A BANKRUPT'S AFFAIRS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21216, 23 December 1930, Page 7

A BANKRUPT'S AFFAIRS.

DEBTOR’S REMARKABLE ATTITUDE. MAGISTRATE EXPRESSES SURPRISE. (Special to Daily Times.) , CHRISTCHURCH, December 22. Although adjudged a/bankrupt in May, 1929, John Andrew Thomson, of Sumner, it was alleged in court to-day, refused to deliver up books and documents relating to his affairs to the official assignee. After letters and summonses had not had any result Thomson was arrested, and he appeared before Mr H. P. Lawry, S.M., who characterised the case, ns one of the most extraordinary that had come before the court. The defendant was charged that being a bankrupt person he did not deliver to the official assignee all books, documents, papers, and writings in his custody or under his control relating to his property or affairs. _Mr Brown (for the official assignee) said that the defendant was adjudged a bankrupt on May 21, 1929. He was written to requesting that a statement of his debts and other details should be sent in, bur there was no reply, A summons to attend a meeting was served on him, but he failed to attend, giving as his'reason that'he was unwell. That excuse was persisted in throughout 1929, and towards the end of 1929 he was written to several times, but defendant never went to see the official assignee. Early in 1930 information was laid against Thomson, but it had no effect. A warrant for his arrest was then issued, but owing to his illness was suspended. A summons was again served on Thomson in December. Thomson seemed to be suffering from the delusion that the case was a persecution, added Mr Brown. The defendant was informed that the case would be proceeded with on December 17, but he did not attend. ‘Thomson was arrested this morning, and although he was unwell his books and papers were wanted. “ It is a most serious offence for the reason that the whole estate. is being held up,” concluded Mr Brown. Thomson, giving evidence, claimed that he had not received most of the communications. He did not want to hold up the matter. “ I don’t want to send you to’ gaol,” said Mr Lawry. “ I could send you there for six months. The estate has been held up. If you want your bankruptcy annulled the proper way is to go to the Supreme Court. You can’t do it yourself.” After defendant had spoken for some time Mr Brown said that it seemed to him that the man was not telling the truth. Mr Lawry said that ho had never in all his experience known information to be held over as in the case before him. Eventually it was agreed by the magistrate to adjourn the case sine die, although it would be continued on Wednesday unless Mr Brown informed counsel for the defendant that the details had been furnished.