PEOPLE WHO WON’T PAY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 18760, 26 December 1930, Page 4

PEOPLE WHO WON’T PAY.

DEBT FORTUNES. Thousands of professional men and shopkeepers throughout England are finding themselves in difficulties because hundreds of thousands of pounds are owing to them by people who are able to pay, but will not until pressure is brought to bear. Many accounts are not settled until the doctor, denti§t, or tradesman is faced with bankruptcy, or, as in the case of the late Mr W. F. Forsyth, the M.C.C. cricketer and dental surgeon, who committed suicide, are worried so much that they take their lives and leave their executors the task of bringing the defaulters to book. “I cannot stand this misery any longer,” wrote Mr Forsyth, in his farewell note to his partner. “If only patients had paid up, all would have been well.” The following table, giving the average time of waiting for settlement is compiled from information supplied to a representative of the “Sunday Express” by members of the professions and trades named:— Physicians: One year. Some accounts now four years overdue. Dentists: Nine-twelve months. Tailors: One year. Many accounts four years overdue. Dressmakers: Eight months. Many accounts increasing yearly despite periodical payments. News Agents: Two months. A few customers withhold payment for twelve and eighteen months. Garages: Two weeks. Gas and Electric Light: One of every five consumers waits until the last day for payment named in final demands. Rates and Taxes: Few pay before receipt of final demand. One in every 2000 waits until summoned. “One reason why doctors and dentists have to wait for payment of their accounts is that they are bad business men,” said a leading medical authority. “Doctors and dentists generally wait two to three months before sending accounts to their patients. The second reminder usually is not sent until another three months has elapsed. More frequent reminders might help matters. “Of course, in some cases the doctor or dentist as in the case with certain business houses, such as tailors and dressmakers, refrains from sending frequent reminders in fear of losing patronage.”