AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 30, 3 February 1894, Page 5

AN INTERRUPTED JOURNEY.

ARREST OP A BANKRUPT,

Bankrupts require to be careful how they act under the existing law if they wish to avoid getting into difficulties. A young man named Walter Tibbutt Appeared at the Police Court this morning before Mr H. W. Nbrthcroft, R.M., to answer to the charge of having on the 2nd of February, while" a bankrupt, attempted to abscond from the colony of New Zealand with property to the extent of £20.

Mr McAlister said fchab the accused was a bankrupt, and bad beau frequently examined on oath by the Official Assignee. Mr Lawson heard that the accused was about to leave the colony some weeks ago, and obtained a warrant for his arresb, bub intructions were issued thab it was nob to be used unless Mr Tibbubb attempted to depart. Yesterday the accused was arrested on board the Taviuni, just before the vessel left, and after the gangway had been taken in. He asked for a remand for a few days. Mr McGregor, who appeared for the accused, opposed the granting of any remand, and contended bhab the information should be dismissed as bad. He characterised the proceedings against Mr Tibbutb since he became a bankrupt as a disgrace to the Official Assignee's office. Ab the same time he exculpated Mr Lawson of any blamo in the matter, but blamed a gentleman who was associated with him in this affair. The defendant had been examined on oabb several times and had asked thab the bankruptcy proceedings might be gone on with as be had nothing to live on. Afterwards Mr Tibbutb went to Wellington and gave the Official Assignee his address. From there he went to Christchurch and at length returned to Auckland at the request of Mr Lawson. He submitted that the information was defective and thab the case should not be proceeded with.

His Worship 3aid as ib waa an indictable offence that did not matter.

Mr McGregor asked that the case should be dismissed, and most strenuously objected to any remand being granted.

His Worship said if the debtor had money to pay for his passage away, he could not be considered without means, as suggested by Mr McGregor. If the man was persecuted, the fuller the inquiry the better for the defendant).

A remand was granted, until the 13th instant. Accused was admitted to bail, him»e!f in £100, and two sureties of £50 each.