NOT HIS DEBT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 177, 27 July 1940, Page 6

NOT HIS DEBT.

HAMILTON MAN'S PROTEST.

MAGISTRATE ADJOURNS CASE. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, this day. Remarking that the dett was no concern of his, Francis William Burley, of Hamilton, made a strong protest against being sued for recovery before Mr. W. H. Freeman, S.M., in the Magistrate's Court yesterday. Mr. Burley was cited as defendant in the case which Louis Norman Sargent, garage proprietor, Hamilton, sought to recover £15, balance alleged to be duo. on an account for benzine and for the recharging of a battery. Mr. H. C. M. Norris, instructed by Mr. W. J. King, asked for an adjournment.

Mr. Burley, who appeared in person, said the debt had never been contracted •by him. He had lent the Government £20,000 at 2J per cent, and had given £1000 to the patriotic funds. It was not likely, ho said, lie would want to beat a tradesman for £9, which, he added, was the correct amount of the account.

"They have the impudence to sue me in conncction with another man's account," he added. "I have called three times at the solicitor's office to explain the position. The people concerned owe me £200 for rent, and now they want me to pay £9 on their account."

On application of counsel, who said plaintiff was in camp, the case was adjourned for a week.