATION.J AUCKLAND, November 7. A local resident died, leaving a grown-up family of live. Failing agreement as to one of their number being appointed administrator of the estate, a stranger was selected, but the Public Trustee interceded and claimed to be appoiiited administrator before a stranger. Tho family then agreed to select a daughter to l>e appointed to tho position, but the Trustee insisted that his rignt exceeded that of any of the children. Mr Justice Edwards was to-day asked to deal with the applications lodged on behalf of the eldest daughter and the Public Trustee. The Judge, .after hearing counsel, said lie would give a written decision, not because ol' any doubt oil the point but for the reason that the claim of the Public Tr ust.ee to interfere in the private affairs of every family concerned in an intestato estate was of immense importance to the public generally. He stated that lie was prepared to give an order appointing the daughter named administrator. Adult people had tho right to manage their own affairs and tho Department had no right to meddle in tho affairs of adult people.