IN BANKRUPTCY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8316, 20 December 1906, Page 5

IN BANKRUPTCY.

R. J. HODGINS. The adjourned meeting of creditors in the bankrupt estate of Richard Joseph Hodgins, late hotelkeeper, of Masterton, , was held in the Courthouse, yesterday morning, before Mr B. Chennells, D.O.A. The creditors present were Messrs M. Caselberg (W.F.C.A.), B. Brodie, Ogilvy and Sons, and J. H. Pauling (Masterton Farmers' Implement Company). Mr H. C. Robinson appeared for the debtor, Mr C. A. Pownall for the creditors under deed of assignment, and Mr B. J. Dolan for the D.O.A.

Bankrupt, on oath, stated that he instructed Mr Pownall to convene a meeting of creditors shortly after he left the Central Hotel. A meeting was convened,, and the largest creditors were either present or were represented. After discussion it was concluded that an assignment to trustees was the best course, it being thought that the bankrupt's share in the Shamrock Hotel could be easily realised. He executed an assignment accordingly to Caselberg and Focke as trustees. The attempt to realise was delayed for some time pending 'arrangements being made with his brothers. They came to Masterton several times to try and. arrange matters, but one agreed and thejother. objected. Finally tenders were called for the purchase of the hotel, but none were received. He was then advised to file, but held the matter over thinking the trustees would offer the hotel for sale at auction or that his brothers would take the matter up and compromise with the creditors. A meeting was arranged after tenders had closed, but nothing evenuated and shortly afterwards he filed.

By Mr Dolan: He took no furniture. out of the hotel, but his wife took a few personal effects, such as pictures and bedding. He purchased a phaeton for his wife and paid, for it himself. That was about three years ago, and the phaeton cost £BS. All the books that he ' had kept were handed over to the D.O.A. except two bank books, which he would hand over. He had about,£3s or £4O when he left the hotel. He had recently negotiated for the Alfredton Hotel, and his brothers were finding the money for his wife provided he could get a license. The purchase money for the '<hotel was £7O0 —£350 cash and £350 in bills. The cash was being paid by his brothers through Levin and Co. He was not advancing a penny piece. There were no documents executed. He had not mortgaged his interest in the Shamrock Hotel to Levin and Co. or anyone else for the purpose of going into the Alfredton hotel, lior had he promised to do so. Since the date of the assignment he had not mortgaged his interest in the Shamrock Hotel to anyone nor had his brothers done so on his behalf. Mrs Hodgins was signing the bills foi* £350, balance of purchase money on the Alfredton Hotel. His wife had no money in the \bank or anywhere else beyond the tohaeton and horses. In securing credit from the W.F.C.A. he did not make a statement at all. He owed the firm about £3OO. He did not tell anyone he had an interest in a sheep station. He was never asked the amount owing to Levin and Co. and made no statement at all. By Mr Robinson : He had no other assets when he gave the assignment than his life policy and the share of £6OO in the Shamrock Hotel. On the motion of Mr Brodie, seconded by Mr Pauling, it was decided that the D.O.A. should endeavour to sell the debtor's interest in the Shamrock Hotel either privately or by auction and refer any offers to Messrs Caselberg and Focke. It was' further decided that the D.O.A. should take possession of all the bankrupt's; assets in the estate, including the phaeton, harness and horses, and realise on them as soon as possible. The meeting then adjourned.

CABLE NEWS.

By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright,