De Mortuis Nil Nisi Bona - Being a Series of Problems in Executorship Law and Accounts

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Title: De Mortuis Nil Nisi Bona - Being a Series of Problems in Executorship Law and Accounts
Author: Pegler, Ernest Charles, Spicer, Ernest Evan
Language: English
As this book started as an ASCII text book there are no pictures available.

*** Start of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "De Mortuis Nil Nisi Bona - Being a Series of Problems in Executorship Law and Accounts" ***

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TRANSCRIBER'S NOTES

Three minor typographical errors were found and corrected, none of which
affected the sense of the text.

The FOREWORD is in Latin. For the reader's convenience it is repeated at
the end of the text with a free English translation inserted.

* * * * *

[Illustration: Title Page with decoration ]

DE
MORTUIS
NIL NISI
BONA:

SPICER & PEGLER

ILLUSTRATED BY
E. T. REED

* * * * *

_BY THE SAME AUTHORS_

By SPICER and PEGLER.

BOOK-KEEPING AND ACCOUNTS. (Third Edition.)
PRACTICAL AUDITING. (Second Edition.)
AUDIT PROGRAMMES. (Third Edition.)
PRACTICAL BOOK-KEEPING AND COMMERCIAL KNOWLEDGE.
INCOME TAX IN RELATION TO ACCOUNTS. (Third Edition.)
EXAMINATION NOTE BOOK FOR ACCOUNTANT STUDENTS. (Second Edition)
UNDERWRITERS' ACCOUNTS. (Second Edition.)
TABLE A: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS. (Second Edition.)
INCOME TAX PROBLEMS.
KEY TO INCOME TAX PROBLEMS.
THE MOTOR ACCOUNT BOOK AND REGISTER.

By ERNEST EVAN SPICER, F.C.A.

AN OUTLINE OF THE MONEY MARKET.
THE ACCOUNTS OF AN EXECUTOR. (Third Edition.)
INTERNAL CHECK IN RELATION TO A MANUFACTURERS'
BUSINESS. (Second Edition.)
RESERVES, ANNUITIES AND SINKING FUNDS. (Second Edition.)
INCOME TAX CLAIMS AND APPEALS. (Second Edition.)
A SUMMARY OF THE INCOME TAX PROVISIONS OF THE FINANCE (1909-10)
ACT, 1910. (Second Edition.)
INCOME AND SUPER-TAX, AND ITS LEGAL EVASION.
DISSOLUTION, AMALGAMATION AND RECONSTRUCTION ACCOUNTS.
DIVISIBLE PROFITS AND DIVIDENDS.
THE EXPORTATION OF BRITISH CAPITAL.
THE DEPRECIATION OF GILT-EDGED SECURITIES.

By ERNEST C. PEGLER, F.C.A.

SOME NOTABLE FRAUDS IN ACCOUNTS. (Second Edition.)
AN AUDIT OF TRUST ACCOUNTS.
STOCK EXCHANGE TRANSACTIONS.
THE PRINCIPLES OF AUDITING.
COMPARATIVE AND INTERIM ACCOUNTS.

By RANKING, SPICER and PEGLER.

EXECUTORSHIP LAW AND ACCOUNTS. (Third Edition.)
PARTNERSHIP LAW.
ARBITRATION AND AWARDS.
MERCANTILE LAW.
BANKRUPTCY AND DEEDS OF ARRANGEMENT ACT. 1913.

By RANKING and SPICER.

A PRIMER OF COMPANY LAW

* * * * *

DE MORTUIS NIL NISI BONA

BEING A SERIES OF PROBLEMS IN EXECUTORSHIP
LAW AND ACCOUNTS

SPICER & PEGLER

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS

60, Watling Street, London, E.C.

WITH A FOREWORD IN THE LATIN TONGUE BY

D. F. de l'HOSTE RANKING, M.A., LL.D.

ILLUSTRATED BY

E. T. REED

Price 5/- net.

London:

H. FOULKS LYNCH & CO.

9, Fenchurch Street, E.C.

1914

* * * * *

To
All Spinster Aunts and
Bachelor Uncles
who do their duty by
their Nephews and Nieces
in
Matters Testamentary
This Book is affectionately dedicated.

* * * * *

PREFACE.

No one can say that our Motives are unworthy, for our object is to
instruct. But there are some who may object to our Methods, and it is to
such that we offer, not an apology, but an explanation.

A very large section of the Public cling to the belief that Law must be
as dry as Dust, and Accounting as tedious as the Treadmill.

The truth is, it is not the Practice of Law or of Accounting that is
uninteresting, but rather is it the Theory which is often rendered so by
Teachers whom Providence never ordained to teach.

If, therefore, the employment of unorthodox methods helps to interest
the Student in his subject, and to stimulate him to further effort, any
apology would be out of place.

ERNEST EVAN SPICER.
ERNEST C. PEGLER.

60, Watling Street,
London, E.C.
January, 1914.

FOREWORD.

By D. F. de l'Hoste Ranking, M.A., LL.D.

De mortuo illo quid dicam? "Nilnisi bonum" ut aiunt.

Sed quid si nil boni fecit? De bonis licet loqui.

At si nulla bona reliquit? De eo tacere decet: si neque bonum fecit nec
bona acquisivit nil valet.

Sed si bona reliquit in sermonem hominum semper venit; vitia operta sunt;
pecuniam fecit, illa quidem "non olet." Quem heredem instituit? Extraneis
haec omnia livori proxima videntur. Te autem si tu aut cognatione aut
affinitate propinquus exspectatio tenet. An mea interest? Si sic habet,
quanti? Suave est ex magno tollere acervo; ejus pecunia quid non facere
possim?

Siste, amice; aliquantulum cogita; supersunt multi cognati; fieri potest
ut aut cum aliis bona partire debeas, aut exheredatus sis.

Gerrae! Sine dubio testamentum fecit: et cum ratione constat me alicuius
rei legatarium esse. Nemo enim magis eum fovit; alii omnes cognati
asseclae; solus eum amavi.

Insipiens, inter os et offam multa intervenire possunt. Audi de gente
Fulvia fabellam: de multis mutato nomine narratur.

(In scena est coenatio Georgii Fusci, argentariorum interpretis. Fuscus,
bene coenatus, alterum cyathum Falerni sorbillat. Accurrit uxor, commota;
in manu litteras resignatas tenet).

U. Georgi!

F. Quid tibi nunc est? Num quid novi est?

U. Amita mea Maria decessit!

F. Bene! nunquam postea illud vile Sabinum necesse erit obsorbere: magnum
est solatium.

U. At tu Georgi semper id laudasti!

F. Et tu simul filiaeque semper miratae estis Persicam illam detestabilem
et psittacum dissonum, et laudibus extulistis: pretium fuit vetulae
placere.

U. Esto: illa vero suavia erant. At hic mihi litterae a cognitore ejus
Semaureo allatae: dicit se hodie vesperi te conventurum.

F. Demiror si testamentum fecit! Sin minus omnia ad te perveniunt, tu
heres ex asse; cognati alii desunt.

U. Est quidem mariti nepos iste.

F. Nullus: tu sola heres: si intestata omnia ad te.

U. Tabulas vere fecit: cognitor scribit se te conventurum quia testamentum
ad rem tuam maxime pertinet.

F. Mihi crede igitur! Aliquid magni tibi legavit: haud verisimile illam
quidquam juveni Albo legasse: nunquam iliam observavit; homo nil est nisi
pictor ignotus aut aliquid simile: uxorem quoque duxit quamdam inopem, et
eis saepe amita tua subvenire debuit.

U. Fores pulsantur: advenit cognitor!

F. Dic famulae ut alteram cyathum ponat.

(Ingreditur Dominus Semaureus.)

Quid agis vir doctissime? Mea uxor dixit te venturum; nonne ob testamentum
amitae ejus?

S. Sic res habet, Fusce; venio ad te quod hoc res tua maxime refert; et
scio te onus suscepturum.

F. An sic habet? Vetulae illi multa bona provenere ut opinor.

S. Permulta: super haec te consulendum putavi. Hic mecum tabulas attuli
ut eas inspicias.

F. Bene est; Dignissima erat; cui semper plurimum tribui. Falerni sume
cyathum.

S. Benigne dicis; dimidium: bona venia uxoris tuae est mihi in animo
summas testamenti reddere; ad illam quoque pertinet. (Testamenta allata
resignat.)

Post nonnulla famulis legata ita instituit:

"Fratris filiae Mariae lego Persicam et Psittacum quae animalia
tantopere admirata est, certa fiducia se illis hospitium
praebituram; eidem etiam lego annulum meum gemmatum. Nepoti
ejusdem Mariae viro Georgio Fusco lego omne quod in hypogaeo
superest vinum illud Falernum quod semper laudabat."

F. (In malam rem.)

S. "Quod ad ceteras possessiones Georgius Fuscus heres esto ex asse:
(subridet Fuscus et uxori in aurem susurrat "ita ut dixi.")

S. (Conversa tabula) "et rogo eum ut cum primum potuerit haereditatem
adire, omnibus et fundis et mobilibus venditis, pecunias in cautionibus
publica auctoritate factis collocet et fructus reddat nepoti mariti mei
Jacobo Albo et uxori suae in aetatem aut utri eorum vita superarit: eis
mortuis ut inter liberos eorum caput dividat: aut liberis sine prole
defunctis caput reddat ad sodalitatem Anthropophagis Africanis informandis
et nutriendis institutam: praemio sint fiduciario viginti in annum
librae."

F. Anus odiosa et malefica! At enitar ut testamentum rescindatur;
inofficiosi testamenti querelam instituam! Delira fuit!

S. Immo mentis omnino compos fuit, Improbe: sic summa fide clamabo et
testabor. Verba tua pro tempore et re indecora. Tui piget me: evado.

F. Maria!

U. Georgi!

Uterque. Exsecrabilis Illa!

(Aulaeum tollitur.)

[Illustration: Charles Augustus Algernon de Jones "... he gave Five
Thousand Pounds to London's Home for Lost and Straying Hounds."]

PROBLEM No. 1.

Within St. Dunstan's Churchyard rest the bones
Of Charles Augustus Algernon de Jones,
Who left, besides a widow, tall and fair,
Four infant daughters all with ginger hair.

The worldly goods of which he died possessed
Were valued, net, twelve thousand of the best.
He died intestate, left no real estate,
Broke his neck hunting at a five-barred gate.

Two years before he left this vale of tears,
He justified his wife's most anxious fears,
He spent ten thousand on a rope of pearls,
A gift to one of Daly's Chorus Girls.

This was a falling from the narrow course
Which lasted but a fortnight; then remorse
O'ercame him, and he gave five thousand pounds
To London's Home for Lost and Straying Hounds.

This good deed mollified his jealous wife,
And two years later, when he quitted life,
The widow buried anger with the bones
Of Charles Augustus Algernon de Jones.

* * * * *

And now as everyone knows
This tragedy comes to a close,
With fallings and failings
And funeral wailings
'Mid sighings and sobbings and woes.

Do not think that this story is lax
Or of improbability smacks;
I tell you it's true,
And I'm waiting for you
To say what did the Revenue Tax.

PROBLEM No. 2.

And when Joseph was dead his son Benjamin took unto himself a Wife and
they had issue, two Boys and one Girl.

Now the elder of these two Sons was comely to gaze upon and when he was
yet two years from Man's Estate his Father said unto him, "My Son, your
Father's Brother is old and nearing death. Take heed, therefore, lest his
wealth be scattered amongst the Gentiles." And the Son answered, "Fear
not, my Father, from henceforth I will be unto my Father's Brother as a
Son."

But after Seven Days had passed away the Uncle died and all his Flocks and
Herds were left to his Brother Benjamin's Children. And on the Seventh Day
after the Brother's death, the Woman, whom Benjamin had taken to wife,
gave birth to Twin Children, and after Seven more Days had passed, the
Male Child sickened and died. And Benjamin wept for his Son and looked
not upon the Child that lived, and refused all meat, so that he weakened,
and after Seven more Days he was buried in the Tomb of his Fathers (near
Shepherd's Bush).

* * * * *

N.B.--There were fortunately no further deaths in Benjamin's family,
and the Uncle's Legacy to his "Brother's Children," which was valued for
Probate at £12,000, was duly divided between them.

How much did each receive?

PROBLEM No. 3.

Sir Hazel Knut, Bart., died, and the whole of his Estate, after the
payment of Estate Duty, Debts, and all expenses, amounted to exactly
£15,000.

He bequeathed the following Legacies, all free of Duty except the Settled
Property.

_Lady Knut_, his widow, £2,000.

Lady Knut also had the use of a Governess Cart, together
with a Shetland Pony, for life, with remainder over to the
Toddington Cottage Hospital. These were valued for Probate at
£60, and the value of the life interest was computed at £12.

_George Filbert_ (aged 12), a son of Lady Knut by a former husband,
£200.

_Selina Knut_, daughter (aged 4), £1,200.

_George Lightfoot_, son-in-law, who married Sir Hazel's charming
daughter Rose, £1,200. Rose predeceased Sir Hazel by 4 years, but
the Twins survived. To each of these children Sir Hazel left One
Thousand Guineas.

_Mrs. Gubbins_, Sir Hazel's aged mother, £1,000.

_Mr. Gubbins_, Stepfather to Sir Hazel, the Racehorse "Fleetfoot,"
aged 14, by Footrest out of Fleet Rabbit, valued at £19 19s. 0d.

_Rev. Stirling Knut_, nephew, £100.

And £50 each to the following:

_Cutforth Crawley_, Lady Knut's sister's son.

_Lady Augusta Ramsbotham_ (sister-in-law, Lady Knut's eldest
sister).

_Dorothy Smith_, who married Robert, Sir Hazel's eldest son, 3
months after the funeral.

The Residue of the Estate was left absolutely to Robert.

* * * * *

Show how much Sir Robert Knut inherited.

[Illustration: The Racehorse, "Fleetfoot." By "Footrest" out of "Fleet
Rabbit." Aged 14.]

PROBLEM No. 4.

Mr. Mordecai Moribund was a pessimist during life and died a violent
death. His facial appearance was much disfigured by a sad squint, and this
affliction to his eyes contributed in no small degree to the tragedy which
at once deprived Mrs. Moribund of a husband and a son. The son, a bright
youth of twenty summers, had been sent down from Oxford University by
the authorities rather as a warning to others than for any great offence
which he had committed. Nevertheless, the disgrace was keenly felt by his
mother, and it was for this reason that Mr. Moribund decided to take him
for a trip to India, until time had healed the wound.

Arrived in India, Mr. Moribund promised his son, Morton, to arrange for
a tiger shooting expedition. This fatal promise caused all the trouble,
for Mr. Moribund, owing to his visual defects, thought he observed a
tiger approaching from the west and forthwith discharged his rifle. The
bullet missed the tiger and passed through the head of the unfortunate
Morton, who was thereby killed on the spot. Mr. Moribund, horrified by
the accident, moved his position and slid from the back of the elephant
right into the jaws of the infuriated animal. Assistance was rendered
immediately, and Mr. Moribund was rescued from his unfortunate position,
but not before he had sustained injuries from which he succumbed four days
subsequently.

Mr. Moribund, by his will, left everything of which he was possessed to
his widow absolutely. This property, after deducting debts, amounted to
£137,500, but an examination of his affairs disclosed the fact that two
years previously he had conveyed as an absolute gift to his son, Morton,
the sum of £100,000. This money had been invested by Morton in Bearer
Bonds of the Royal Japanese Steamship Company at an average price of £80%,
but on the date of Morton's death these Bonds stood at £120%. Morton, by
will, had left his entire fortune to a Miss Flossie Teazle, an actress
whom he had met at Oxford.

[Illustration: The Death of Mr. Mordecai Moribund.]

Show what duties were payable to the State as a direct consequence of the
Tragedy.

* * * * *

Note.--The following epitaph, shamelessly copied from one in Malmesbury
Abbey, was inscribed on Mr. Moribund's Tomb:--

In bloom of life
He's snatched from hence,
He had not room
To make defence;
For Tyger fierce
Took life away,
And here he lies
In bed of clay
Until the Resurrection Day.

PROBLEM No. 5.

It is a strange circumstance that little men with red hair usually have
large families. At any rate Septimus Hawkins had red hair and twelve
children, of whom eleven were living, but strangest of all he died
intestate worth £122,600 subject to the payment of Estate Duty, and of
which the Real property was valued at £36,000.

[Illustration: "Mrs. Hawkins had been very beautiful in her younger
days."]

Mrs. Hawkins had been very beautiful in her younger days, but time and
children had robbed her of her rosy cheeks; and realising that widow's
weeds did not become her, she withdrew shortly after the funeral to the
seclusion of a country life, where she spent her time ministering to the
sick, and looking after her late daughter Pearl's two small children. The
names of her children in chronological order were as follows:--

1. P earl. Died 1912
2. E dward.
3. R ebecca.
4. S elina.
5. E mma.
6. V era.
7. E velyn.
8. R ichard.
9. A melia.
10. N athaniel.
11. C hlotilde.
12. E rmyntrude.

How should the property of the late Septimus Hawkins be distributed, and
how much did the respective beneficiaries receive?

PROBLEM No. 6.

Very few men can state with any degree of accuracy how long they will
live, but Nathaniel Hibbert told his Wife he would die at 8 o'clock in the
morning of Tuesday, the 22nd April, 1913, and he did die at that very time
on that very day. He was standing on some scaffolding when a platform gave
way under his very feet, and he broke his spinal cord. In other words he
was hanged. His Solicitor urged him to make a Will and the prison Chaplain
added his earnest entreaties, but Mr. Hibbert turned a deaf ear to all
such suggestions. Even the sight of his Wife and only child did not affect
his determination, and he died intestate.

* * * * *

What happened to the £1,200 of which he died possessed?

[Illustration: "Mr. Chicory loved his wife almost as much as Mrs. Chicory
loved her husband."]

PROBLEM No. 7.

Mr. Chicory loved his wife almost as much as Mrs. Chicory loved her
husband. They had lived together for nearly forty years, and every
Saturday morning throughout that long time Mr. Chicory had faithfully
handed over to his wife his entire earnings, which were not much, and
deducted only 5s. per week, which served as pocket money for Mr. Chicory,
and enabled him to provide coals during the winter months, collection
money at church, oil for the lamps, and sundry presents from time to time
to his children, to say nothing of the Lame Crossing Sweeper.

Each week a small sum was deposited in the Post Office Savings Bank, and
when Mr. Chicory died, not only had he to the credit of this account a
balance of £108 0s. 10d., but his Cottage, which was valued at £90, was
his own Freehold Property. He had made a Will and paid the Solicitor
10s. 6d. for drawing it up, and nobody could have read what he said about
his old wife, to whom he left everything, without feeling a lump in the
throat.

On the day of his funeral not one blind was undrawn in all the Cottages
round about, and Mr. Michaelmas, the Carriage Builder, sent a landau
specially for Mrs. Chicory. At least one hundred people went to the
Church, where the good old Vicar read the Service, and the Lame Crossing
Sweeper painted his broom-handle black.

Mrs. Chicory, some weeks later, paid the Solicitor another 10s. 6d., as
a fee, and asked him to do the rest.

* * * * *

What did he do?

PROBLEM No. 8.

Men who are mean during life and who would grudge a present of 5s. to
the postman at Christmas, or who would spend a whole day in another man's
motor car and fail to tip the Chauffeur at the end of the journey, often
prove very generous with their money when they die and can no longer enjoy
the satisfaction of possession, which during lifetime they cherished so
dearly.

Such creatures usually bequeath their property to Charitable Institutions
at the expense of deserving relatives, who have, at any rate, in Equity,
a claim to at least some small share thereof.

The Law of Italy corrects this injustice, and no man can will away at
death the whole of his property to strangers, if he leaves a Widow or
Relatives living of a nearer kinship than a First Cousin.

Now Vincentio Dorando was an Italian subject, whose nearest living
relative was a First Cousin once removed. He had been educated at Oxford
and had spent the greater portion of his life in England, but at the time
of his death he was domiciled in France. He left no property of any sort
in Italy or France, and no duties were found to be payable in either of
these Countries. He had property in England, however, which consisted
of £15,000 Japanese 4-1/2 per cent. Bonds at 94, a Freehold House valued
at £2,500, and some Furniture and Pictures which were stored at Messrs.
Hudson's Repository, and which were valued for Probate at £480. The only
debt due at death was a Tailor's Bill for £62.

He had made a perfectly valid Will in England, by which he bequeathed all
his property, with the exception of his Real Estate, to his old Oxford
friend, Mr. James Duncan, for life, with remainder over to Mr. Duncan's
eldest son. He left the Freehold House to another Oxford friend, Mr.
Wallstone.

* * * * *

Show what Duties were payable to the Inland Revenue Authorities upon the
death of Mr. Vincentio Dorando.

[Illustration: The Jollybuck Twins--as they appeared, no doubt, to Mrs.
Jollybuck and the Nurse--prospective world-geniuses.]

PROBLEM No. 9.

The Nurse described them as the most wonderful Twins she had ever seen;
but then Monthly Nurses always speak in this way!

The Mother said that she had never known children exhibit such
intelligence at so early an age; but then Mothers always think in that
way, especially of their first!

The Father wanted to drown the yelling little brats, and had turned on
both taps in the bathroom; but then Fathers always want to do something
rash!

Altogether it was a very merry little family, and when the Twins were
three months old and had been duly christened and vaccinated, Mr.
Jollybuck called on his Solicitor and altered his Will so as to provide
for the family which had been so anxiously hoped for and so long in
coming.

But alas for Mrs. Jollybuck, for whom Widow's weeds were to be so soon
necessary, and a plague on all false chemists who fail to label their
blue bottles "With Care." Mr. Jollybuck swallowed Carbolic Acid instead
of Ipecacuanha Wine, and after the payment of Estate Duty, Debts and all
Expenses, except Legacy Duty, his Estate consisted of £16,000 Cash on
Deposit at the London, City and Midland Bank, £15,000 India 3-1/2% Stock
at 92, and Furniture valued at £500. By his Will he left:

(a) India Stock and the Furniture to his Widow, free of Duty.

(b) £6,000 to his Widow.

(d) £12,000 to his Brother.

(e) £500 to his only Daughter.

* * * * *

Draw up a Statement showing the amount each beneficiary under Mr.
Jollybuck's Will is entitled to receive.

PROBLEM No. 10.

Family Trees are almost as interesting to study as Bradshaw, and, at any
rate in this case, quite as instructive. In fact, without a Tree it is
almost impossible to remember who Mrs. Gubbins really was.

The following, which eliminates all irrelevant matters, gives the
descendants of George Gubbins, the founder of the family:--

GENEALOGICAL TREE OF THE GUBBINS FAMILY

George Gubbins
_____________________|___________________
| | | |
George John Charles Oscar
| | | |
John George Oscar Charles
| | | ____________|_____________
| | | | | | |
George John Charles Rose Violet Daisy Poppy

Now John Gubbins, the grandson of George Gubbins, founder of the Gubbins
Family, married Elizabeth Greatheart, on Christmas-Day, and on the
anniversary of their wedding day little George Gubbins first saw the
light. But little George knew not his father, for John Gubbins died when
George was but two months old.

In his Will John Gubbins appointed his Cousin, George Gubbins, to be his
executor, and thus it was that George Gubbins was brought into close touch
with the Widow Gubbins.

Friendship ripened into love and resulted in Mrs. John Gubbins becoming
Mrs. George Gubbins. In due course Mrs. George Gubbins presented her
husband with a little boy, who was christened John after his first cousin
once removed.

Little John grew in grace and played very prettily with little George
Gubbins, who was his stepbrother and second cousin rolled into one, and
altogether it was a very happy little party, until one day little John's
Father, George Gubbins, was knocked down by a Steam Roller just in front
of his own house, and was rolled into his own gravel drive.

Now the Steam Roller belonged to a Company, of which Oscar Gubbins, son of
Charles Gubbins and grandson of George Gubbins the Founder of the Family,
was a Director.

Hearing of the accident he hastened to comfort the Widow in her
affliction, and succeeded so well that after a decent interval had elapsed
Mrs. George Gubbins became Mrs. Oscar Gubbins.

A child was born two years later, three months prior to the death of Oscar
Gubbins, the Father. The little boy was christened Charles, and after the
funeral of Oscar Gubbins, Mrs. Gubbins took her three little boys, George,
John and Charles, to Ventnor, in the Isle of Wight, for a change of air.

It was in the lounge of the Sea View Hotel at Ventnor that Mrs. Gubbins
met Mr. Charles Gubbins, first cousin to her three late husbands.

Now Mr. Gubbins had ofttimes heard of the much-weeded Widow, but when he
saw her for the first time with the naked eye, he realised what happy men
John, George and Oscar Gubbins must have been.

[Illustration: "When Mr. Charles Gubbins saw her for the first time with
the naked eye, he realised what happy men John, George and Oscar Gubbins
must have been."]

And when Mrs. Gubbins first saw Mr. Charles Gubbins she thought how empty
widowhood really was, and what fine men were the Grandsons of George
Gubbins, Founder of the Gubbins Family.

Such feelings were not to be denied, and after three months of courtship
Mr. Charles Gubbins and Mrs. Oscar Gubbins were declared man and wife by
the Rev. Stephen Collins.

For 10 years Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gubbins lived together as happily as a
married couple could, and four beautiful daughters, Rose, Violet, Daisy
and Poppy were born to them.

And then Mrs. Gubbins died intestate leaving Personal Property valued for
Probate at £12,000, and Real Property valued at £8,000.

* * * * *

How was this divided?

PROBLEM No. 11.

Some people say there is no romance in business and that a Brass Plate
never brings Clients. Don't you believe that for one moment. Why, Jones
owed all his misfortunes in life to a Brass Plate and a Motor 'Bus! It
happened as follows:--

Mrs. James Wardle's Husband died on the 30th April, 1914. He was always
called Mrs. Wardle's Husband, and he very properly left her his entire
fortune, which, at his death, consisted of the following property:--

Freehold Property valued at £6,500, subject to a Mortgage of
£4,500 at 5% per annum. The Interest was paid up to the 31st
March, 1914.

£3,500 Local Loans 3% Stock quoted at 86-88.

£2,750 2-3/4% Annuities quoted at 77-8.

£2,000 Caledonian Railway Consolidated 4% Stock quoted at 98-100
cum. div.

£800 3% Bradford Corporation Stock quoted at 95-1/2-96-5/8 cum.
div.

Life Policies and Bonuses £1,575.

Household Furniture £350.

£1,500 Loan at 5% per annum. The Interest had been received up to
31st December, 1913.

Sundry Debts due to Testator, £346.

Sundry Debts due by Testator, £550.

Funeral Expenses, £42.

Mr. Wardle had for many years left his affairs entirely in the hands of
his Solicitor, but Mrs. Wardle, who was Sole Executrix, thought--and very
properly too--that the combination of a Solicitor and a Professional
Accountant was to be preferred. She therefore journeyed to the City
with the intention of consulting her Stockbroker on the matter, but by
a curious Providential dispensation, the Motor Omnibus broke down just
opposite Jones' office, and his Brass Plate attracted the Sweet Lady's
attention!

He prepared the Estate Duty Account, the affidavit being delivered on the
31st July, 1914, and he is now Mrs. James Wardle's Second Husband.

* * * * *

Do as Jones did, but ignore Income Tax, and beware of Widows.

[Illustration: "Julius Jones was a poet."]

PROBLEM No. 12.

Julius Jones was a poet, and although he died prematurely on the 30th
June, 1914, his name will be remembered by posterity as the author of the
beautiful Hymn, of which the first line runs "Farewell, old buck, we part
to meet again!"

He left the following Estate:--

Cash at Bank £1,500
Household Furniture 350
Life Policies 2,000
Securities valued at death at 18,650
Freehold Property 8,500
-------
£31,000

Liabilities at death were £200, and Funeral Expenses amounted to £30.
Legal Expenses were also paid, amounting to £170.

The Securities and the Furniture realised £19,000 and £300 respectively.

A Legacy of £500 was left to his Nephew (free of duty).

The eldest Son of the Testator (Patrick) was given the option by the Will
to take over the Freehold Property at £7,500, which he elected to do. The
residue of the Estate was to be divided equally between the three children
of the Testator:--

Patrick,
Peter,
Paul,

but he directed that the amounts of £3,000, £2,000 and £1,000 advanced to
them respectively on the 1st June, 1911, were to be brought into hotchpot.

* * * * *

Prepare an Account showing the division of the residue, taking into
account the Duties payable, but ignoring Interest on Advances.

[Illustration: "Duly witnessed by his aged Housekeeper, Mrs. Uskins, and
the Gardener."]

PROBLEM No. 13.

It would be indelicate to indicate the exact portion of Mr. Hobson's
anatomy that was so fiercely attacked by the mad dog, but it is sufficient
to say that the bite was the indirect cause of his death.

He anticipated the end, for shortly before he passed away he called in his
Solicitor, Mr. Crawley, and made a fresh Will, which was duly witnessed
by his aged Housekeeper, Mrs. Uskins, and the Gardener.

The Estate, which consisted entirely of Personal Property, comprised:--

(1) Share in the firm of Hobson Bros., £11,500.

(2) Bonds to Bearer valued at £6,300.

(3) Cash at Bank £220.

The debts due by deceased, including a Loan from the Bank secured on the
Bonds to Bearer, amounted to £3,160, and the Funeral Expenses came to £42.

The Property was bequeathed as follows:--

Mrs. Hobson (Widow), £2,500.

George Hobson (Son, aged 27), £2,000.

Selina Hobson (Daughter, aged 18), £2,000.

Wickham Crawley (Solicitor), £200.

Maria Hawkins (Niece, aged 28), £1,000.

George Hobson, Junr. (Grandson, aged 4), £1,500.

Mrs. Uskins (Housekeeper), £500.

Mrs. Rumbolt (Deceased Brother's Wife), £500.

Mrs. Hobson, Senr. (Deceased's Mother), £2,000,

and the Residue to the Widow absolutely.

Prepare a Distribution Account.

[Illustration: "London and North Western Consolidated Stock."]

PROBLEM No. 14.

Solomon Solfar was a solemn man, and his Will was proved in solemn form.
He died quietly in his bed on the 1st April, 1912, leaving a Widow, two
Sons (Matthew and Mark), and one Daughter (Mary).

On the 1st April, 1913, after all Debts, Testamentary and other Expenses
had been paid, the Estate consisted as follows:--

£6,000 2-3/4% Annuities at 76-5/8.

£2,000 Swansea Corporation 3% Stock at 83 (Interest payable 1st
January and 1st July).

£6,000 London and North Western Consolidated 4% Stock at 103
(Dividends payable 15th February and 15th August).

1,000 Birmingham Small Arms Cum. 5% Preference Shares of £5 each at
£5-1/4 (Dividends payable 1st March and 1st September).

£5,000 British Westinghouse 4% Debenture Stock at 63 (Interest
payable 1st January and 1st July).

Mr. Solfar made during his lifetime advances of £500 to each of his
Sons, which at his death were brought into Hotchpot, and interest charged
thereon at 5% per annum. He directed his Estate to be left in Trust, the
Income to be applied, first in payment of £75 a quarter to Mrs. Solfar,
and the balance to be distributed half-yearly in equal shares to Matthew,
Mark and Mary.

Write up the books of the Trust, ignoring Income Tax, for the year ending
31st March, 1914, the balance of Income in hand on 1st April, 1913 (after
making all necessary payments to the beneficiaries) being £12 0s. 0d.

[Illustration: Mr. Hopkins' bodyguard, The Pride of Bristol.]

PROBLEM No. 15.

The life of Hezekiah Hopkins had been a warning rather than an example
to others, and the administration of his affairs at death caused his
Executors and Trustees to use words which are only permissible amongst
gentlemen when the ladies have withdrawn from the dinner table.

Mr. Hopkins died on the 25th June, 1913.

His Will had been proved, Estate Duty and Legacy Duty had been paid, but
the Trust could not be closed owing to the fact that the Residuary Estate
had been left to Nathaniel Hopkins, a nephew, for life with remainder
over to the said Nathaniel's eldest god-son Walter Blackside, subject to
an annuity of £200 which the Testator had covenanted to pay to the "Pride
of Bristol," a prize fighter, who had acted as bodyguard to Mr. Hopkins
during that gentleman's earthly peregrinations.

The Residuary Estate consisted of the following property:--

(1) Leasehold Property having 30 years to run, producing £900 per
annum. The property, which was valued for probate at £15,000,
and which was subject to a Ground Rent of £100 per annum, was
sold on on the 24th June, 1914, for £16,400 and the proceeds
invested on the following day in Consols at 73, including
brokerage, &c.

(2) Deceased's Share in the firm of Hezekiah Hopkins & Co. This
amounted to £18,000 upon the death of Mr. Hopkins, and,
according to the Partnership Deed, was to be paid out by
instalments of £6,500 a year including interest at 5% on the
unpaid balances. The first instalment was to be paid on the
first anniversary of deceased's death.

(3) A Reversionary Interest in the Estate of his Uncle Mr. John
Oppit, the life interest of which was being enjoyed by Mrs.
Oppit. This Reversionary Interest was valued, at the death of
Mr. Hopkins for probate purposes, at £850, and was retained
until the 25th June, 1916, when it fell into possession. It then
consisted of £1,500 India 3-1/2% at 88.

(4) £10,000 invested in a Loan redeemable on the 24th June, 1915,
with interest at 10% per annum payable half-yearly on the 25th
December and the 24th June in each year.

The Trustees decided on their own responsibility to retain
this investment, which was redeemed on the due date and the
interest paid in the meanwhile.

(5) £10,000 India 3% Stock at 84, purchased by Deceased on 18th
June, 1913.

Upon the 25th June in each year the balance of Corpus Realised was to be
placed on deposit with the Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank at 4%, less any
fraction of £100 which was to be retained on Current Account at the Union
of London and Smith's Bank.

Mr. Nathaniel Hopkins died on the 25th June, 1916.

* * * * *

Write up the books showing the position of affairs when Mr. Blackside came
into the property, ignoring Income Tax.

PROBLEM No. 16.

Mrs. Wiggins was the Life Tenant and Mr. Gilbert Gunter was the
Remainderman of the Property left by the late Ebenezer Wiggins.

Mr. Gunter had begun to despair of ever enjoying the fruits of Mr.
Wiggins' generous intentions, when, fortunately for him, on the 14th
March, 1914, Mrs. Wiggins got a fish bone lodged in her gullet and died
two hours later.

The Accounts had been prepared regularly on the 21st September each year,
the anniversary of Mr. Wiggins' death, and the following is the Balance
Sheet, dated 21st September, 1913:--

EBENEZER WIGGINS Decd.

Dr. Balance Sheet, 21st September, 1913. Cr.

£ s. d. | £ s. d.
To Estate Account 33,900 0 0 |By Investments:
" Income " 125 0 0 | India 3 per Cent.:
| £25,000 at 72 18,000 0 0
| Chili 4 per Cent.:
| £5,000 at 90 4,500 0 0
| London United
| Tramways:
| £10,000 4 per Cent.
| Debentures at 70 7,000 0 0
| West African
| Trading Co., Ltd.:
| 1,000 Shares £1
| each fully paid 1,000 0 0
|" Freehold House 2,600 0 0
|" Furniture and
| Effects 800 0 0
|" Cash at Bank 125 0 0
------------ | -----------
£34,025 0 0 | £34,025 0 0

Mr. Gunter requires Accounts to be prepared, showing the position
of affairs at the 14th July, 1914, and volunteers the following
information:--

(1) The Investments remain unaltered, with the exception of the
India 3% Stock, which was sold on the 10th January, 1914, and
the proceeds, viz., £18,500, were invested in a Mortgage at 5%
Interest payable half-yearly on the 10th July and 10th January
each year.

(2) The Coupons on the Chili 4% Bonds are payable on the 1st April
and 1st October, and the Interest on the London United Tramway
Debenture Stock on the 1st January and 1st July in each year.

(3) On 3rd July, 1914, a Final Dividend at the rate of 15% per
annum, free of Tax, was declared by the West African Trading
Company, Ltd., and paid on the 8th July, 1914, making, with the
interim dividend paid on the 10th January, 1914, 10% for the
year ended 30th June, 1914, free of tax.

(4) The Freehold House was let on a full repairing lease at an
annual rental of £146, the assessment was also £146. The rent
is payable quarterly on the usual quarter days.

(5) The Trustees had paid to the late Mrs. Wiggins £75 on account
of income on the 12th day of each month, including March, 1914.

(6) The Professional Accountant's fee for writing up the books from
the 22nd September, 1913, to 14th July, 1914, and making the
necessary adjustments was agreed at 100 guineas, and this fee
was to be apportioned between Mr. Gunter and the Estate of Mrs.
Wiggins deceased equally.

* * * * *

Write up the Accounts for the period, making the necessary adjustments,
and prepare Balance Sheet dated 14th July, 1914, showing the amount due.

PROBLEM No. 17.

Mr. Montagu Summers had a conscientious objection to the Income Tax, and
a positive loathing of the Super-Tax, and the trouble lay in the fact that
he had amassed a considerable fortune in the City of London.

Something had to be done, however, to relieve Mr. Summers of a portion
of this scandalous taxation, and so, converting as much of his property
into cash as he could spare, he invested the same in various ways in other
countries.

He bought Russian 4-1/2% Bonds in Holland of the nominal value of 200,000
Guilders, and a Freehold Farm near Amsterdam, which cost in English money
about £8,000.

He bought Freehold Land in Canada, for which he paid £80,000, and
deposited with the Calgary Investment & Security Trust $300,000 at 5%.

He lent on Mortgage in New Zealand £40,000, and he had a balance of Fcs.
8,600 to his credit at the Swiss Bankverein, Berne.

[Illustration: "Mr. Montagu Summers had a conscientious objection to the
Income Tax, and a positive loathing of the Super-Tax."]

On the 14th November, 1913, Mr. Summers died of blood poisoning, the
result of cutting a corn with a blunt razor.

His property in England consisted of his Furniture and Effects valued at
£3,800, Cash balance at the London, City & Midland Bank, Queen Victoria
Street, £300, and his interest as a Partner in the firm of Montagu Summers
& Nephew, which was agreed at £32,640.

The Russian Bonds were sold on the Amsterdam Exchange for 180,000
Guilders, the Farm was valued at 112,800 Guilders, and the Land in Canada
was estimated for duty purposes at $122,000.

Assuming the Death Duties in Holland to be 5%, in Switzerland nil, and
the rates in the Colonies to be similar to what they are in this Country,
show what Estate Duty would be payable in England.

The rates of Exchange can be taken as follows:--

Holland--12 Guilders = £1
Switzerland--25 Francs = £1
Canada-- 5 Dollars = £1

All accruing income to be ignored.

PROBLEM No. 18.

Mr. Harold Wimpole died in his Opera Hat, and was buried in Willesden
Cemetery.

His Will had been proved, Estate Duty had been paid, and the Widow,
who was the sole Beneficiary, had found considerable consolation in the
£56,200 which had come to her.

This £56,200 represented the Gross Estate, less Debts due by Mr. Wimpole
at his death £1,416, Funeral Expenses £39 17s. 0d. which were regarded by
all, including the Inland Revenue Authorities, as most reasonable, Estate
Duty, Interest on Estate Duty £31 16s. 0d., Testamentary Expenses £140
3s. 0d. and Legacy Duty.

[Illustration: "The Curate looked at the Widow, and the Widow looked at
the Curate."]

Eight months had passed away and the rules of Society permitted Mrs.
Wimpole to smile occasionally; the Curate, who took an extraordinary
interest in Mrs. Wimpole's salvation and the carving of an ancient
Japanese Cabinet, had called for tea. The Reverend gentleman, with a
sandwich in his hand, was recording the incidents connected with the
birth of Buddha, when his fingers happened to touch the spring of a secret
drawer in the aforementioned Cabinet.

The Curate looked at the Widow, and the Widow looked at the Curate, and
there they stood together, hand in hand, like two young children, in
silent amazement, for the secret drawer in the Japanese Cabinet disclosed
25 4-1/2% Foreign Government Bonds to Bearer, of the nominal value of
£500 each, and several memoranda of Stock Exchange dealings between Mr.
Wimpole and his Broker. The coupons were payable on the 10th March, and
the 10th September in each year, and the last coupon which had been cut
off was dated 10th September, 1912, exactly 8 months previous to the
death of Mr. Wimpole. Mrs. Wimpole consulted the Reverend Oscar Veritas
long and earnestly over the matter, and the Reverend Oscar admitted that
it was a case necessitating very great firmness of character and honesty
of purpose. Ultimately, however, he arrived at the conclusion that Mrs.
Wimpole would be unworthy to bear his name in the future, unless she did
her duty in the present instance.

What was the pecuniary value of the good man's conclusions to the Inland
Revenue in the matter of Estate and Legacy Duty, bearing in mind the fact
that the Bonds stood at 92 on the day of Mr. Wimpole's death, and 90, ten
months later when Mrs. Wimpole's Solicitor finally settled the matter?

* * * * *

Note.--The Honeymoon was spent in Japan.

PROBLEM No. 19.

Sir Robert Rushforth, J.P., was a big man with a big heart and a wooden
leg. He had inherited a fortune, gone bankrupt, and married a Widow, and
if anyone had told him he wasn't a sportsman he would have called that
individual a liar, and opened a second bottle.

He died on the 4th June, leaving all his property to his Widow, with the
exception of his wooden leg, which he directed to be handed over to the
Royal Hospital for Incurables, at Putney.

Such was the man, and the contents of his Will so exactly reflected the
character of her husband that Lady Rushforth at once had recourse to the
smelling salts on reading the document.

He directed the debts, from which he had obtained a legal discharge in
Bankruptcy, to be paid in full, he forgave all his Debtors, and instructed
his Widow, whom he had appointed sole Executrix and Residuary Legatee,
to meet in full all his Gaming Debts. He further directed that a certain
debt, in respect of which he had pleaded in his younger days the Statutes
of Limitation, should be paid in full.

The name of this latter creditor was Gunter, and the debt, amounting to
£25, was in respect of repairs to certain pig-sties.

The discharge from Bankruptcy had been obtained by Sir Robert eight years
previous to his death. His liabilities had amounted to £16,200, and he
had paid 2s. 6d. in the £.

He owed his bookmaker, Mr. Hollins, of Houndsditch, £200.

He had lent his Vicar, the Rev. Aaron Cranium, £100, his sister Blanche
£300, and his intimate but impecunious friend, Mr. Algernon O'Gizzard,
£50. This latter loan was rendered necessary by reason of the fact that
Mr. O'Gizzard had stood bail for a friend who had got into trouble with
the police, and who failed to put in an appearance before the Magistrates
on the day appointed. Now, Sir Robert happened to be on the Bench that
morning, and ordered the bail to be estreated before he realised with whom
he was dealing.

Apart from the above property Sir Robert left Personal Estate valued at
£62,000. There was no Real Property.

Show what Estate Duty and Legacy Duty were payable upon Sir Robert's
death.

* * * * *

Note.--The wooden leg was returned by the Secretary of the Royal
Hospital for Incurables at Putney, and being found to be of no
intrinsic value was eventually deposited in the family Mausoleum
at Norwood.

PROBLEM No. 20.

Mr. James Hotchkiss died in the autumn of age on the morning of his 93rd
birthday.

During his protracted life he had always surrounded himself with every
comfort, and was reputed to be an exceedingly rich man.

No wonder then that his death should occasion an unparalleled outburst of
grief and hatbands on the part of his weeping relatives.

After the funeral, the chief mourners met in the library and the Family
Solicitor, with a glass of wine within easy reach, read out the last Will
and Testament of James Hotchkiss Deceased.

This interesting document brought a ray of comfort to bleeding hearts, for
several substantial Legacies were mentioned, all free of duty, and two at
least of the prospective Legatees were observed to make rapid calculations
on the left shirt cuff.

[Illustration: "To Rachel and Joyce Proudfoot (my sister's little girls,
aged 32 and 27 respectively), £10,000 each."

Joyce: "Think of it, Rachel!! Ten thousand pounds!!! Why the young fellows
will simply chase us!!!"]

To Sophia Hotchkiss ("my own dear Wife") the deceased left his Horses,
Carriages, Motor Car, Household Furniture, Pictures, including the
Landscape by Earp, Linen, Plate, Glass, &c., absolutely.

To George Proudfoot ("my dear sister's only son") the deceased left his
Hornèd Cattle, i.e., Cows, and £20,000.

To Rachel and Joyce Proudfoot ("my sister's little girls"), the deceased
bequeathed £10,000 each. The Misses Proudfeet were aged 32 and 27
respectively.

To Richard, William and Algernon Hotchkiss ("my never-to-be-forgotten
brother's sons") the deceased left £20,000 each, and to John Willett ("my
faithful valet"), £2,000.

The Residue of the Estate was bequeathed absolutely to the Widow.

The Executors lost no time in having the Property valued and the debts due
by the deceased at his death, ascertained, and their efforts disclosed
"a very lamentable state of affairs," at least, such was the opinion
expressed by the Reverend Stephen Collins who had called to comfort the
Widow in her affliction.

The Horses, Carriages, Motor Car, &c., including the Landscape by Earp,
were valued at £2,000; the Hornèd Cattle, i.e., the Cows, were put down
at £400, and the rest of the Property at £40,893 16s 0d.

The Debts due by the deceased amounted to £1,720 0s. 0d., and the Funeral
Expenses to £339 7s. 0d. These latter were considered unreasonable by the
Inland Revenue Authorities, and in spite of several very eloquent appeals
addressed to them by the Executors, including a touching letter from the
Reverend Stephen Collins dealing with the blameless life of the deceased,
the amount allowed was fixed at £33 16s. 0d.

The Testamentary Expenses, exclusive of Estate Duty, amounted to £186 13s.
0d.

* * * * *

What amount was eventually received by each Legatee?

[Illustration: "At the age of 16 he made the acquaintance of Miss
Harriett Hopkins. In the following spring he had successfully reached the
'Walking-out' stage."]

PROBLEM No. 21.

Mr. and Mrs. Turvey were justly proud of their son "'Erbert." He was their
only child, and always wore a Frock Coat, Brown Boots and White Spats on
Sunday. In fact, as everyone said, he gave a tone to Bethnal Green.

But the ways of Providence are strange, and it is futile to seek for
explanations where none are vouchsafed. It is enough to say that Mr.
Herbert's anatomy came into violent contact with a brewer's dray one
Thursday afternoon, and that a promising young life was cut short at the
early age of 19.

His Life Story has yet to be written, and it is but the barest outline
that can be here recorded.

At the age of 16 he made the acquaintance of Miss Harriett Hopkins. In the
following spring he had successfully reached the "walking out" stage. He
was formally engaged at the age of 17 and at 18 he was married. Six weeks
before he died he made two very remunerative investments. He borrowed from
his Employers--without worrying them about so small a matter--the sum of
£6, which he converted into £600 by successfully backing "Hump Back" at
100 to 1 for the "Cesarewitch." He also insured his life for £100.

Having satisfactorily adjusted the small matter of the Loan without in
any way arousing his Employers' suspicions, he joined a Burial Club, made
a Will, and died ten days later.

By his Will he appointed his Widow sole Executrix, and divided his Estate
as to one-fourth part to his father Oliver Turvey, as to one-sixth part
to a former landlady Mrs. Korphdrop, and the residue to his Widow.

The Estate consisted of the following:--

Cash £564.

Insurance Policy, £100.

Burial Club Money £14.

Household Furniture and Effects £12.

The Funeral Expenses amounted to £12.

Mr. Herbert Turvey was buried on the third Thursday after Guy Fawkes'
Day, and on the following Tuesday fortnight the Widow gave birth to a son.
Both mother and child progressed amazingly and everybody called to visit
Harriett, but chiefly to satisfy their curiosity as to the amount which
she inherited.

* * * * *

Don't keep them waiting.

PROBLEM No. 22.

Mrs. George Dumpkins was very vexed that any Estate Duty at all should be
payable, and when she was told that a Corrective Affidavit would have to
be presented she threatened to change her Solicitors. As she very properly
said she had sufficient troubles already without having to pay for more,
and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whoever he was, ought to be ashamed
of himself for taxing Widows so scandalously.

She entirely disagreed with the opinion of her Solicitor as to the
necessity of presenting this Corrective Affidavit, and insisted upon
having Counsel's opinion on the matter. The following facts were therefore
submitted to the learned gentleman:--

Mr. Dumpkins' Estate had been proved for Probate purposes at £71,000,
but during the year after death the following Assets were realised and
Liabilities settled, viz.:--

£18,000 3-1/2% India Stock valued for Probate at 94-7/8, realised
91-1/2.

Share in Ship valued at £4,000, realised £3,500.

Sundry Liabilities estimated for Probate at £8,000, were
subsequently found to be £8,700. (This included £75 cost of
bringing deceased's body from abroad.)

Stock-in-Trade valued at £10,250, realised £9,400.

£6,000 Mortgage Debentures valued at £7,500 were sold at par.

The opinion of Counsel was received in due course, and the Solicitor
smiled.

* * * * *

By what amount was the Estate Duty increased or decreased? Ignore any
adjustment in respect of Interest on Estate Duty.

PROBLEM No. 23

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,

AUGUSTA MAWSTONE.

Note.--The breakfast was a great success. Everybody turned up and
the Rev. Stephen Collins spoke for 47 minutes. The £5,000
Stock was sold at 90 net, and the necessary entries were
made in the books of the Trust, showing the settlement of
Montgomery's interest in the Estate.

* * * * *

What was it?

[Illustration: "The Rev. Stephen Collins spoke for 47 minutes."]

PROBLEM No. 26.

Sir John Hopper, Bart., died on the day set apart for the Feast of St.
Valentine. He had been a Widower for some 12 years, and the age of his
only daughter was 23.

The Family consisted of four Sons and one Daughter, whose names in order
of age were:--

John Long,
George Rhode,
Oscar Truclod,
Charles Grarze,
Rose Marie.

Sir John died intestate, possessed of the following Estate:--

Net Residue of Personalty, £24,000.

Real Property:

Freehold Estate 4 miles outside Canterbury, Kent, £5,000.
Delightful situation, 4 Reception Rooms, 8 Bed and Dressing
Rooms, 2 Bathrooms, Modern Kitchen apartments, including
Servants' Hall, usual Offices, Good Stabling and 4 Acres of
Garden. Caretaker within.

Freehold Estate, 1 mile outside Guildford, Surrey, £8,000.

Freehold Estate in the City of Nottingham, £10,000.

* * * * *

Show how the Estate of Sir John Hopper will be divided.

PROBLEM No. 27.

Colonel Filbert, stepson to the late Sir Hazel Knut, paid a brief visit
to the Brazils, and died on the voyage home on the 1st January, 1914.

He left a considerable Estate, and bequeathed many useful Legacies, all
free of Duty, to deserving Relations and Friends. One of the provisions
in his Will was to the effect that a sum of £5,300 should be placed on
Deposit at the Bank to be paid over by instalments at regular intervals
to his two Executors, John Bunting and Nathaniel Whittel, and was to be
regarded by them as a Salary for their services.

Each was to receive a Starting Salary at the rate of £500 per annum,
but whereas John Bunting's Salary was to be increased by £100 per annum,
Nathaniel Whittel's Salary was to be increased by £25 half-yearly.

As soon as the £5,300 was exhausted the Salaries were to cease, and in the
meanwhile the Interest on the Deposit was to be paid over to the General
Estate.

The Salaries were to be drawn half-yearly, the first to be payable exactly
six months from the date of Colonel Filbert's death.

* * * * *

Write up a Cash Account, showing how the Legacy of £5,300 was divided
between the Executors.

[Illustration: "Miss Tulip's heart was forthwith pierced."]

PROBLEM No. 28.

Every Sportsman will admit that it is immoral to bet upon a certainty,
and most business men will endorse the maxim that only fools speculate
without inside information.

Now Mr. Hunter never gambled, but he was open, like most other men, to
a sound speculation, and when he learned in his capacity of Clerk to
a well-known Solicitor that Miss Rose Tulip had inherited a fortune of
£60,000 odd, he naturally felt interested.

Many obstacles separated Mr. Hunter from the object of his choice, but he
persevered, and on one particularly sunny afternoon he let loose a chance
arrow with such well-directed aim that Miss Tulip's heart was forthwith
pierced.

The Engagement caused some little flutter in the Dove Cot, and Lady Tulip,
Miss Rose's widowed Mother, at once changed her Solicitors in spite of a
promise on their part to decorate Mr. Hunter with the "Order of the Boot,"
a promise which was promptly converted into an accomplished fact.

Every effort was made to induce Miss Rose to reconsider her decision, but
this only seemed to lead to further complications, for on the 14th July
Mr. George Tulip announced his engagement to Mr. Hunter's only sister,
Rebecca.

This was the last straw and the lamentations of the proud Tulip Family
were only exceeded by the rejoicings of the Family Hunter.

The prospective Bridegrooms met and made all the necessary arrangements,
and Mr. Hunter, who had had a legal training, drew up four simple Wills
whereby each left to the Widow, or Widower, all the worldly goods of which
he, or she, was possessed.

These documents were signed and witnessed, and four days later the double
wedding was solemnized quietly at the Church of Saint Augustine.

After the ceremony Mr. and Mrs. Hunter and Mr. and Mrs. Tulip journeyed
to Liverpool Street Station and caught the 2 o'clock train to Clacton,
where the honeymoon was to be spent.

They arrived comfortably in time for tea, and Mr. Hunter insisted on
treating the whole party to Winkles.

Now, whether it was the Winkles or whether it was the pins, is a matter
upon which the two London Specialists who were called in failed to agree,
but the fact remains that within a very short time of devouring the
aforementioned delicacies, the whole party became alarmingly ill, and two
days later Mr. Tulip and Mrs. Hunter died.

Mr. Tulip's Estate, which consisted entirely of Personalty, was valued for
Probate at £8,420, and Mrs. Hunter's Estate, which consisted entirely of
Realty, was valued at £72,422.

* * * * *

What Legacy and Succession Duty was payable on behalf of Mrs. Tulip, and
by Mr. Hunter?

PROBLEM No. 29.

The Rev. Stephen Collins delivered a very moving address on Total
Abstinence at the Mothers' Meeting on the 14th June, 1913, and three weeks
later Mr. Gunter died.

Now some of the parishioners were inclined to connect the two events,
particularly as Mrs. Gunter happened to form one of the band of Mothers
on that memorable occasion, and was known to have given her husband Toast
and Water for Supper on the following evening.

Be that as it may, it is an undoubted fact that Mr. Gunter, in a codicil
to his Will, nominated the Rev. Stephen Collins in place of Mrs. Gunter
as Life Tenant of the Income arising from the property of which he (Mr.
Gunter) died possessed.

After the payment of all Duties, Debts and Expenses, this property
consisted of Assets producing Income as follows:--

(1) £300 per annum, free of tax, payable quarterly on the usual
quarter days.

(2) £160 per annum, free of tax, payable half-yearly, on the 30th
June and 31st December.

(3) £140 per annum, free of tax, payable yearly, on the 29th
September.

The Income was received regularly on the due dates and the Reverend
Gentleman had given a formal receipt for everything due up to and
including the 31st December, 1913.

On the 30th April, 1914, Stock No. 1 was sold cum. div. at a profit of
£500, and the proceeds were re-invested in a security, the income from
which was £320 per annum, free of tax, payable half-yearly on the 30th
June and 31st December.

On the 20th June, 1914, Stock No. 2 was sold ex. div. at a loss of £100,
and the proceeds were re-invested in a Stock ex. div. bringing in £140
per annum, free of tax, payable quarterly on the usual quarter days.

The Rev. Stephen Collins recognises that the Trustees are honourable men
and that their intentions are worthy, but nevertheless he is anxious and
wishes to be in a position to reassure Mrs. Collins as to the income which
he will receive for the year ending 31st December, 1914.

It is interesting to note that Mr. Collins has now published the Address
delivered at the Mothers' Meeting on the 14th June, 1913, trusting that
the seed sown broadcast may find its way into fruitful soil.

PROBLEM No. 30.

A prosperous Solicitor usually occupies very dirty offices, and his
furniture is mostly Mid-Victorian and rickety.

Mr. John Storalore was no exception to this rule and never seemed to
object to such surroundings, but on the contrary always appeared to be
surrounded by such objects.

He was sitting in his office one June afternoon and was dozing over
some particularly dusty documents when his clerk announced Sir Pufferby
Pawstone. Now Sir Pufferby was an important client who always had his hair
cut and called on his Solicitor when he found himself with nothing better
to do. It is not surprising, therefore, that Mr. Storalore should receive
him with open arms and assume a very profound expression.

After the usual courtesies had been exchanged, and Lady Pawstone's health
touched upon, Sir Pufferby announced that he desired to make a Will.

Mr. Storalore was all attention and took elaborate notes of Sir Pufferby's
testamentary wishes, which were extensive and complicated. This done,
Sir Pufferby begged Mr. Storalore to give him a brief and concise account
of the steps which it is necessary for Executors and Trustees to take in
the administration of the affairs of a deceased person from the moment of
death up to the final distribution of the Residue.

* * * * *

Do not worry about what Mr. Storalore actually said to Sir Pufferby, for
Sir Pufferby was an old woman, and Mr. Storalore knew his client, but say
what he would have said to you in answer to such a question.

PROBLEM No. 31.

Mr. George Huggins died on the 31st October, 1913, and with the exception
of a few legacies, bequeathed free of duty, he left the whole of his
property to his Widow for life with remainder over to his friend Mr.
Giblets, provided that gentleman outlived Mrs. Huggins.

Now this arrangement placed Mr. Giblets in an embarrassing predicament,
especially as Mrs. Huggins' health improved so wonderfully after her
husband's death.

It appeared to Mr. Giblets, therefore, that matrimony was the only safe
solution of the difficulty, and so he went on his knees before the Widow.
But the lady grasped the situation immediately, and declined the honour.

Friendship being thus early at an end Mr. Giblets resolved to worry the
Widow, bearing in mind the saying that "Worry kills." So he set himself to
quibble about every detail in the administration of the late Mr. Huggins'
Estate, particularly as regards the apportionment of Revenue between
Capital and Income. But the Widow would not worry, and wisely suggested
to the Solicitors that all matters involving accounts should be left to
some first-class Firm of Professional Accountants to settle.

This was done, and the following are the Cash Receipts and Payments made
by the Trustees up to the 30th June, 1914.

* * * * *

What amount was paid to Mrs. Huggins on the 30th June, 1914?

_Receipts._

1913. £ s. d.

Oct. 3 Cash at Bank and in house 532 17 4
Nov. 5 Yorkshire Coal Co., dividends half-year ending
30th September, 1913, free of tax

1914.
Jan. 5 Dividends on India Stock, less tax 47 1 8
" " 14 Sale of Investments 1,764 8 9
Feb. 8 Caledonian Railway Dividends, half-year ending 32 19 2
31st December, 1913
March 3 Sale of Furniture 243 6 8
" " 25 Quarter's Rent of Property to date, less tax at 16 1 10
1s. 2d.
" " 31 North British Investment Trust Dividends, 6 70 0 0
months to date, free of Tax
" 31 West Ham Gas Co., half-year's Debenture 47 1 8
Interest, less tax
Apr. 5 Dividends on India Stock, less tax 47 1 8
June 15 Sale of Jewellery 32 5 0
" " 25 Quarter's Rent of Property 20 0 0

_Payments._

1913.

Nov. 7 Medical Attendance and Nursing fees 31 10 0
" " 25 Mrs. Huggins, on account 50 0 0
Dec. 31 Estate Duty 532 6 8
" " 31 Interest thereon 2 13 3

1914.

Jan. 16 Valuation fees 15 15 0
Feb. 1 Widow, further on account 50 0 0
" " 16 Funeral Expenses 31 10 0
March 25 Half-year's Ground Rent, due this day, less tax 4 18 11
" " 31 Debts due at death 73 6 8
Apr. 1 Widow, further on account 50 0 0
" " 30 Legacies 250 0 0
May 3 Duty thereon 20 0 0
" " 31 Executorship Expenses 5 6 8
June 1 Solicitor's Costs re Probate 32 6 8
" " 15 Mason's Expenses, restoring, &c, Tombstone 15 15 0
" " 30 Paid Widow Balance due to her.

PROBLEM No. 32.

Mr. Nathaniel Soworthy, a great breeder of prize pigs, had the misfortune
to be knocked down one day by his favourite Berkshire Boar, and his head
was cut open on the corner of the pig-sty. Notwithstanding the fact that
Mr. Soworthy prided himself exceedingly on the extreme cleanliness of his
pig-sties, where, as he was often heard to say, he would be quite ready to
eat his own dinner, he discovered on that lamentable occasion what must
have been the sole surviving microbe on the premises which, entering his
circulation, set up blood poisoning with the result that he passed away a
few days later, viz., at 6 p.m. on the evening of the 31st January, 1914.

Mr. Soworthy was a man of many hobbies, and in addition to his prize pigs
he possessed a unique collection of silver salt-cellars reputed to be one
of the finest in the country. This was valued for Probate at £5,000, while
the pigs were estimated to be worth £2,500.

In addition he died possessed of the following property:--

£5,000 India 3% quoted at 75-3/8-7/8.

10,000 Ordinary Shares of £1 each in the Improved Pork Pie Factory,
Ltd., valued at 25/- per share.

£4,000 Mortgage at 4-1/2% on the farm known as "Little Watchem,"
interest payable 30th September and 31st March, paid to 30th
September, 1913.

Cash in the house, £15.

Cash at the Bank £355 on Current Account and £2,000 on deposit at
3%, interest payable 30th June and 31st December.

£5,000 Policy in the Live Stock Breeders' Mutual Assurance Society,
upon which the Bonus at the date of death amounted to £190.

Household Goods, Horses, and Motor Car, £3,500.

Implements of Husbandry, £150.

The Freehold Estate, comprising Mansion House, Park, and Home
Farm known as "The Piggeries," valued at £15,000, subject to a
Mortgage of £10,000 at 4-1/2%, interest payable 30th November
and 31st May, paid to 30th November, 1913.

He was also life tenant of Real Property producing £3,000 per
annum, in respect of which there was income accrued due but not
received prior to death amounting to £900.

By his Will he left the following bequests:

£1,000 in trust to the President for the time being of the Royal
Society for the Propagation and Improvement of Pigs, to be
invested and the interest awarded annually in prizes for the
best sucking pigs.

£100 to the Perennial Society of Whole Hoggers, of the local branch
of which he was the esteemed and Honorary President; and

His famous White Sow, known as the "Soworthy Sow," to his lifelong
friend the celebrated judge of pigs, Mr. Anthony Golightly
Wackenbath.

The prize pigs were directed to be sold and realised £2,690. The
collection of silver salt-cellars was bequeathed to the Victoria and
Albert Museum on condition that it should be shown as a whole and named
the Soworthy Collection. This bequest was accepted.

[Illustration: "His famous White Sow, known as the 'Soworthy Sow.'"]

The debts due at death amounted to £215, and the funeral expenses to £45.

Within a week of the funeral the famous Soworthy Sow died in giving
birth to a fine litter of ten little pigs, two of which unfortunately
pre-deceased their Mother. The result of this event had been awaited
before sending the Sow to Mr. Wackenbath, who was thus deprived of this
mark of the deceased gentleman's affection. The value of the Sow alive
had been £50, but dead she was not worth more than £3 10s. 0d., while
the litter, whose father was the same Berkshire Boar that had been the
unwitting cause of Mr. Soworthy's death, were worth £2 a-piece.

* * * * *

Prepare the Estate Duty Account, the affidavit being brought in on the
31st March, 1914. Show the amount of duty and interest payable.

PROBLEM No. 33.

Referring to the preceding Problem, all bequests were left free of duty
and the residue of the estate was left in equal shares to Mr. Soworthy's
grand-daughter, his brother, and his adopted son.

The India Stock was sold on the 25th March, 1914, at 77; the Shares in
the Improved Pork Pie Factory, Ltd., realised 24/- per share net on the
25th May, 1914, after receipt on the 1st May of a Final Dividend of 1/-
per Share paid in respect of the year ending 31st March, 1914, an interim
dividend of 6d. per share having been received by Mr. Soworthy prior to
his decease.

The Mortgage on "Little Watchem" Farm was called in and paid off on
the 30th June, 1914, while "The Piggeries" was directed to be sold and
realised £14,500 after payment of all expenses, completion being made on
31st May.

The household goods and implements of husbandry were sold at the same time
and produced £3,000 and £120 respectively.

The Policy money with bonus was received on February 25th and the proceeds
of the sale of pigs on March 5th, while the income from the Real Estate
was received on February 10th.

Estate and Legacy Duties were paid on March 31st, and the debts, funeral
expenses and legacies were also paid on the same date. Executorship
expenses amounting to £250 were paid on June 14th.

On the last day of each month such portion of the cash balance as was
available in round thousands was placed on deposit at 3%.

* * * * *

Prepare Residuary Account as at June 30th, 1914, and state the duties
payable on the Residue.

PROBLEM No. 34.

Referring to the two preceding Problems, prepare an Account to be rendered
by the Executors to the Residuary Beneficiaries, showing the realisation
and distribution of the Estate, the final payment to the Residuary
Beneficiaries taking place on July 1st, 1914.

PROBLEM No. 35.

To anyone not in the secret, the conduct of Mr. Pipkin would appear
inexplicable, for on March 3rd, 1914, he very deliberately entered a
Tobacconist's shop, ordered a threepenny cigar, and afterwards resigned
his position as Assistant Book-keeper in Messrs. Macfarlane's Grocery
Establishment.

The secret, however, lay in the fact that Mrs. Pipkin had come into money,
and Mr. Pipkin very naturally felt himself independent of other people
and yearned for the ease and comfort appertaining to the position of a
retired gentleman of means.

Mrs. Pipkin's fortune consisted of a life interest in the Property left
by Mr. Austen Friars, who died on the 28th February, 1914.

This property was represented by the following assets:--

£2,000 3-1/2% Hongkong Stock, interest payable half-yearly, on the
1st April and 1st October.

200 Shares of £5 each (£2 10s. 0d. called up and paid) in the
Commercial Banking Co., Ltd.

Freehold House bringing in £80 a year, payable quarterly, on the
usual Quarter Days. This house was assessed at £67, and the Income
Tax was paid by the Tenant on the 5th January, 1914.

750 £1 Shares, fully paid, in the Perpetual Rays Co., Ltd.

April, 1914, was the very happiest month in Mr. Pipkin's whole life,
and he spent most of his time smoking his pipe in his back garden, or
improving his mind by contemplating the educative pictures of the local
Cinema.

The months of May and June, however, did not prove quite so pleasant,
and by the middle of July Mr. Pipkin actually threatened Mrs. Pipkin that
unless she kept the baby quiet he would look out for another job.

And then August came round which proved to be the most miserable month
of Mr. Pipkin's whole life, for Mrs. Pipkin was suddenly taken ill after
consuming a liberal portion of Tinned Salmon. Never before did he realise
how much he loved his Wife or what a blow to his heart her death would
be. He never left her bedside and he spared no expense, but, in spite of
all, Mrs. Pipkin passed away on the 19th August, 1914.

It would be idle to attempt to depict Mr. Pipkin's feelings; it is enough
to say that he became a poorer but a wiser man.

On the 3rd April, 1914, a dividend for the year ending 31st January, 1914,
at the rate of 7-1/2% was declared on the 200 shares in the Commercial
Banking Co., Ltd., and a similar dividend was declared on the 4th April,
1915, in respect of the year ending 31st January, 1915.

On the 19th August, 1914, a final dividend at the rate of 15% per annum,
free of tax, was declared on the 750 Shares in the Perpetual Rays Co.,
Ltd., for the half year ending 30th June, 1914. An interim dividend had
been received on the 31st January, 1914, in respect of the half year
ending 31st December, 1913, at the rate of 10% per annum, free of tax.

No interim dividend was paid during the Company's year ending 30th June,
1915; but on the 31st July, 1915, a dividend at the rate of 10%, free of
tax, was declared in respect of the year ending 30th June, 1915.

* * * * *

Show the exact amount payable to Mrs. Pipkin and her Estate in respect of
her life interest under the Will of Mr. Austen Friars.

[Illustration: "Two Sons, who, if the truth was told, Drank much more than
they ought'er."]

PROBLEM No. 36.

On Lady Day the death occurred
Of Hubert Henry Huckett,
Who fell beneath a brewers' dray
And promptly kicked the bucket.

He left a very charming Wife,
And one enchanting Daughter,
Two Sons, who, if the truth was told,
Drank much more than they ought'er.

His Will was proved and it was found
He'd left as weird collection
Of Stocks and Shares as e'er was known
Within man's recollection.

He'd (£) 60 Bags and 40 Coils
100 Common Can. Pacs.,
And (£) 40 Berthas, 60 Lions
And 42 Brazil Tracs.

He'd 80 Knackers, 20 Breads
And just (£) 400 Saras,
(£) 1,000 Middies, 20 Tanks,
And (£) 57 Claras.

200 Chinas (£) 90 Megs,
10 Virgins (£) 40 Doras,
(£) 1,000 Vestas, Matches 10,
12 Bones and (£) 80 Noras,

The Cash at Bank was £80,
The Cash in House was seven,
The Furniture was valued at
Four hundred pounds eleven.

Debts due at death were £90,
And no one in their senses
Can say that £20 was much
For Funeral Expenses.

The Trustee read the Will with care
And studied it minutely,
And found that all was left unto
The Widow absolutely,

Except some Legacies, which made
The worthy man feel dizzy,
He read "I hereby leave my Bags
Unto my daughter Lizzie."

"I leave the Virgins to my son,
Advising him to hold them,
Unless it proves upon my death
I've previously sold them."

"I solemnly bequeath my Bones
Unto my second sonny,
Although I know they'll quickly be
Converted into money."

"I also feel in duty bound
To leave my brother's kiddies
A Legacy, so let his girls
Take over all the Middies."

"My Trustee gets a hundred pounds
For trouble and attention,
All Legacies are duty free,
Perhaps I ought to mention."

"Those whom I leave will thus receive,
A generous provision,
And when all's paid, they'll see I've made
A very just division."

_The following lines were addressed by the Trustee to the Professional
Accountant:_--

You are a man, to Law and Figures bred,
I am a Layman, and I fear to tread
The unknown way.
You know the course Executors should take
To carry out their Trust, without mistake,
Without delay.

Give me then help to ascertain the rate
Of Duty payable on the Estate;
The Residue,
Which goes to Mrs. Huckett, and which may
Be challenged by her lawyer; and I'll pay
A fee to you.

PROBLEM No. 37.

The late Mr. John Bunyon died in affluent circumstances after having, by
the exercise of keen business instincts, overcome those obstacles which
confront every great philanthropist who combines the cause of humanity
with the desire to achieve wealth and fame.

In his early days he vended to a suffering but suspicious public, a
commodity known as "Bunyon's Specific"; and it was his custom at this time
to commence his nightly oration to his potential patients at the street
corner with the words, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I have extracted corns from
all the Crowned Heads of Europe."

In later years, when by the aid of judicious advertising he had convinced
the public that no home was complete without his famous Specific, Mr.
Bunyon sold his business to a Limited Company, and on then calculating
his wealth, found himself rich beyond the dreams of avarice.

He thereupon decided to enter Society, and after some difficulty
procured an introduction to Mr. James Rooker, who obtained for him--for
a consideration--the entrée into that sphere of Social life which he was
so eminently fitted to adorn. On Mr. Rooker's advice, he purchased a
Freehold House in a favourable quarter of the West End of London, but
owing to a desire not to disturb certain Investments, he raised £2,500 of
the purchase price by Mortgage, which at the time of his decease had not
been repaid.

In view of the great services rendered to him by Mr. James Rooker, Mr.
Bunyon promised to remember him and his family in his Will; which led Mr.
Rooker to be very solicitous concerning Mr. Bunyon's health until he was
certain that a Will had been executed, and subsequently caused him much
speculation as to whether an early decease of his Patron might not be more
beneficial than the advantages to be gained from him whilst alive.

Mr. Bunyon's death put an end to these speculations, and it occurred
under the following circumstances. Having met Mr. Rooker by appointment
at that gentleman's house, they spent a merry hour at the card table,
much to Mr. Rooker's advantage. They then sallied forth in a Taxi-cab;
when suddenly remembering that he had parted with all his ready cash,
and knowing that Mr. Rooker never paid for cabs on principle, Mr. Bunyon
ordered the chauffeur to drive to Attenborough's and there placed his
diamond pin in pledge for the sum of £5. Feeling somewhat faint after
this exertion, he instructed the chauffeur to drive to a Chemist's where
he ordered a pick-me-up. The Chemist not knowing his customer, considered
his symptoms a fit case for a dose of "Bunyon's Specific," of which Mr.
Bunyon unwittingly partook, and so met his death.

Mr. Bunyon's Will was found to contain the following Legacies and Devises
in favour of the Rooker Family:--

Mr. James Rooker, my Diamond Pin.

Mr. Tracey Rook Rooker, 1,000 Shares in "Bunyon, Ltd."

Mr. Ricardo Rook Rooker, my Freehold House in London.

Miss Christabel Rook Rooker, £100 of Consols out of my £2,000
Consols.

Miss Emmeline Rook Rooker, £100 payable out of my £2,000 Consols.

It was found that both the Shares in "Bunyon, Ltd." and the Consols, had
been sold shortly before Mr. Bunyon's death. The Freehold House was valued
at £6,500, the Diamond Pin at £25.

* * * * *

The Net value of his Estate when aggregated was £108,000. What did the
Rooker Family receive, and what duties were payable by them?

[Illustration: BY APPOINTMENT TO H.M. THE KING J. MILES & Co Ltd Printers
68 & 70. Wardour St, London, W. ]

[TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE: In the following, the original text of the Foreword
is repeated with an informal English translation by proofer "Lucy 24"
(Louise Hope). This was not in the original text, but is provided by the
transcribers for the convenience of the reader. The English text below is
placed in the public domain.]

Foreword.

By D. F. de l'Hoste Ranking, M.A., LL.D.

De mortuo illo quid dicam?
What shall I say about the deceased?

"Nilnisi bonum" ut aiunt.
"Nothing but good" as they say.

Sed quid si nil boni fecit?
But what if he didn't do any(thing) good?

De bonis licet loqui.
One can talk about his goods.

At si nulla bona reliquit?
But what if he left no goods?

De eo tacere decet:
One should keep quiet about that:
si neque bonum fecit nec bona acquisivit nil valet.
if he neither did good nor acquired goods, he is worthless.

Sed si bona reliquit in sermonem hominum semper venit;
But if he left property, people always talk about him;
vitia operta sunt;
his faults are concealed;
pecuniam fecit, illa quidem "non olet."
he made money, and it "doesn't smell".

Quem heredem instituit?
Whom did he name as heir?
Extraneis haec omnia livori proxima videntur.
To outsiders all these seem next door to envy.

Te autem si tu aut cognatione aut affinitate propinquus
exspectatio tenet.
But you--if you are close, either by acquaintance or relationship,
expectation grips you.
An mea interest? Si sic habet, quanti?
But does it concern me? If that's how it is, how much?
Suave est ex magno tollere acervo;
It's pleasant to receive a big heap;
ejus pecunia quid non facere possim?
with his money, what couldn't I do?

Siste, amice; aliquantulum cogita;
Stop, friend; think a little;
supersunt multi cognati;
there remain many friends;
fieri potest ut aut cum aliis bona partire debeas,
aut exheredatus sis.
it may be that either you have to share the goods with others,
or you are disinherited.

Gerrae! Sine dubio testamentum fecit:
Nonsense! Without a doubt he made a will:
et cum ratione constat me alicuius rei legatarium esse.
and it's reasonable to think I was left something.
Nemo enim magis eum fovit;
For nobody took better care of him;
alii omnes cognati asseclae; solus eum amavi.
all his other friends only cared about his money; I alone loved him.

Insipiens, inter os et offam multa intervenire possunt.
O fool, many things can come "between the mouth and the morsel"
[Latin idiom, like "many a slip between cup and lip"?]
Audi de gente Fulvia fabellam:
I've heard the story of the Fulvian people:
de multis mutato nomine narratur.
it is told of many, with the name changed.

(In scena est coenatio Georgii Fusci, argentariorum interpretis.
(Setting: The dining room of George Black, assayer of money.
Fuscus, bene coenatus, alterum cyathum Falerni sorbillat.
Black, having dined well, is enjoying his second glass of port.
Accurrit uxor, commota;
His wife runs in, excited;
in manu litteras resignatas tenet).
in her hand she holds a signed paper.)

U. Georgi!
George!

F. Quid tibi nunc est? Num quid novi est?
What's the matter with you? What's happening?

U. Amita mea Maria decessit!
My aunt Mary has died!

F. Bene! nunquam postea illud vile Sabinum necesse erit obsorbere:
Good! I will never again have to drink her vile claret:
magnum est solatium.
that's a great solace.

U. At tu Georgi semper id laudasti!
But George, you always praised it!

F. Et tu simul filiaeque semper miratae estis Persicam illam
detestabilem
And you and your daughter always admired that detestable Persian
et psittacum dissonum, et laudibus extulistis:
and the raucous parrot, and sang their praises:
pretium fuit vetulae placere.
that's the cost of pleasing old women.

U. Esto: illa vero suavia erant.
Never mind: They were really agreeable.
At hic mihi litterae a cognitore ejus Semaureo allatae:
But this letter was sent to me by her solicitor [Semaureus]:
dicit se hodie vesperi te conventurum.
he says he is coming to [see] you this evening.

F. Demiror si testamentum fecit!
I'll be amazed if she made a will!
Sin minus omnia ad te perveniunt,
If not, everything goes to you;
tu heres ex asse;
you are the [default/intestate] heir;
cognati alii desunt.
there are no other relatives

U. Est quidem mariti nepos iste.
There's that nephew of her husband.

F. Nullus: tu sola heres:
That's nothing: you alone are the heir:
si intestata omnia ad te.
if she [died] intestate, everything goes to you.

U. Tabulas vere fecit:
She really made an accounting:
cognitor scribit se te conventurum quia
her solicitor writes that he is coming to you because
testamentum ad rem tuam maxime pertinet.
her will greatly concerns your business.

F. Mihi crede igitur!
Then believe me!
Aliquid magni tibi legavit:
She left you something big:
haud verisimile illam quidquam juveni Albo legasse:
it's hardly likely that she left anything to young White:
nunquam illam observavit;
he never paid any attention to her;
homo nil est nisi pictor ignotus aut aliquid simile:
he is nobody except an unknown painter or something like that:
uxorem quoque duxit quamdam inopem,
he also married some penniless woman,
et eis saepe amita tua subvenire debuit.
and your aunt always had to come to their assistance.

U. Fores pulsantur: advenit cognitor!
There's a knock at the door: her solicitor has arrived!

F. Dic famulae ut alteram cyathum ponat.
Tell the maid to bring another glass.

(Ingreditur Dominus Semaureus.)
(Enter Mr [Semaureus].)

Quid agis vir doctissime?
How are you, my esteemed friend?
Mea uxor dixit te venturum;
My wife said you were coming;
nonne ob testamentum amitae ejus?
is it about the will of her aunt?

S. Sic res habet, Fusce;
That's how it is, Black;
venio ad te quod hoc res tua maxime refert;
I come to you because this concerns you greatly;
et scio te onus suscepturum.
and I know you will take up the burden.

F. An sic habet?
Is that how it is?
Vetulae illi multa bona provenere ut opinor.
The old lady left a large property, I think.

S. Permulta: super haec te consulendum putavi.
Very large: I thought to consult you about it.
Hic mecum tabulas attuli ut eas inspicias.
I have brought the accounting with me so you can study it.

F. Bene est; Dignissima erat; cui semper plurimum tribui.
Good; she was a worthy lady; I always said so.
Falerni sume cyathum.
Have a glass of port.

S. Benigne dicis; dimidium:
You are very kind; half a glass;
bona venia uxoris tuae est mihi in animo
with the permission of your wife I am thinking of telling you
summas testamenti reddere;
the amounts in the will;
ad illam quoque pertinet.
it concerns her too.
(Testamenta allata resignat.)
(Opens the will he has brought.)

Post nonnulla famulis legata ita instituit:
After several bequests to servants, it states:

"Fratris filiae Mariae lego Persicam et Psittacum
To my brother's daughter Mary I leave the Persian and the Parrot,
quae animalia tantopere admirata est,
which animals she greatly admired,
certa fiducia se illis hospitium praebituram;
in the full confidence that she will provide a good home for them;
eidem etiam lego annulum meum gemmatum.
to her I also leave my diamond ring.
Nepoti ejusdem Mariae viro Georgio Fusco lego omne
To my niece Mary's husband George Black I leave
quod in hypogaeo superest vinum illud Falernum
all the wine that remains in my cellar because
quod semper laudabat."
he always praised it.

F. (In malam rem.)
(Black is unhappy.)

S. "Quod ad ceteras possessiones
As to my remaining possessions,
Georgius Fuscus heres esto ex asse:
let George Black inherit all:
(subridet Fuscus et uxori in aurem susurrat "ita ut dixi.")
(Black smiles and whispers in his wife's ear "as I said.")

S. (Conversa tabula)
(Turning the page)
"et rogo eum ut cum primum potuerit haereditatem adire,
"and I ask him to go to the inheritance as soon as possible,
omnibus et fundis et mobilibus venditis,
to sell both real property and chattel,
pecunias in cautionibus publica auctoritate factis
to deposit the money in a bank
collocet et fructus reddat nepoti mariti mei
and give the interest to my husband's nephew
Jacobo Albo et uxori suae in aetatem
John White and his wife for their lifetimes
aut utri eorum vita superarit:
or to whichever of them outlives the other:
eis mortuis ut inter liberos eorum caput dividat:
when they die, the capital is to be divided among their children:
aut liberis sine prole defunctis
or if their children die without offspring
caput reddat ad sodalitatem Anthropophagis Africanis
the capital goes to the African Cannibal Mission
informandis et nutriendis institutam:
established to educate and provide for them:
praemio sint fiduciario viginti in annum librae."
let the executor's pay be twenty pounds a year."

F. Anus odiosa et malefica!
Hateful and malicious old woman!
At enitar ut testamentum rescindatur;
I will try to overturn the will;
inofficiosi testamenti querelam instituam!
I will make a complaint about this useless will!
Delira fuit!
She was mad!

S. Immo mentis omnino compos fuit, Improbe:
On the contrary she was of completely sound mind, unworthy man:
sic summa fide clamabo et testabor.
I will affirm and witness to this.
Verba tua pro tempore et re indecora.
Your words are spontaneous and unfitting.
Tui piget me: evado.
I am ashamed of you: I shun you.

F. Maria!
Mary!

U. Georgi!
George!

Uterque. Exsecrabilis Illa!
Both. Detestable woman!

(Aulaeum tollitur.)
(Curtain.)

*** End of this LibraryBlog Digital Book "De Mortuis Nil Nisi Bona - Being a Series of Problems in Executorship Law and Accounts" ***

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