A Peculiar Statement.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XXIII, Issue 7331, 4 October 1898, Page 1

A Peculiar Statement.

(BY TELEGRAPH.) Aui kland, October 3. The following remarkable sworm statement was made to the official assignee in bankruptcy this morning by George Massey Watson, a young man of good connections in England, who ifl a new arrival in this country, and who had filed a petition in bankruptcy " I have been seventeen months in the oolony, and have been located ohiefly In Wellington and Auokland. I arrived In the colony with about LIB.OOO in cash and personal eff.cts to the value of LBOOO. For the last three years, Eince my wife's death in England, I have been addicted to intemperance and almost constantly under the hands of doctors, who have treated me for brain disturbances. Lately I have been treated by Dr Marsach, who in Augusti last induced me to abandon intemperate habits. Since then I have totally abstained from liquor. On coming to Auokland for the second time I took up my quarters ab the Star Hotel, but only stayed there a few days. The manager requested me to leave the hotel, as he considered me irresponsible for my actions. I then went to another hotel and remained there until the 2ad Instant, when I was requested to leave because I refused to sign my accounts as correct. (The bill referred to was attached.) I knew absolutely nothing about tho goods alleged to have been sold. I have a dim recollection o£ signing a bill-of-sale, which I have since learned is dated August 9, 1898, concerning everything I possess, and valued by mo as follows :—Two bulldogs, whioh cost) me L 30 0; musical box and cylinders, with cases for same, which cost me L 261 i gold watch and chain, L4O; dog gear, LlO 4s ; Astrachan coats, LSI; and a Highland regalia dress which cost me L 660 ; total, L 1276 43. In addition to these there are two boxes and a Gladstone bag containing clothing and personal effects* particulars re value of which I cannot now state. At the date ol the alleged bill of sale I was undor severe treatment by Dc Marsach, who I have no doubt can certify that I was not responsible for my aotlona.' In addition to the above transactions with the landlord of one of the hotels I under* stand I signed two P. N's. in his favor for LlO5 and LIOO. These, lam told, are now in the hands of two local firms, having been passed to them by the landlord.— George Massey Watson."