SUPREME COURT

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 225, 17 June 1920, Page 6

SUPREME COURT

INTERPRErATION OF- A WILL. The Chief Justice (Sir Robert Stout) yesterday heard argument upon tho interpretation of the will of the late Itobert Michael Fletcher, a trader ' who , reeidod at Neiafu, Yavau, In the Tongan Islands. Prom tho affidavit of the Publio Trustee (executor of the will) it appeared that Fletcher died at Neiafu about March 9; 1918 leaving a will dated November 18, 1913. He was survived by his widow (a Tongan woman, who has since remarried, and who bears tho name of Manu Sui Veatoutai), and by the following children: Graoio and Rosie Fletcher, both- of Auckland; Michael and Robert' Fletcher, both of Hamilton; and Andrew Johnstone Fletcher, of Neiafu. Deceased left an estate worth about £14,000.

The Public Trustee asked the Court to determine tho following questions arising out of tho will: (1) Is the gift to testator's wife of hiß cottage at Masllmoa, Vavau, and of hia furnituro, his pony and trap,, a gift for the term, of h«r life only, or for her own use absolutely? (2) At what period aro the twa sums ol £2000 and £3000 bequeathed to Grade .and Roslo Fletcher respectively upon trust to bo set aside, and upon what trusts are such respective sums to be held? (3) What Ib the nature and extont of the beneficial interest taken by testator's sons in Ms estate? (4) What is the effect of the .direction that upon the death of testator's wife her interest in the estate (that is, the. income and property) Is to be equally divided amomr the children then living? Giacle Flotchcr Med 20, is the eldest child of tho deceased. In yesterday's proceedings Mr. G. G. Hosoi represented the Public Trustee and tho infant sons, Mr. A. W. Blair' the daughters, and Mr. 0. H. Treadwell tho Widow, His Honour reserved decision. CRIMINAL OASES AT NAPIER. By Telegraph—Pre." Association. Haplor, June 16. In the Supremo .Court to-day Mutunga, Tukureaho was found not guilty, of indecent assault. Turel Itarcre not guilty of nattle-stealing, and P. O Amoa (telegraphist) not guilty of opening a postal'jacket (a telegram) Hearing of criminal cases has now concluded, and in all the defended cases a verdict of not • guilty was returned by the inry.