FORGED A WILL.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1921, Page 4

FORGED A WILL.

TWO WOMEN GUILTY. AN AUCKLAND CASE. By Tslegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, LAst Nigjit. After a trial at the Supreme Court lasting for two days Mary Ann Miller (62) and Elizabeth Cecilia Cochrane (32), Miller’s daughter, were found guilty of forging and uttering a will. Evidence was given to the effect that an old man named Delius boarded for many years with Miller and died in Aprili 1917. Miller ’phoned to her solicitor asking him to obtain Delius’ keys from hospital and open a box at her house to see if there was any will or notification about burial. The solicitor could not see a will, and Miller said:' “Let me have a look.” Shortly afterwards she produced a document reading that Delius left his property to Miller. Two signatures of witnesses were attached, but it did not state they were signed in each other’s presence. This omission resulted in inquiries for tie witfiess .to obtain the affidavits, but no trace of them was obtainable. It was affirmed that the will was the joint work of the two accused. Witnesses for the defence who expressed a contrary opinion, admitted in cross-examination that there were certain similarities in the writing.

The jury recommended mercy on account of Miller’s age and Coch wine’s ill health. Sentence was deferred.