Randolph v. . Randolph

Shepherd, J.: The judgment recites that a demurrer was filed, but no such pleading to the amended answer appears in the record. Taking it, however, as a demurrer ore tenus, that the answer does not state facts sufficient to constitute a defence, or. counter-claim, we are of the opinion that there was no error in the ruling of the Court. The answer, while very inartifically drawn, states sufficient facts to establish a resulting trust in favor of the former wife, the mother of these defendants. Malone Real Property Trials, 505 ; Pom. Eq. Jur., 1031. It is alleged that the property was conveyed to Samuel Randolph at his instance, for the purpose of defrauding his wife, and that the consideration of the conveyance was her land. *507 The case of Giles v. Hunter, 103 N. C., 194, and the authorities there cited, have no application here, as in those cases the consideration was the money of the wife, which, under the former law, vested in the husband jure mariti. It is true, as argued by counsel, that in equitable actions under the former system advantage could be taken of the lapse of time without plea, where, upon the face of the pleadings, it appeared that the cause of action was barred. Under the present practice there must be a plea in all cases, whether of an equitable or legal nature. Guthrie v. Bacon, decided at this term. We forbear any further discussion of the case, as the points are not very clearly presented, and we might prejudge other questions which may arise upon the replication or the trial of the action. Suffice it to say, that upon the face of the answer we think that the demurrer was properly overruled. Affirmed.