A WILL CASE.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 October 1917, Page 4

A WILL CASE.

FORGERY ALLEGED. Wellington, Oct 17 At the Magistrate’s Court George Harris was charged with forging a document purporting to be a will signed by John Smith, and uttering the same to the Public Trustee.

Mr Macassey, for tlie prosecution, in,his opening address, said that John Smith, a man seventy-eight y’ears of age, was in company with an old friend, Timothy O’Loughlin, on June 20. O’Loughlin inquired from Smith if he had made his will, Smith replying “ No, I must.” Smith died that night. The following morning accused went to see O’Loughlin, informed him that Smith was dead, and asked if he thought there was a will. O’Loughlin said, “ No. Last night I spoke to him about it, and in answer to my question abont a will he said,

* No, T must.’ ” Abont six months after Smith’s death O’Loughlin met Mr and Mrs Harris, and they told him the will had turned up and Mrs Harris was the person in whose favor the will was made out. On December 7 the Public Trustee received a letter and will signed by a man named Frederick Fraser, together with a will purporting to be written and signed by John Smith, deceased, and expressed to be attested by Frederick Fraser and another witness called Morrison For the purpose of proving the will the Public office made exhaustive inquiries as to the attesting witnesses. They, however 1 , were unable to discover either of these men, and placed the matter in the hands of the police. In the will the sum of £SO was bequeathed to accused’s daughter, aged four years, and the balance, £7OO, to his wife. All deceased’s family were excluded from the will. The evidence of several witnesses was taken and the case adjourned.