AGENT FOR HIS WIFE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 162, 11 July 1928, Page 5

AGENT FOR HIS WIFE.

BANKRUPT'S EXPLANATION.

GAOL FOR OBTAINING CREDIT.

(By Telegraph—Own correspondent.) HAMILTON", this day. A charge of having obtained credit to the extent of £63 without disclosing the fact that he was an undischarged bankrupt was made against G. Wallace Barker, of Matamata, in the Police Court to-day. Idr. H. T. Gillies acted for the Crown and Mr. N. S. Johnson appeared for defendant. Martin Moran, a tyre dealer, of Hamilton, said Barker had obtained credit-from him. He sued him and obtained judgment by default at Matamata. Mr. Johnson said defendant was a motor mechanic at Matamata. After his bankruptcy in 1923 his wife had taken a hand in the business, and all accounts were in her name. Defendant would say that when Moran asked him in whose name the account was to be made out he would say "R. P. Barker," not "G. W. Barker." At no time had G. W. Barker obtained credit. If he obtained credit it was as an agent for his wife. Barker said in evidence that his wife had been keeping the books of the business. The goods secured from Moran were received for his wife, and accounts were made out in her name. He had authority from his wife to obtain credit. He did not remember the summons Moran had mentioned. Cross-examined by Mr. Gillies, who asked whether judgment summonses had been issued against him in several cases, defendant replied that he could , not remember. "There is little doubt that defendant acted for his wife, and I accept Moran'a evidence that he did not know 'R. P.! Barker' had obtained the credit," said Mr. S. L. Paterson, S.M. ! Mr. Johnson said defendant's wife was! in hospital, and he had seven children.' He had been foolish, but had no deliberate intention of duping his creditors. The magistrate said the loose way in which defendant had got credit was amazing. A line and probation would not meet the case. Defendant would be sentenced to seven days' imprisonment.