EXPENSIVE LITIGATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LI, Issue 283, 24 November 1908, Page 4

EXPENSIVE LITIGATION.

What seems likely to prove one of the most famous lawsuits ever brought in the province of British Columbia has been begun by the serving of a writ at the instance of Mrs. Joan Dunsniuir on Mr. James Dunsniuir, the LieutenantGovernor of British Columbia, for an account in connection with vast holdings, valued at £2,000,000, on Vancouver Island.

After the death of Mr llohert Dunsniuir twenty years ago the entire property, including the Esquimau and i\anhinio Railway, huge coal mines, and 1,500,001) acres of land, went to Sirs. Joan Dunsniuir, his widow. The holdings were a year later bought from their mot her by the sons, Messrs Aleck and .lames Dunmuir, for .CBOO.OOO It is alleged that a condition of the sale was that if either of the sons pre-dc-ceased Ids mother his share of the estate should revert to her. Mr Aleck Dunsniuir on his wedding day made a will leaving everything to Mr James Dunsniuir. On the former's death .Mrs. Joan Dunsniuir commenced her action against Mr James Dunsniuir, the Governor, for Mr Aleck's share according to the alleged agreement. This action was droppeil on technical grounds though never formally 'ended, hi the writ just issued Mrs Dunsniuir asserts that she retained in interest in the whole estate, for which Mr James Dunsniuir is only acting as agent. The present action is for the purpose of compelling |he accounting for the estate and subsequent payment. The plaintill' al-o is reviving the action of a few years back, and calling for the delivery to her of I lie shares owned by Mr Aleck Dunsniuir and reverting to her on his death.