"SHOULD GO FURTHER."

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 259, 1 November 1928, Page 8

"SHOULD GO FURTHER."

CREDITORS DISSATISFIED.

BANKRUPTCY OF DEALER,

LOST MONEY RUNNING BUSES.

The creditors of Edward George Meynell, machinery dealer, of 23, Huntingtree Avenue, Edendale, who met to-day before the Auckland Official Assignee (Mr. G. N. Morris), were by no means satisfied with debtor's conduct.

"It seems to me," said one of them, "that this is a case in whioh we should go further than merely opposing his discharge." The case was left in the hands of the Official Assignee, who said further information would probably come to hand. The financial statement showed debts camounting to £180, and a deficiency of £159.

Debtor said he was formerly a bus proprietor, and started business in 1924 with £50 capital. One of his buses, which was used on the Auckland run, caught fire, and he bought another, paying £250 deposit. His buses were stopped from running in Queen Street, and his takings fell off by one-half. He moved to Wellington, but his three buses were seized. His next venture was at Hamilton, and later in a community bus service in Auckland. There had been considerable sickness in the family, his wife and a son having died. He married again (in February last), and now had four children to keep. He was now doing casual work only, and could not make an offer to his creditors.

Replying to a question by the Official Assignee, Meynell admitted that he realised his financial position at the time of his second marriage. His earnings had averaged £4 a week since then. A Creditor: Did you not make the statement that you would not pay a penny to your creditors? —No. Another Creditor: How long is it since you attended a race meeting?— Not for a good long time. The Official Assignee: That is very indefinite. What do you mean by a "good long time"? —I have attended only one since 1927.

A Creditor: May I suggest that you were at the Avondale meeting? —Yes, I was. I was passing the course on the opening day, which was free, and I looked in, but I did not have a bet. Tho Official Assignee: Does anyone desire to move a resolution ?

A Creditor: I certainly think his discharge should be opposed. Another Creditor: Most rigidly opposed. Meynell was closely questioned in regard to a promissory note on the National Bank of New Zealand, with which he admitted he had no account. Finally he was told by the Official Assignee that his main job must be to find work.

He replied, "That is not an easy job," to which Mr. Morris rejoined': "It is the man who goes out to find work who gets it."