Court Opinion

ID: 5500627
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-01-10 02:58:57.523858+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T08:33:55.329815
License: Public Domain

Pratt, J.
This is an appeal from an order made by Mr. Justice Bartlett
restraining the disposition of money on deposit in the Brooklyn Savings Bank during the pendency of this action. The money on deposit was credited to Caroline McKenzie, who died January 19, 1890. The defendant Alexander C. McKenzie, her husband, was appointed administrator of her estate. He1 immediately had the money on deposit transferred, without withdrawal, to-himself as trustee, for William H. McKenzie, his son. He thereafter withdrew part of the money, and used it for his own purposes without in any way charging himself as administrator, or making the same a part of his wife’s estate. The complaint is defective, in that it does not state the amount of the judgment, or the claim that plaintiff has against Alexander C. McKenzie; neither does the affidavit state the claim. It is true that no issue is made upon that subject, but it is plain that the plaintiff is only entitled to impound sufficient of the money in question to pay his claim and costs. If, by fair inference from the paper, it appeared what sum was due, it might be sufficient; but all that can be inferred from the allegations of the complaint is that at least $25 is due, from the fact that defendant was examined in supplementary proceedings. Had the defendants made the point below, the court would undoubtedly have permitted the plaintiff to amend in this respect. Hnder the old practice in equity, where it did not appear from the face of complainant’s. bill itself that the matter in controversy was beneath the jurisdiction of the court, the defendant could neither demur nor move to dismiss the bill. It was-sufficient that the bill ordered that the subject in controversy exceeded $100. Section 189, Rule in Chancery. However, under the Code, we think there-ought to be a statement of the amount claimed, or' some allegation showing that the matter in controversy ought to be heard in a court of equity. Therefore, if this injunction is held, and the plaintiff is given an opportunity to-amend, it ought to be upon condition of his paying the costs of this appeal. If the affidavits submitted by the defendants are true, the money sought to be-impounded belongs to W. H. McKenzie; but that is a question that cannot, well be tried upon affidavits. The order is affirmed to the extent of plaintiff’s, claim, upon plaintiff paying costs of this appeal, and amending his complaint, so as to state approximately the amount due him from Alexander C. McKenzie-