Should a Woman Make a Will?

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXIII, Issue VII, 13 August 1904, Page 59

Should a Woman Make a Will?

Very few women, unless possessed of property of actual money value, think of making wills, yet a moment’s reflection shows how unwise this is. We may uot possess much from a worldly point or view, yet we all have something which will have to be disposed of wiieii we can no longer' use it. Apart from the friction which often arises over the distribution of even the smallest trinkets, ic is best to leave instructions for their disposal.

One knows which relative or friend will best value a particular article. One would not leave a brooch to the cousin that has dozens, or some of your music to a friend who does not know one tune from another.

Making a will will not cause untimely death, and it does not necessitate getting in a lawyer. One has only to get two persons, not interested in the will, to witness the signature of it. Another point probably to be gained lies in the fact that if a married lady makes a will when in good health her husband may do likewise.

Many men without property, merely in receipt of a salary, do not make a will because they have only their life assurance money to leave. They ignore the fact that in the event of their dying intestate the widow will only get a portion of that money, the remainder being kept for equal distribution among the children when they come of age. It is, therefore, advisable for everyone to make a will, and for women to set the good example.