HUNTER WILL CASE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 73, Issue 450, 16 December 1930, Page 8

HUNTER WILL CASE

THE HEARING CONTINUED j Per Press Association. ] WELLINGTON, Dee. 35. Top hearing was continued at the Supreme Court today of the case in which the granting of probate of the will of Sir George Hunter is opposed by Lady Hunter. Gwendoline Hunter, wife of Thomas Percv Hunter, one of the executors of. the will, said that she visited Sir George on December 8. 1929, when his mental condition seemed much as usual. Though there was a very slight hesitation in some ot his words, he showed no sign of failing intelligence. When she saw him on June 3 following. he was very bright and she observed no signs of lapse of memory or failure. Subsequently on August 9 he appeared to be particularly well. Etta G. List, accountant. deposed to having witnessed Sir George make his mark to two codicils on April 7 last. He spoke in quite a sane manner. After Sir George’s death, witness heard Lady Hunter complain about the injustices of the will, that Betty had been left practically destitute and that it was ridiculous to think that two codicils could be made out in about ten minutes, when the third one took about two months to complete. Witness said the she knew lots of people who had talked to Hunter and none had mentioned that he was incapable of making his will or trans acting business. Htd she heard anyone mention that he was not absolutely sane she worn 1 have demurred to signing the will. Thomas Percy Hunter said that he visited - Sir George four days after he had bad a stroke. .Sir George looked sick and showed a tendency to run one word into another, but witness was sure that Sir George was not lacking in understanding. When the saw Sir George between November 8 and JO he appeared better. He had lost his flushed appearance and his speech had improved. He had not heard Lady Hunter suggest that he was lacking in mental capacity nor had he notice, any sign of mental impairment. At the meeting of trustees after Sir George’s death. Lady Hunter ba 1 agreed with the decisions made. The Two Wills.. Answeiiug a further question from Air Watson, witness said he thought Sir George had been as capable of mental effort up to the time of his death as he had been before the stroke, though in iSeptember an . November he had b«eu less capable of that effort. Counsel: At what point of time did he regain that position I His Honour: That is a very difficult question for a layma.. to answer. Witness said he thought Sir George's trip to Rotorua had done him good. He bad appeared stronger physically, though there was no change mentally. His speech was quite normal. Witness had been present at the discussion between Lady Hunter and his brother about the October will. Mr Watson: You know that Lady Hunter is better off under the October will than the November will? —Yes. And Lady Hunter’s whole attitude at this discussion was to benefit the child and not hersel? —Yes, and the rest of the Hunter family. She was concerned about the double death duties? —Yes. Did you agree that it was desirable that Sir George should make a will and avoid double death duties? —1 suppose so. Obviously it was a bad provision. Answering further questions, witness .said he thought Sir George had complete confidence in his wife to look after the child, and witness attached no importance to the will leaving the child with no home of her own until she reached 21 years of age. Witness said, in answer to further questions, that Lady Hunter hair had the house properly valued. It had been agreed that some rental would have to be obtained for the house. Dealing with the probable value of the estate and the income to be derived, witness said that he thought the land at Porangahau was worth over £l3 an acre. Mr Watson: Can you say if there is any prospect of payment of annuities and other demands from the income from the estate for some years to come* Witness: No. not at present prices. Witness was re-examined at length by Mr Gray, who quoted from various letters written by both witness and Lady Hunter. The Court adjourned until to-morrow mo rain g.