A DISPUTED WILL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 206, 28 February 1914, Page 5

A DISPUTED WILL.

CLAIM UNDER FAMILY PROTECTION ACT. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. A claim under the Family Protection Act was heard in the Supreme Court to-day, before the Chief Justice. Elizabeth Mab I- Murphy praytd for relief for her children out of the estate of John Pollard Snook, deceased. Snook is supposed to have been murdered in the Transvaal some years ago by a gang of robbers, while following the occupation of gold-miner. Under his will his mother —>an old woman of 73 years of age—was made sole beneficiary, "'hi' estate produced £3lO, the proceedj of a life insurance policy. In opening, Sir John Pindlay said Mrs Murphy, formerly Mrs Snook, had had a very unhappy married life, and in 1001 obtained a divorce from tier husband 011 the grounds of adultery and other causes. Some time before the proceedings for divorce were brought, Mrs. Murphy practically maintained her husband, herself and children. In ISil.) she. insured her life and induced her husband to insure his. During tho years intervening she paid all premiums and kept the policies alive. Afkr the divorce, her husband disappeared Mid went to South Africa. Since that time he never contributed a farthing to the maintenance of the family of two children. The girl, aged Hi years, was dependent upon tin' charity of an orphanage. The son, aged 20 years, was willing to forego any claim he might have 011 the estate that his portion might go to increase any benefit his younger sinter might receive. Evidence 011 affidavits disclosed that Mrs. Murphy had been thrice married. After divorcing Snook she married a man named Fullers. 011 the hitter's death she married a man named Alurpbv, with whom she was not now living. In his decision, His Honor said in his opinion there .should be. some allowance made to the girl. Tie son, however, should now be quite capable of earning his own living. The person who had been most wronged was Mrs .Murphy, but unfortunately he had no power to give her any assistance. She had been grievously wronged by deceased testator, lie could not allow the whole of the estate to go to ttie deceased'* mother. His Honor made an order directing that £IOO of the estate should be devoted for the benefit of the girl nntl the remainder paid to the mother of deceased.