LEFT HIS DEBTS BEHIND

New Zealand Herald, Volume L, Issue 15306, 20 May 1913, Page 5

LEFT HIS DEBTS BEHIND

A BANKRUPT PLUMBER. HIS WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN. A meeting of creditors in the estate of George Douglas Watts, plumber, of Onehunga, was held yesterday afternoon, the official assignee, Mr. W. S. Fieher, presiding over an attendance of nine creditors. Mr. Glaister appeared for the petitioning creditor.

The fact that the bankrupt disappeared from Auckland in February last, and has not been heard of since, was responsible for the present proceedings being taken. Incidentally it was stated that he had taken with him some £70, which he had had in the bank.

The assignee stated that owing to the disappearance of Watts, there was no schedule or statement by the bankrupt as was usual in such proceedings. The total unsecured debts, as far as could be ascertained, were £360 lis 6d, the largest creditors being Hardleys, Limited, £116. Onehunga Borough Council £45 9s 6d,* Messrs. Bell and Tilbert £37 9s Id, and Porter and Company £33 4s sd. Mr. Fisher, continuing, said that he had asked Mrs. Watts for. a statement of her husband's affairs, as far as she could give one, and she had rendered all the assistance possible. In her statement she said that the house and bulk of the furniture belonged to her, and she did not think that furniture belonging to her husband would realise more than £30 at a forced sale. Some 12 months ago her husband had purchased a motor-car. for £115, and there was. now only about £38 owing on it. About a fortnight ago the firm from whom the car was purchased had seized it in her absence, and without her authority, giving as their reason when she protested against their action, that they considered they were' justified. The assignee remarked that this was a very high-handed action, for as far as he could ascertain they had no bill of sale registered or unregistered over the car.

Continuing her statement Mrs. Watts had said that since her husband's disappearance, a cheque for £30 2s, 6d had arrived from Wellington, payable "y the Government, to Watts, and this she had handed over. There were at the time of his disappearance some outstanding book debts, but she could not say of what value. There were also some tradesmen's tools belonging to her husband. It was pointed out that after the furniture had been sold there would' be a very small balance for the creditors, as under the law £25 worth would have to be left for the debtor, and it was decided to hand over that balance to Mrs. Watts. The assignee was empowered to sell the motorcar Dy auction at the earliest opportunity, and also the tools. Mr. Fisher stated that it was very hard to find out exactly what book debts were outstanding, as the books had been very badly kept, but he would proceed to collect all that were known.

Some discussion took place regarding the disappearance of the bankrupt/There was no trace of his whereabouts, although it had been rumoured that he had gone to the Islands, to Canada, and to Australia. Most of the creditors were of opinion that an example' should be made of him, were he apprehended, and it was ultimately decided that up to £30 of theestate should be spent in bringing him back to Auckland, should Be be located within the next six months.