HE LIVED IN STYLE

NZ Truth, Issue 1245, 10 October 1929, Page 5

HE LIVED IN STYLE

fFrom "N.Z. Truth's" Dunedin Rep.) Adjudicated a bankrupt on March 27, Kum Yoon Lee, otherwise known as William Chan ; (junr.) or Tong Sing Lee, told, his creditors that, if allowed an opportunity, he might be able to get some of his countrymen to, stand by him m his '. financial crisis. . EVIDENTLY, liis compatriots were of another opinion. At the Dunedin Police Court, Lee, a young fullblooded Chinaman, faced fourteen charges of fraud, issuing valueless cheques and incurring debts when he could have no reasonable expectations of meeting his liabilities. . The charges arose out of the bankruptcy proceedings, and involved aj considerable amount, representing ! goods obtained from Butterworth Bros., Ltd., a loan from Elizabeth O'Brierne, Inve'rcargill, and board and lodging \ from two hotel -keepers. Also mentioned m a formidable charge sheet were several prosecutions for alleged obtaining of cash by valueless cheques. Lengthy evidence was taken at the Police Court when Lee, represented by Mr. C. J. L. White, pleaded not guilty. It was stated that when Lee and his European wife and child ' arrived m Dunedin on January 1 of this year, they put up at a well-known city hotel. During his sojourn there, Lee, it was stated, conducted himself m a manner which indicated affluence. Each evening almost without fail, the 1 licensee said m evidence, the Chinaman dressed for dinner.; | It was further alleged that the very .day that . he was adjudged . bankrupt, Lee and his wife booked m at another city hotel, and later left the premises without paying the bill. A large case of silk and other goods were exhibited m court m support of a further charge that accused failed to present his true position to his creditors at the bankruptcy meeting. Lee was committed to the Supreme Court for trial, bail being allowed.