AN UNFORTUNATE BANKRUPT.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20022, 12 February 1927, Page 22

AN UNFORTUNATE BANKRUPT.

MEETING OF CREDITORS. A meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Thomas Fox, men’s outfitter, of South Dunedin, was held yesterday afternoon. The Official Assignee, Mr E. W. Cave, presided. The principal creditors were as follow: — Macky, Logan, and Caldwell, £l6O 18s 6d; J. C. Seelye and Co., £SO lls 6d; Bing, Harris (Ltd.), £l7 10s sd; Sargood, Son, and Ewen, £l4 lls 9d; Rodger Importing Co. (Christchurch), £7 6s 8d; Joyce Bros. (Christchurch), £7 4s 9d; Wellington Woollen Co. (Wellington), £6 Is 9d; Evening Star Co. £3 ss; Dunedin City Corporation, £3 4s Bd, J. E. Butler and Co., £2 4s; Mrs Saxton (Caversham), £18; Tavondale Bros., £ll Ss 8d —a total of £302 6s 2d. The Official Assignee pointed out that bankrupt’s total assets were estimated at £7O, and there were also book debts totalling £l3 4s lid. There was thus a deficiency of £219 Is 3d. In his sworn statement bankrupt stated that he was originally employed as a carter, but owing to a severe attack of rheumatic fever he was confined to his bed for 10 months. On his recovery he was not able to resume his occupation, and opened up business as a men’s outfitter. At first, the business prospered, but bankrupt again broke down in health, and as he was able to attend the shop only periodically, the business was loft in the hands of his 14-year-old daughter, as the state of his wife’s health would not allow her to assist. Business did not brighten up, and bankrupt’s daughter look a situation in the country. He wa-s ur.ablo to re-open the shop after the holidays, owing to a recurrence of his illness. Ho could only account for his failure through ill-health and the fact that three ether men’s outfitters shops had recently been opened in the vicinity of his shop. Bankrupt was a married man with six children, ami the doctor had told him that his only chance of recovery was to become an inmate of Ilanmer Sanatorium. The Official Assignee said that bankrupt’s case appeared to he one of misfortune, and tji at he did not think that there was much in I lie estate. He had had the debtor’s stock removed to an auction room for sale, but he did not think it would realise more than £SO. None of the creditors expressed a desire to examine the debtor, and Mr D._ Jack moved: “That the estate be left in the hands of the Official Assignee to realise.” The motion was seconded by Mr W. P. Seelve, and carried. The creditors intimated that they would not oppose bankrupt’s discharge.