Question 472. - Suppose we have the following account on our books: "James E. Jones and Angela Jones or either of them." The following letter of authority in connection with the operation of the account is held:

To the Manager,

..............Bank.........

Dear Sir. - Please open a deposit account in the name of Jas. E. Jones and Angela Jones, or either of them. We authorize you to pay and charge against said account all sums evidenced by cheques drawn upon your branch or other vouchers signed by Jas. E. Jones and Angela Jones, or either of them.

Yours truly,

Jas. E. Jones. Angela Jones.

J. E. Jones, finding it necessary to leave town for a short time, gives the bank a full power of attorney in favour of one Pat Smith. Would the bank be wrong in charging the above account with a cheque signed by "J. E. Jones, per Pat Smith, attorney."

Answer. - The point does not appear to have come before the Courts and something might depend upon particular circumstances, but the committee recommend, as the safer course, that the power of attorney be signed by both parties to the joint account.