Page 42 Advertisement 3

New Zealand Tablet, 10 October 1918, Page 42

GIFTS BETTED THAN BEQUESTS. The Court of Appeal in London has upheld the decision of Mr. Justice Eve that a bequest, in England, of a sum of money for Masses for the soul of the testator is invalid and cannot be sustained in law (states the r I ns!/n 1/ Observer). The Appeal Judges, referring to Justice Eve’s decision, say Mr. Justice Eve decided that the ■ bequests were invalid, treating the matter as law which had long since been settled. We are of the same opinion. The law on the subject is too well settled to be shaken or disturbed by this Court, having regard to the whole course of the decisions since the Statute 1, Edward 0, c. 11. Catholics should agitate for the repeal of such an absurd law. (Here is a chance for the Catholic Union of London to get busy on a matter of legitimate concern Meantime this may be noted. If the testator had made over the money in gift before he died nobody could have contested his action : the money was his to give: the law as it stands refers only to bequests, not to gifts. A man’s money is his own to do what he likes with—so long as he lives. But once dead, the law comes into the picture and claims and enforces power to say whether a bequest shall or shall not have effect. Manifestly the wise thing for Catholics to do (until this silly “law” can be altered) is to arrange for such Masses during life, and pay over the honoraria as gifts which it is beyond the power even of “Statute 1, Edward 6, c. 14” to question. MEMORIAL TO FATHER DORE AN APPEAL. At a meeting of the parishioners of the late Father Dore, held on Sunday, July 28, it was resolved that a suitable memorial be erected to his memory; and as it was Father Dore’s most keen desire, often expressed. to erect a new church at Foxton, that said memorial be a new church. It was also resolved that a Subscription List be now opened, so that the many friends of Father Dor© throughout the Dominion may have an opportunity of showing their appreciation of him who was such a sincere and faithful friend to their boys in their dire hour of need on the stricken field of Gallipoli. Mr. James Hurley "was elected chairman of the Memorial Committee, Father Forrestal and Mr. Denis Purcell joint treasurers and secretaries. Subscriptions will be received by the above, and also by the Tablet, in which all will be acknowledged.