MEETINGS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 889, 15 March 1889, Page 30

MEETINGS.

MEETINGS OF CKEDITORS. ESTATE OF ROBERT SOMERVILLE. The adjourned meeting of the creditors in the estate of Robert Somerville, livery stable keeper, was held last week, the Official Assignee presiding. The Assignee reported that he had arranged with Mrs Somerville, who held a bill of sale, that the property should be sold, if possible, as a going concern. Mr E. Reeves, as the largest unsecured creditor, declined to act in any way in conjunction with the holder of the bill of sale. A discussion ensued as to whether the previous meeting had decided that the Assignee should realise on the estate, several gentlemen maintaining that such a decision had not been arrived at. Eventually Mr Reeves moved a series of resolutions to the effect that the Official Assignee s consent to the sale advertised on behalf of the bill of sale holder (Mrs Somerville) be withdrawn; that the creditors decline to act in conjunction with Mr or Mrs Somerville, on the ground that the bill of sale is an attempt to deprive the creditors of their rights ; that steps be taken, independently of the holder of the bill of sale, to realise on the property if the Assignee and hia solicitor are still ot the opinion that the instrument is void ; that if they are of the contrary opinion steps be taken to upset the bill-of-aale before the sale, and Mrs Somerville be proceeded against, by injunction or otherwise ; that proceedings should be taken against the holder if the Assignee were interfered with m the realisation of assets ; and that on account of. Mrs Somerville’s claims Mr Somerville is not a proper person to act as bailifi for. he Official Assignee after the property is on view for sale. These resolutions were seconded by Mr F. W. liaybittle and carried. Mr Reeves tnen moved that the creditors present give a pio rata guarantee to. indemnify the Official Assignee against any loss. by way of legal expenses. This was carried, MrHaybittle moved that before any realisation of the stock take place the creditors be called together to discuss the question, Carried,

ESTATE OF JOHN McCOLU The first meeting of creditors in this estate was also held yesterday week The bankrupt attributed Ids posdiw to fa 4n j g

off in business and competition with ’buses and trams. The Assignee said the liabilities wore L 262, and the book debts, the only available asset, were worth very little. As the creditors present had not proved, no resolution could be passed. T. S. PROUDFOOT’S ESTATE. A meeting of creditors in the estate of Thomas S. Proudfoot, accountant, was held in the Official Assignee’s office on Tuesday morning. There were three creditors present, and the Official Assignee presided. The debtor submitted a statement to the effect that when he left the employ of Messrs Harcourt and Co. about two years ago he had no liabilities, and had a considerable sum of money by him. Finding a difficulty in getting a situation, he engaged in general accountant’s work, and did "fairly well for a time. He then had five shares in the Opera House Company, which were paid up. After the fire he took up a fresh lot of shares, the calls upon which were so heavy that he had fallen considerably in arrear. About eighteen months ago Mr W. Hitchcock, of Melbourne, sent him a consignment of goods for sale, for which he had given a promissory uote, which was paid at maturity, although the shipment remained on hand for over twelve months. He had had several other transactions with Mr Hitchcock amounting to between L2OO and L3OO, but they had not proved profitable. In June last his wife, with a view of helping him, took a large house for the purpose of keeping boarders, bat they had to give it up after six months as the venture was not a success. .Mrs Louisa Evans, whose principal claim was for rent, in. lieu of notice had put the bailiffs in his house, and he had been obliged to file. In answer to the Official Assignee the debtor stated that he had not kept proper books. The Official Assignee said this was very unsatisfactory, and in the absence of any books it was impossible for him to form any idea as to what had led to the bankruptcy. The debtor promised to furnish the Official Assignee with a statement of his business transactions. It was decided on the motion of Mr J. J- Booth seconded by Mr J. W. Rickman, that the debtor should he allowed, to retain his furniture over and ahove the amount allowed by the Act ;. and on the motion of Mr J. B. Baird, seconded by Mr Booth, that po opposition should be I offered to the debtor’s discharge. The meeting then terminated*

WM; GRANT’S ESTATE.

A nieeting of creditors in the above estate was held in the Official Assignee’s office on Tuesday afternoon. There werd three creditors present, and Mr 0. 0. Graham (Official Assignee) presided. The debtor submitted a statement setting forth that about two years ago through slackness of work he was obliged to leave Auckland in debt. His first year in Wellington he barely earned a living, and nine months ago he started contracting and had been fairly successful in four contracts, but he had lost on one. This loss, combined with sickness and death in his family, and being out of work, had forced him to file. The debtor stated that he was married and had five children, all of whom were dependent on him. Had not kept books, but he had receipts for all his expenditure. He produced a book in which he had put down the amounts for three contracts, and also his expenditure since he had been in Wellington. Had kept no separate account, and could not tell liow much he had made or lost by the contracts. He had not been in employment for the last six w r eeks. Since he had been in Wellington he had paid Ll 4 5s off his Auckland debts. On the motion of Mr Sweeney, seconded by Mr Collins, it was decided that the debtor should be allowed his furniture, and that no opposition should be offered to his immediate discharge.