April Storm Blamed For Bankruptcy

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32011, 11 June 1969, Page 10

April Storm Blamed For Bankruptcy

The storm in April, 1968, which caused severe flooding in Little River and destroyed bis entire flock of meat chickens, which were within two days of being killed and processed, was the principal cause of his bankruptcy, David Charles Routen, a poultry farmer, of Sunrise, Little River, told a meeting of creditors in Christchurch on Monday. Mr Routen’s statement of affairs showed total debts of $21,100.10, and the total deficiency was estimated to be $10,500.10. A quorum of creditors resolved that the deputy official assignee (Mr L. Anderson) should investigate further Mr Routen’s claim against the War and Earthquake Damage Commission. Mr Routen said that he was aged 29, was born in England and arrived in New Zealand about three years ago. He was on a $l2OO bond to work for the Department of Agriculture for two years. Because of a dock strike in England, he and his wife, who was expecting a child, were asked to fly out. They did so and left most of their belongings to come by ship. He had arrived in Christchurch and had been faced with difficulties because he had only few possessions. An application to the head office

iin Wellington had “got lost.” j He had borrowed $4OO from a | friend to tide him over. After nine months with the depart- ' ment he had left after becomI ing “disenchanted.” The department might take proceedings against him to recover the bond. He had a counter-claim against the department for $4OO. His belongings had arrived by sea five months after he had arrived. Mr Routen said that the disastrous flood of 1968, which drowned all his livestock, caused his bankruptcy. He also said the failure of the authorities to compensate him properly and the failure of his suppliers to give him more chicks, after the flood, had contributed to his bankruptcy. Asked by a creditor what would be the outcome if he could carry on his business, !iMr Routen said that there was every chance of recoup- . ing his losses. But Mr Anderson said that a writ issued i by D. H. Brown and Son, Ltd, , could not be forgotten. To ! another question, Mr Routen - said there would be some re- • establishment costs before he could begin production again. The meeting resolved that I 35 turkeys and 30 ducks besling reared by Mr Routen be i [disposed of for the most sats isfactory price possible.