NEW ZEALAND.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9739, 29 May 1897, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND.

(PRESS ASSOCIATION T___QRAM3.)

AUCKLAND May 28. At a meeting of the creditors of John Douglas, land agent, who stands committed for trial on several charges of theft, he made a sworn statement that he commenced business as land and financial agent in 1889 without capital, and was indebted £400. He estimates his assets at £5923 aud liabilities at £10,687. His average income was £450 a year, and his personal expenditure £300, His life insurances—Government £1000 and A.M.P. £500—were held by Mr Vines as part of his security. Mr Douglas detailed the amount of moneys he had received on loan or for investment. The amounts not repaid were to Messrs Jas. Lane, John Newland, W. H. Smith, W. R. Vines and John Connell (deceased), Captain Dansey (deceased) and Miss Frazer. Beyond sums not exceeding £200 these were all his transactions outside the matters now before the Court. His liabilities in connection with the latter was about £5375, The only personal transactions entered into outside of his own particular business were the Union Timber Company and the New Zealand Fruit and Vegetable Evaporating Compauy. He had a joint and several liability to the National Bank in the following cases : —(1) On behalf of Richard Worthington for £150 with another, (2) on behalf of the Fruit Company £600, with three others. In the event "of the Sugar Beet Syndicate being successful his interest was one-fourth of a promoter's remuneration. Two shops on the Strand, Tauranga* were burglariously entered last night. At Wayte's shop tho thieves secured a quantity of jewellery, from Bonner's shop ths contents were stolen.

WELLINGTON, May 28. At a meeting of the Vigilauce Commutes. of Friendly Societies it was decided to endeavour to arrange for a Conference to deal with various matters affecting them. Two men named Rigg and Kyau have been arrested on a charge of being concerned in a burglary at Mr Jack's.

DUNEDIN, May 28.It is understood that the Technical Classes Association has secured the premises held by the Public Trustee under mortgage for an advance from the Kaitangata Relief Fund for a five years' lease at £80 a year, with the option of purchase at £2500. James Mitchell Brookie was committed for trial for the forgery of a cheque.