Bankruptcy Cases,

Star (Christchurch), Issue 6292, 17 July 1888, Page 3

Bankruptcy Cases,

!_Fes Pkess Association.] DUNEDIN, July 16. In connection with the bankruptcy of P. Tofield, watchmaker and jeweller, it was stated, in the application tor a public examination, that there was practically only one creditor, and the shop was kept open while Btock was taken. The sheets were signed by the bankrupt, and he was left in charge of the shop. A week or so afterwards, when the successful tenderer went to get possession, goods to the value of .£l5O had disappeared. Sale notes for JS2S had been furnished, but no account whatever of this £150 worth. The bankrupt behaved in cavalier fashion to the Assignee, saying he was in the habit of going away to have a drink, leaving the shop unlocked; and he presumed the goods had been stolen. Application was zna.de to bavo the bankrupt punished for not keeping books. The bankrupt's solicitor said the baliff in charge could have taken the goods. Mr Justice Williams passed the examination, as he said not keeping books was not a real ground for complaint. In the case of W. H. Motley, who had lost .£IOO, £23 and JES3 at various times, his Honor said, if the bankrupt had done anything, it was accounting for his position by fictitious losses. That was a matter for -a- Jury to-determine.