A MATTER OF £3000.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 147, 22 June 1923, Page 4

A MATTER OF £3000.

TO DISCHARGE A BANKRUPT.

WHO DENIES THE DEBT.

A FUTILE APPLICATION". There was another echo of the notorious affairs of the late firm of Hammond and Cracknell at a sitting of the Bankruptcy Court this morning, when the application for discharge from bankruptcy of' Robert Harold Daveney (Mr. Leahj-) was again opposed by the Official Aesignee. Mr. Leahy mentioned that the application came before another judge three months' ago and was then opposed because the bankruptcy was due to raeh and hazardous speculation. Bankrupt was supposed to owe the late firm of Hammond and Cracknell £3000, and the matter wae adjourned to enable this supposed debt to be investigated.

Mr. Patereon (for the Official Assignee): The Official Assignee proved against Daveney as assignee in the estate of Hammond and Cracknell. He had the matter investigated by a well-known accountant and proved the debt.

Mr. Leahy: We dispute the debt ana we propose to bring evidence berore the Court to »;how he does not owe this amount.

His Honor rejoined that there was a proper remedy for setting aeide proof, but he himself could not assume proof was wrong, on the motion for discharge.

Mr. Leahy added that bankrupt had entered into the speculations on the advice of his professional advisor, the late Mr. Hammond. His dealings with the legal firm extended over seventeen ypars. "We say he owes the firm notbinz," said counsel.

His Honor; Did they prove? —Yesl Hie Honor: Well I have no power co' assume that proof is incorrect.

In reply to a. question whether he could suggest a -way out, Mr.. Leahy said he could bring evidence to show that Hammond and Cracknell had .charged bankrupt interest for seven or eight years on money which was actually paid to another party. An accountant wanted £50 to investigate the matter. .

His Honor: Do you suggest that I can clear up in an hour or two what an accountant wants £50 to do.

Mr. Leahy: He is an accountant appointed by the estate to get the last sixpence out of it.

His Honor settled the matter temporarily By adjourning co that the judge who previously considered it could so again. .