DEBTS TO DRAPERS

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 64, 9 December 1930, Page 13

DEBTS TO DRAPERS

Painter Forced to File

WIFE’S PURCHASES

Admission that the majority of his debts were to drapers for clothing purchased without his knowledge by his wife over a period of years was made to a meeting of his creditors yesterday by John Thomas Hill, coach painter, of Wellington. The total debts were shown at £150; there were no assets. The principal unsecured creditors were:—A. James, Wellington, £37; A, Barnett and Co., drapers, Dunedin, £2B; Ballantyne and Co., drapers, Christchurch, £22; R. M. Russell,_ grocer, Wellington, £l9. . In his statement of claim, bankrupt said that prior to September last he was unemployed for three months and during that time his wife and one of his children were ill. He was working at present, bis wages being £6 a week. Owing to the demands of his creditors for payment he was unable to carry on and there- \ fore had to file. He had to pay out of his wages £l/10/- to support his wife, £2/5/- board for himself and younger son, and £l/10/- for the elder boy. Questioned by the Official Assignee, Mr. S. Tansley, the bankrupt said that he had been in constant employment the last three mouths. He admitted he had not paid the rent and gas bills during that period. “Is your wife extravagant?” asked Mr. Tansley. The bankrupt: I don’t think so. You say you did not know she had incurred these drapery accounts?—“l did not know anything about them.” What steps did you take when you found out?—“I put an advertisement in the paper saying that I would not accept responsibility.” Mr. Russell said he sympathised with the bankrupt. He was sorry to see him in the position he was. “I think,” he added, “his position is due to his wife’s extravagance. He should have taken a tumble t<r it himself long ago; I think that in filing he has done the wisest thing in the circumstances.”

As there were only two creditors present the meeting lapsed.