Mr. William Wiggins made all his money out of Pickles, and when he died
his body was embalmed. To use the Widow's words, "'e 'opped it" on the
14th June, 1914.
He left his fortune to Mrs. Wiggins, his nephew Herbert Huggins (commonly
known as 'Erb 'Uggins), and his cousin Joe Gubbins, in equal portions.
The Will was duly proved, Estate Duty at 9% was paid, and the interest on
the Estate Duty amounting to £165 3s. 0d. was paid on the 14th November,
1914.
* * * * *
What was the value of the Net Legacy received by each Beneficiary? There
was no Real Estate.
[Illustration: "For nearly 25 years he had been a Judge of the Probate
Division."]
PROBLEM No. 24.
Mr. Justice Oats died in harness. He worked like a horse throughout his
long career on the Bench, and was universally regarded as a thoroughbred
sportsman. For nearly 25 years he had been a Judge of the Probate Division
of the High Court of Justice, and like many others in a similar position,
died intestate. Not that this was the intention of the learned Judge, for
he had prepared a Will on the back of an envelope, but forgetting that
even he was subject to the laws of the land, had entirely overlooked the
necessity for signing it. He died, therefore, intestate.
His Net Estate, after the payment of the Estate Duty on the Personal
Property, amounted to £68,570, of which the Real Property was valued at
£24,200.
For many years the Judge had been a Widower, and his only child had died
in infancy. His youngest brother, Alfred, was living, however, and he
had a nephew, the son of his deceased brother Charles. The Judge had,
in addition, three first cousins, one of whom was a lady who had thrice
refused offers of marriage, the acceptance of any one of which would
have made her Lady Oats. She was, however, a Quakeress, and her enemies
hinted that she refused the Judge lest the combination of the name of her
religious faith and her marriage name should bring upon her the nickname
of "Lady Porridge."
* * * * *
How was the Judge's property divided?
PROBLEM No. 25.
The following letter was received by the Rev. Stephen Collins on the 22nd
March, 1914:--
147, Eaton Avenue, W.
21st March, 1914.
My dear Mr. Collins,
As an old and much honoured friend of my late husband may I implore
you to be with us at breakfast on Tuesday, the 1st April, at 9 a.m.?
My son Montgomery comes of age on that day and I feel that it
would be a particularly appropriate occasion for his Vicar to say
a few words on the seriousness of life, and the responsibilities of
riches.
Perhaps you do not know that my husband left everything to me except
£10,000 India 3-1/2% Stock which he bequeathed (in my opinion
misguidedly) to our two boys, Montgomery and Algernon, in equal
shares. At the date of the Colonel's death, six years ago, these
were valued at 102, but now, alas, are worth no more than 90. The
Income up to the 6th January last has been regularly handed over to
the boys in accordance with their father's wishes, but on the 1st
April, £5,000 of the Stock will have to be sold and handed over to
Monty.
Mr. Crawley, my Solicitor, has promised to be present, and I have
sent invitations to my Stockbroker, Professional Accountant, and
the Bank Manager.
Do come, dear Mr. Collins,
And believe me to remain,
Yours very sincerely,