A CREDITORS' MEETING. AUCKLAND, April 25.

Otago Witness, Issue 2358, 4 May 1899, Page 11

A CREDITORS' MEETING. AUCKLAND, April 25.

In a sworn statement made before the official assignee a bankrupt named Theodore John Meredith stated that he was a labourer, resident at Poro-o-tarao, and out of employment for twelve months through ill-health. His wife kept a boarding house, but he had no pecuniary interest in the business. The statement continued: — "My liabilities .to seven creditors amount to £133 4s 4d,' which, •with the exception of £10 4s incurred for drink obtained at a hotel at Te Awamutu, was incurred over three years ago. Thedrink referred to was got within the last 12 months, whilst I was out of employment. I should have said that £10 4s was for liquor Fupplied to me at Poro-o-tarao, and not drunk on the hotel premises." The Official Assignee: "Who consumed this liquor?" Bankrupt: "Am I obliged to answer this?" The Official Assignee: " I shall expeci you to You are on your oath to tell the whole truth." Tiie Bankrupt: "1 sold it to men on tho railway works and others. I had no licenss. I was fined for doing this." At this point the perspiration rolled down the face of the debtor, and he fainted, but a glass of brandy revived him, and he continued his statement as follows: — "I was fined on December 21, 1898, by the magistrates at Te Awamutu. The fine, and costs, amounted to £15 18s. This was paid out of the money got for the liquor." The only assets consist of sundry instruments valued at £24 ss.