A COURT SCENF

Hokitika Guardian, 21 June 1926, Page 3

A COURT SCENF

WIDOW’S REFUSAL TO SIGN

WELLINGTON, June 18.

In the Magistrate’s Court to-day, was heard a ease marked by spirited exchanges between counsel and the defendant.

Alice Merry, an elderly widow, was

(barged with failing to render death duty accounts to the Commissioner of Stamp Duties. “ [t is difficult to understand the attitude of the lady, but I am afraid the only conclusion is that she is determined not to file accounts ,in the endeavour to evade payment of several hundreds of pounds in duty, ’ said Ah ,T. M. Tudhope. of the Crown Law Department, who prosecuted. Ihe defendand was the executrix of the estate, of her son, who died last year, continued

•onnsel. The whole of the estate was iequeat!ied to the defendant, and pronite was granted her on April 2/th, 905 so that accounts should have icon filed by October 27th, 1925. But

they had not yet been filed. “ No, and I am not going to file them.” broke in Mrs Merry. “They are not true, and if I signed, them I

would go to gaol.” “ We are aware that the estate is a pretty substantial one,” continued counsel. “ The principal asset is a two-thirds share in the estate of the father of the deceased, who left an estate which was sworn at nearly £14.000. on which the son’s slinro would be close on £IO,OOO. . The estate and succession duty on his estate, the whole of which was left to the

mother, would he £I2OO. Defendant is well aware of her duty in the mattci. Sl, e was written to by the Crown Law Office before this infnrnmtion was laid. Mutters were carefully explained to her by the assistant commissioner, and after one interview she paid £BOO, and promised to file accounts within a week, but she resolutely and definantlv refused to do so.” ‘ *• T won’t sign them, and that s that,” declared Mrs Merry. “They’re not true. I’m willing to pay all the money I have to, but T refuse to sign

accounts.” “Well, your Worship, accounts were actually prepared and presented to her for signature by a solicitor of standing. but be gave the matter up after trvinv several times to get her to sign tliem!’’ said Mr Tudhope. “The assistant commissioner could see no reason whv tl.ev should not be signed by Mrs Merrv. It is obvious she cannot .bo allowed to defy the revenue authorities. If this prosecution is not successful. we can apply to the Supreme Court for the estate to be attached. - Go on to the Supreme Court if you want to.” retorted Mrs Merry. “You don’t get mo signing those accounts. T mnv as well go to gaol now as later

At this stage, the Magistrate, Mr C Pioe S.M.. broke in one the dialfKUieT 11 Now, Mrs Merry, there is a duty on you to file these accounts in writing. I am going to adjourn this case for four weeks and will convict you in the meantime.''

“ Thank you, thank you, that’s the first time I’ve been convicted,” interpolated Airs Alerry.

“ And if at the end of that time you have not filed the accounts, I shall impose punishment for your failure,” concluded his Worship. “ You had better go to your solicitor now, and get his advice. That will do.”