LENGTHY LITIGATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20247, 16 July 1937, Page 10

LENGTHY LITIGATION.

HUNTER ESTATE DISPUTE. CONCLUSION OF EVIDENCE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Thursday. Evidence in the Hunter case, which began in the Supreme Court at Wellngton on June 17, was concluded today. The court then adjourned until Monday, when counsel's addresses will be delivered. During the hearing, which occupied •21 days, 18 witnesses gave evidence for the plaintiff, Lady Hunter, and 25 for the defendants, Cyril Paul Hunter and Thomas Percy Hunter. The evidence filled 577 typed foolscap sheets. Exhibits put In for the plaintiff totalled 109 and for the defendants 58. Continuing his evidence, Alexander Dunn, barrister and solicitor, said that he had owned the business of Bethune and Hunter since 1910, when he Inherited It from his father. Bethune and Hunter had kept the accounts for the Porangahau station ever since its purchase by Sir George Hunter's father. For doing the business of the estate the firm received £250 a year, the use of an old Customhouse Street office, and 8d a hale on wool shipped. Against that the firm rebated to the estate cash discounts and rebates giving the benefit of wholesale prices. It let properties and 'collected rents and interest and was general agent for the trustees in Wellington. Frank Henry Fraser Smith, accountant, gave evidence of the value of the work of Bethune and Hunter to the estate of Sir George Hunter. He said he was satisfied that Bethune and Hunter were providing a service no other institution could provide.