An Extraordinary Will Story.

Manawatu Herald, 7 April 1900, Page 3

An Extraordinary Will Story.

» An extraordinary story was told before Sir Francis Jeune, on the occasion of an application by Mr Arthur John Moore, M.P. for Londonderry, to propound the will of his sister, who died on the 25th August, 1899. It appears that in July, 1899, the "deceased, Miss Edith Marion Moore, had a stroke of paralysis. After that she suffered from aphasia, and could not express her ideas or wishes by words. She was attended by Dr Maude, who suggested that she should make her wilU Under his advice some large cards were printed — one pack containing the names of her relatives, and the other pack the items of her property. Mr Garrelt, her solicitor, Was sent for, and he dealt out the cards. When the name of Arthur TohrrMoore turned up, she intimated by signs that she wishedrhim to have the Ballycope property, in Ireland. The next thing was her half-share under her father's will, over which she had the power of appointment, and the cards were again dealt, and the names of the - relatives selected. The shuffling of cards, continued till she had disposed of all her property. Then came the selection of the executor. The cards were again dealt and as soon as her brother's name turned up she indicated by signs that he was her selection. She wanted another executor to be appointed, but she did not come v across the name she desired. She attempted to write it down, but her handwriting could not be read, and she then agreed that her brother should be the sole executor. They will was drawn up, and after wards carefully read over to her. She put her mark to it, and it was witnessed by her doctor and solicitors. These facts were proved, and Sir Francis Jeune pronounced for the will. He said the case was not quite easy. So far as he knew is presented a noval way of arriving at the wishes of the testatrix. The method adopted, well intentioned, and most ingenious, was on the whole satisfactory. Taking the matter as it stood, nothing could have been fairer or more, satisfactory.