AN HONEST (!) BANKRUPT.

Evening Star, Issue 7188, 16 April 1887, Page 2

AN HONEST (!) BANKRUPT.

Mr A. Petersen, a Waitahuna farmer, filed bis schedule, a few days, ago, pad tbs first examination of the bankrupt was held in the Official Assignee’s office yesterday afternoon, and proved as interesting as anything of the kind we (‘ Tuapeka Times 1 ) have had to do with for some time. Mr Petersen appears to have very suddenly found hinlself in difficulties, ris no sooner had he laid in a fresh stock of groceries, paid his son and daughter that wages, and realised on his crop, than he (to use his own familiar expression) “talked the matter over with his old woman” and decided that there were worse places on earth than the Bankruptcy Court. He, however, appears to be a novice at the business, as in his statement of assets he overlooked in a most unaccountable manner some trifling items, such as 168 sheep; a waggon, an acre of tUmipe, a ordp of potatoes, and a paten of oats. Ho had also; in a fit of friendliness, given hie brother-in-law two good horses in exchange for two of very indifferent value, and, in the exuberance of his charity, sacrificed four head of cattle for the exceedingly small sum of L 7. Heseemstohave had a remarkably good friend in Mr JohnThomp* son, who, with characteristic liberality, provided Aim withbagsforhis oats, ibid hisrent, and otherwise became his creditor to the tune of some LUO and who now figures in the unenviable capacity of chief mourner. Some of the bankrupt s statements while under examination appeared to afford his creditors no email amount of entertainment, whereat his solicitor (Ur M*Coy) objected to his being made a laughing stock, and threatened to withdraw him if the hilarity continued. Mr Herbert said some of the bankrupt’s answers were very amusing indeed, and, with Mr M’Coy’e permission) they would just detain him for them amusement a little longer. Mr Petersen’s creditors nave been good enough to promise him a happy time when he comes up for public examination before Judge Broad. ......

Feathers and tHe plumage of birds now being Worn by ladles, the female artificialflower makers of London are in great distress. The Queen and Princess of Wales are being urged to discourage the cruel fashion of wearing bird * on bonnets and hats. It is said that an American actress, to prevent any of her splendid gowns from wasting their sweetness in her wardrobe, has arranged to have a scene introduced in one of her pieces representing a dressmaker’s show-room, in which about twenty of the lay figures are attired in her toilettes. Queen Margaret of Italy occupies her leisure hours in composing fables from the dramatic legends of the Middle Ages, and lately read one to her intimate Circle, among whom was Signor Bonghi, who highly praised the fable, and expressed a wish that it should be printed.