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New Zealand Mail, Issue 869, 26 October 1888, Page 2

Three special jurors obtained exemption from service at the Supreme Court Monday —Mr Thomas Holt on account of ill-health ; Mr F. W. Parsons because of his absence from the Colony ; and Mr Thomas McMenamen, on the ground that as shearing operations were proceeding at his station, a number of hands would be kept out of employment in his absence. A meeting of creditors in the estate of Frederick Jones, boot manufacturer, was held at the Official Assignee’s office on Monday morning. There were four creditors present, and Mr C. C. Graham (Official Assignee) E resided. Mr Tanner appeared for the ankrnpt, who presented a statement to the effeot that he attributed his bankruptcy to falling off in trade, and also to the fact that be had remained in the shop .which ho had oconpied for 2 years, as it was not a good position for business. His cash takings amounted to £l3 per week, which did not give him more than £3 5s per week profit at the most. His shop rent was £2 per week until lately, when it was reduced to £1 15si His gas bill amounted to nearly 10s per week, and the rent for hi 3 private house was £1 3s 6d,' so that his business did not leave him anything for living. He left off purchasing goods because there were no cash sales, and he had not taken any goods in stook since February last, because it was useless to bny stock When he could not sell sufficient to compete with large houses, who had cleared the whole of their stocks out of bond on account of the extra tariff, and so forced them on the market. Any material he had wanted for his business lately he had paid cash for, and had made what few orders came to hand. The debtor, examined by the Official Assignee, stated that he went into business in October, 1886, previous to which he was In the employ of Messrs Hannah and Co. and Mr O’Brien, as salesman. When he went into business he had a capital of about £240, and was free from all debt. Im his statement he had charged nothing for living, as the cost of that had been defrayed with money received from lodgers kept by his wife. He had made an offer to pay 10s in the pound about ten weeks ago, but this had been refused by a Christchurch creditor. He was not in a position now to make any offer. He had a wife and six children, four of whom were dependent upon him. The Official Assignee Stated that the debtor’s furniture had been valued at £27, whioh was £2 in excess of that allowed by statute’. On 'the motion of Mr Cook" 1 (South 'Pacific' Loan Cbmpany), Seconded by J. Rod, it was decided that the debtor should be allowed the surplus value of his furniture. It was decided, on the motion of Mr J. Rod, seconded by Mr R. G. Halliday, that the creditors recommend thg debtor’s immediate discharge. The meetine (ben terminated.