WIFE’S ANNUITY

Hokitika Guardian, 4 May 1929, Page 6

WIFE’S ANNUITY

RAISED BY COURT

,By Telegraph—Per Press Association.)

AUCKAND, May 3.

Considered by Mr Justice Blair to have been allowed an insufficient sum under the will of her husband, Annie ,Skene had her annuity under the will raised from £lB2 to £3OO ip the Supreme Court today. The judge further ordered that Mrs Skene should be paid a lump sum of £25 for her present requirements.- The allowance for Mrs Skene as described by Air Richmond, who conducted the claim against tiic Public Trustee, as “unjust and showing want of recognition ol moral duty.” The assets of the estate at the death of Allan Skene on January 28th. were £9335 19s 8d and liabilities £54 10s. 'flie manner in which the testator has “dealt with his wife is highly unjust.” Air Richmond said: One can only say that Airs Skene has been left practically penniless. In asking that the annuity should be increased to £3OO a large sum is not asked for. A lump sum of £250 is also claimed for Airs Skene’s immediate need's.

“I am bound to say there is a good deal of justice lir mv friend’s contentions” said Air Johnstone, representative of the Public Trustee, and other beneficiaries under the will. It is conceded that deceased had a moral duty to perform, and we do not think it unreasonable that a sum should be allowed to Airs Skene from •the charities represented in the United Kingdom. Some of- them are as far away as Aberdeen to which money has been left. They would probably not put forward any strenuous opposition to some amount being paid to the widow. The judge agreed. It appeared that deceased has not fulfilled his moral duty to the person most entitled to consideration. In making a new an. unity payable from the date of his death, he said, the will would stand in all other respects.