BANKRUPTCY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 13451, 30 May 1907, Page 3

BANKRUPTCY.

A CARRIER'S AFFAIRS. WORKING TOO CHEAPLY. A meeting of the creditors of Robert Menizies, carrier, St. Heliers Bay, was held before the official assignee (Mr. E. Gerard), ■ yesterday. The bankrupt stated that he j had been compelled to file from pressure of his creditors, and a bailiff was already in possession. The liabilities were £313 12s 7d, and the assets (on declaration) were £64 7s 3d; but a horse worth £25, part lof the assets, had died since the assets 'had. been estimated. The largest items in the liabilities were £94 for rent due to the \ estate of C. A. . Harris, , dej ceased (Mr. William Coleman, trustee), £43 to H. Canham, and £22 10s Ito Gee and Potter. There was a. bill of | sale for £170 held over the stock and | plant. I 'Die Official Assignee said that from inquiries "he had made it would appear that J the bankruptcy was due to mismanagement,; the bankrupt being an honest, hardworking man. There w«.s an unusual feature, about the case, namely, that the bankrupt's landlord had allowed hfeh to 'let his J rent get into arrears for 34 months. HowI ever, a bailiff had now been put in. He ; (the official . assignee) could not. see quite clearly upon whom the'landlord could come, as the furniture was not owned by the bankrupt. "Mr. Coleman hadibeen" asked to attend, but was not -present. . .■'/_■'

Menzies said', he made about £5 a week gross; but he toad to feed seven or eight horses. His sons, of whom one was married , worked with" him. 4 The A sons were kept «nd clothed, but were not paid; except a shilling or two now'and "then.. They received no wages. ."' '. The Official Assignee : There does not seem anything , for the .creditors. It's merely an arrangement; between, the landlord and the (holder of;the hill of sale.

Mr. Potter said Menzies had taken work at such a low' rate-that it was impossible for him to make his business pay. He moved that the bankrupt be recommended for his immediate discharge, and this was agreed) to. '/ ■