"VERY BADLY TREATED."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 33, 9 February 1928, Page 8

"VERY BADLY TREATED."

UNUSUAL BANKRUPTCY CASE. ALLEGATIONS OF VICTIMISATION. A rather unusual case in bankruptcy was heard by the District Official Assignee (Mr. G. N. Morris) this morning, when Ernest Arnold, ship's cook, of Auckland, faced his creditors. Bankrupt's statement showed that creditors were unsecured to the extent of £59 10/, while he had book debts arising out of a recent lawsuit amounting to £128. This left a surplus of £(>8 4/.

Bankrupt attributed his having to file j to being unable to receive payment of damages ( £85) and costs awarded him against a member of the Seamen's Union for victimisation, and having to pay substantial costs to another party involved in the action, but against whom he did not get judgment. The victimisation shown him by members of different unions had put him out of work for over three months, and had severely handicapped him, generally speaking. Re also alleged that notification of taxation being due on costs in connection with his case was withheld from him for the express purpose of making him bankj rupt. His earnings during the past 12 months had been £175.

Mr. Morris said that if the money owing to bankrupt wm realised, there would be a surplus owing to Arnold, and, no matter what the attitude of creditors was, he would be bound to act. If there was nothing, he would simply drop the matter. There was nothing against bankrupt so far as his conduct was concerned.

Mr. A. L. Deniston (counsel for bank rupt) : He has been very badv treated.