A BANKRUPT SALESMAN

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 8457, 17 June 1913, Page 7

A BANKRUPT SALESMAN

SEQUEL TO JUDGMENT FOR DAMAGES. Press Association. AUCKLAND, June 16. Damages and costs totalling £4OO 6s were awarded by a Supreme Court jury in February last to H. L. Hartnow as guardian of his five-year-old son, Phillip Roland Hartnow, against Oswald James Melvern, in respect t“ injuries sustained by the boy in a motor-car accident. The sequel was the recent filing of a petition in bankruptcy by Melvern, whose creditors were called together to - day. Hartnow was represented by Mr R. P. Towle, the other creditor was not present. Mr A. E. Devore appeared for bankrupt, whose statement showed total liabilities of £403 6s, including the amount of the Supreme Court judgment. The assets were declared to bo nil.

In the course of examination by the official assignee the bankrupt stated that he was a fancy goods salesman, and lived with his father at Epsom. He had done no work since February last. He had applied for work in New Plymouth, and had answered advertisements in Auckland, but had not obtained employment. Ho was only prepared to work if he obtained employment jn a fancy goods shop. He knew that partly through his fault the hoy Phillip Roland Hartnow was maimed for life, his left arm being paralysed. Bankrupt’s father gave him money for necessaries. The bankrupt stated, in reply to Mr Towle, that his object in filing was to rid himself of the debt incurred under the judgment. It would be a drawback to him for life. Mr Towle applied for permission to examine the bankrupt’s father, and contended that since his father was bankrupt's present source of income, and as he might have prospects from his father, evidence of the latter’s position would be relevant.

Mr* Devore objected, and the official assignee stated that in the face of the objection he could not grant the application. Mr Towle remarked that since ha could not obtain the attendance of the ether creditor in order to form a quorum, the proper place to ventilate the matter would be in the court when bankrupt applied for his discharge.

The official assignee intimated that it was his intention to oppose the application for discharge in this estate if nothing further were done by bankrupt in the way of discharging his liabilities before making his application.