STEERS THE ABSCONDER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume IV, Issue 1207, 27 September 1867, Page 3

STEERS THE ABSCONDER.

A large meeting of the merchants of Auckland, was held yesterday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, in Mr. W. J. Young's store, to consider what steps should be taken in the matter .ofthe absconding of Mr. Steers. Mr. David Graham opened the meeting by reading the circular which was issued yesterday afternoon, convening the meeting, and which is as follows - A meeting of the merchants of Auckland will ba held in the storo of W. J. Young, Queen-street, at three o'clock this afternoon, Thursday, t) consider what steps should be taken with refermw to the

alleged" absconding from.Auckland of. a party largely indebted to several of their number. Auckland, 26 th September, 1867-Mr.-W. J. "Young read a. letter from Messrs. Turrell and Tonks, the gist of which was that tliey had seized all the goods of Mr; Steers, and had handed all the goods to Mr. \ eruon, to be sold for the benefit of al' the creditors. Mr. Isaacs said the meeting had been called by the public, and not the creditors, to consider what steps should be taken in matters similar to those now under consideration. Mr. C. Davis said that in consequence of what he had observed this morning at Steers' Hotel, and stated that from what ho bad beard lie believed that Messrs. Turrell and Tonks had seized everything, in consequence of a bill of sale which they held. He was not there to accuse Messrs. Turrell and Tonks, but he wished to, ascertain the truth. Mr. Isaacs said the object of tlie meeting was to discuss tbe events of the case, and to ask the public to contribute towards the expense that ought bo incurred in tracing the fugitive and bringing Mm to justice. Mr. Steers was no creditor of nis, but be was quite willing to give his quota "towards bringing the absconder _ to justice. He, as one of the trading community, 'felt that he was involved; for if the matter were not nipped in the hud he feared this would not be the last of sim :l ar eases. Mr. Abbott made a long speech in support of Mr. Isaac's views. Mr. Swanson said the speech was all very well in his opinion, but they ought to determine what'ineans should be taken to bring back the absconder, or whether be was followed or not. Mr. fltnasr proposed, " That a subscription list be opened for the purpose of endeavouring to secure the capture of the absconding debtor. He himself; although not a creditor, would be quite willing to give his contribution towards me capture of Steers. Mr. Tones here made an explanation in reference to the matter under consideration. About Monday last Steers came to their firm and stated that lie ynslied'to clear out the whole of his stock and showing the list to the value of £470. He'(Mr. Tonks) valued the goods at £200, and offered. Steers £100, and after some conversation gave him £110. They then went to Mr. Weston to secure themselves by the usual means ofabill of saletuider the bill of sale they had taken possession, of the goods, but having heard that so many people were, creditors of Steers, they had given everything to Mr. Vernon for the benefit of the creditors.

Mr. Young called the attention of the meeting to the fact that the meeting had been convened for the purpose of raising a subscription for the purpose of bringing Steers back again ; since the meeting had been called he had received the letter he had before read. In his opinion lie thought the goods should be sold for the .purpose of bringing the absconder back again. He would move an amendment to that enact, that the goods should be sold for the purpose of bringing Steers back again. After some further coversation Mr. Davis proposed that a public subscription be at once got 'tip, subject to being refunded when the goods now in the hands of the Sheriff were sold. Mr. W. J. Young seconded the motion, and also moved as an amendment that the following gentlemen form a ; Commitfoe'for the purpose of carrying out ihe resolution, Mr. Wmks, Mr. Smart, Mr. Davies, Mr. Nathan, and the mover. A subscription list was at once opened, and the sum of over £50 subscribed on the spot. The meeting then separated.