A SPENDTHRIFT'S STORY.

Taranaki Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 11339, 4 October 1898, Page 2

A SPENDTHRIFT'S STORY.

BANKRUPCTY OF MASSE Y WATSON. The following remarkable sworn state merit was made to the Official Assignee in Bankruptcy at Auckland on Saturrlay last by Mr George Massey Watson, a young man of good connection in England, who is a new arrival in this country, and who has filed a petition in bankruptcy: " I have been 17 months in the colony, and have been located chiefly in Wellington and Auckland. I arrived in the colony with about £10,000 ia cash and personal effects to the valne of £8000. For the last three years, since mv wife's death in England, I have been addicted to intemperance and almost constantly under the hands of the doctors, who havo treated me for brain disturbance. Lately I have been treated by Dr. Marsack, who in August last induced me to abandon my intemperate habits. Since then I have totally abstained from liquor. On coming to Auckland for the second time I toofc-np my quarters at 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 theu went to another hotel and remained there- until the 2nd insti, when I was requested to leave because I refused to sign ,my account as correct (the bill referred,, to was, attached). I know abso'utely nothing about the goods alleged to have been sold, I have a dim recollection of bigning a bill of sale, which I have-, since, learned^ is daced August 9th, 1898, concerning everything I possess, and valued by^ me as follows : — Two bull dogs, which cost me £300; musical box. and oyhnders, with cases for same, which cost me £261 ; gold watch and chain, £10; dog gear, £10 4s; astrachan coat, £2, and a Highland regalia dress, - which cost me £600 : total, £1276 4s. In addition to these there are two boxes and a Gladstone bag containing sundry clothing and other personal effects, particulars re value of which I cannot- state. At the idate of the alleged bill of sale I was under severe treatment by Dr. Marsack, who, I have no doubt, can certify that I was. uot responsible for my .actions. In addition to the above transactions, with thp.landlord of one of the hotels I. under, stand I signed two promissory notes in hia favor for £105 and \£100;T ,Theee; I am told, are now. jn the hands of two local firms, having been passed to them by the landlord. — Geokgb Massey jWatson^!..^ -, o, -, , , „,]■[//, jw