WILL CASE

Hokitika Guardian, 21 November 1931, Page 5

WILL CASE

WESTLAKE’S MENTALITY QUESTIONED. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 20. ■Giving evidence in the Westlake will case, Paul Stenburg, a retired, farmer, said that on one occasion, Westlake told him he could make nothing of hjs son. In witness’s opinion, the religion of the wife’s family was behind the whole thing. Westlake himself, witness said, was a desolated infidel, and had no fear of God at all. He had, offered a young man in the Pahiatua district £3OOO to put a bullet through Grace. Evidence as to transactions lie had carried out for Westlake ,in the matter of preparing a will towards the end of 1914, or early in 1915 and in reference to proceedings taken against Westlake by his wife was given by George Harold Smith, solicitor, of Pahiatua. In aii explanation of his attitude to Lis wife, Westlake told him she was a woman who had no use for, money, and if he left her more than was necessary, the children would get it, and he did not -want, that. <• . WELLINGTON, Nov. 20. In the Westlake case, Dr. Hugh Petersen, of Patiatua, who witnessed the codicil, gave, in evidence, the impression he gained in 1914. When he first visited the Westlake’s home, he thought the family was terrified of Westlake, and that the nervous condition of the elder daughter had been brought about by fear of him. Westlake seemed to have developed an unreasonable hatred of his wife and children. Witness later formed the opinion that Westlake was suffering from delusions, and thought his family were his enemies. Since the death of Westlake, Mrs Westlake had much improved in health, and Gertrude had also improved. The man might have suffered from paranoia and yet be capable of carrying on business. Dr. H. T. Dawson, of Pahiatua, said he knew Westlake, and used to get on all right with him. Money was the trouble all the time'. Witness came to the conclusion that Westlake was not mentally normal. “I don’t consider he was capable of making a will,” said witness. The Court adjourned until Monday.