CREDITORS WANT MORE INFORMATION

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19269, 5 January 1931, Page 8

CREDITORS WANT MORE INFORMATION

cartage contractor FAILS IN BUSINESS. George Hudson Peglev, 47, Francis Street, Burwood, a cartage contractor, appeared before his creditors at the official assignee’s office this morning. The acting official assignee, Mr W. A. Ross., presided. Mr Sargent represented bankrupt. Accidents and Bad Weather. In his sworn statement bankrupt set out that he commenced contracting in September, 1929, having a contract with the Malvern County Council to shingle four roads. The price was £6OO for cartage only, extra yards being paid at the rate of 3s per yard. Soon after commencing the contract, bankrupt had an accident, fracturing two ribs. He was laid up for a fortnight. In February, 1930, his truck was damaged by fire, causing a loss of five -weeks’ work and expenses. He estimated the loss at £l5O. Wet weather resulted in further delay, and in April bankrupt had his hand broken in an accident. This resulted in a loss of four months’ work. When bankrupt was ready to commence work again the council informed him that, owing to overdraft, it had been decided not to go on with the work for some time. Incomplete Information. Mr Ross said that information for creditors was very incomplete. The liabilities were set out at £317 4s 9d, and the only assets given were £lO book debts. Under examination, bankrupt stated that he had a scoop valued at £3 10s, a shingle bin worth £lO, and some picks and shovels, which lie estimated to be worth £l. Had Scouts Out. A creditor stated that bankrupt had part of a 3 h.p. engine, which he had hidden. Mr Sargent: He has not hidden it. Creditor: You will pardon me, he has. We have had our scouts out, and we know. Mr Ross called the meeting to order. In response to a further question, bankrupt said that he possessed £4O and owed about £OO when he commenced business. Mr Sargent suggested that the meeting be adjourned in order that bankrupt could have time to make a fuller statement. Mr Sargent had been instructed only a few minutes before the meeting. Owing to the legal holiday, bankrupt had not been able to get in touch with his own lawyer. Mr Ross said that bankrupt had got himself into his present position. In spite of several requests, bankrupt had left it until a quarter of an hour before the meeting to see Mr Ross. Mr Sargent stated that what bankrupt had said was straightforward enough, but there were a lot of blanks which required explanation. Mr Ross: Fie has been dodging his responsibilities. Two creditors said that bankrupt had not been satisfactory in keeping his appointments. Mr Sargent: That is the case with most men when they have to face their creditors. A creditor: Yes, but this man has been most unsatisfactory. The meeting was adjourned until Monday, January 19.