BANKRUPT BUILDER.

Auckland Star, Volume LV, Issue 114, 15 May 1924, Page 3

BANKRUPT BUILDER.

MORRIS OK TRIAL.

CHARGED ON FOUR COUNTS.

George Morris, a bankrupt builder, who was arrested in Australia and brought back to New Zealand on charges under the Bankruptcy Act, was placed on trial at the Supreme Court yesterday on four counts—(l) having left New Zealand with £20 that should by law have been- divided among his creditors; (2) fraudulently concealing £10 worth of property; (3) fraudulently removing £10 worth rf property from New Zealand; and (4) fraudulently contracting certain debts knowing he had no reasonable or probable expectation of being able to pay them.

The Crown alleged that Morris, when carrying on business in Auckland as a builder on a considerable scale, disappeared in May, 1923. He was living in Melbourne under the name of Ernest Davis when arrested last January. In the meantime, he was adjudged bankrupt, the deficiency in the estate being £5200. The Crown Prosecutor said between January and May last year accused received £2097, but although he had a banking account up to April the greater part of the moneys he received in the immediate preceding period (£2OOO odd) were not passed through that account, whilst Morris cashed cheques for £950. Shortly before his disappearance, added the Crown Prosecutor. Morris opened an account at another bank, but into this he paid only £450, received from one man, which, with the exception of ' 5/, was drawn out just before he quitted Auckland.

A statement by Morris was read iv which he stated that he took away with him only £4 15/ in cash.

Evidence was given of various payments made to- accused in respect to building contracts in the period shortly preceding his disappearance. Mr. Paterson prosecuted on behalf of the Crown, and Mr. Finlay, with Mr Munro, defended.

For the defence, Mr. Findlay called George Arnold, a foreman painter, who said that painters, carpenters, bricklayers, and labourers were employed by Morris during the period preceding his departure from New Zealand. The painters and others were paid up to April 27 out 6i the £450 which Morris obtained from Hodgson's job and placed in the bank.

To Mr. Paterson: Witness had not been particularly friendly with Morrie, nor did he talk with him regarding Sydney. (Proceeding.)