MEETING OF CREDITORS.

Waipa Post, Volume V, Issue 228, 11 July 1913, Page 3

MEETING OF CREDITORS.

A meeting of creditors in , the bankrupt estate of Alexander Campbell, cafe proprietor, Te Kuiti, was held in the Courthouse, Te Awamutu, on Tuesday afternoon, before the Official Assignee, Mr H. S. Fisher. Eight creditors were present.

Mr H. Y. Collins appeared on behalf of the petitioning creditors and others.

The bankrupt, on being sworn, stated he was at one time in business in Te Awamutu as restaurant-keeper in partnership with a man named Mai Lin. He was known as Alex. Campbell. Did not remember ever denying that his name was not Alex. He was called Alex, by his partner, Martin. Got used to the name, and liked it as well as Arthur. About a fortnight ago was served with a summons in regard to the present proceedings. He handed it to his solicitor and relied on the latter to acquaint him with what steps to take. Saw •no notice of his bankruptcy in the papers. He had no capital when he came to Te Awamutu, and owed about £2O in Hamilton. Took business premises in Market Street at £l a week, and the business prospered to the best of his knowledge. Martin kept the books. The latter left for Auckland just before Christmas, and he had not seen him since, and did not know his whereabouts. Sold his business on loth of January for £ITO. Messrs Lawson and Swain held a bill of sale over the shop fittings and furnishing for £7O. Paid Mr Vernon, of Hamilton, £22, as he had received a loan from the latter some four years previously. Had no receipt from him. The balance (£18) he gave to his wife to buy boots and clothes. He had five children dependant om him. His reason for leaving Te Awamutu and not. calling his creditors together was because he thought they would hound him down. Held a Government section at Mangaoronga and had spent about £2B or £3O on improvements. It had since been forfeited. Was in business in Otorohanga, and when he left owed about £ls or £2O. He was working on wages in Te Kuiti before going to Otorchanga. Owed about £lO to Cotter at Te Kuiti, part of which had since been paid. The booth which he had at the Kihikihi races on January Ist did not turn out a success. The books were at his private house when he left Te Awamutu, but he had been unable to find them. He thought the cheque blocks were swept out with the rubbish at the shop when leaving. Ihe bank passbook was at the bank. —On an enquiry being made at the bank it was ascertained that the book had been handed to the firm, but the bankrupt had no knowledge of receiving it. The bankrupt was examined at length by Mr Collins.

•The official assignee said that whatever the creditors might think, the main features in connection with the bankruptcy stood out very plainly. The conduct of the bankrupt and everything connected with the bankruptcy was as unsatisfactory : it could possibly be. He had gone away surreptitiously, taking care that his creditors should not know his whereabouts.

The bankrupt said he would endeavour to find £2O by the next meeting, and agreed to pay so much a month. That was the best offer he could make. It was proposed that steps be taken to recover the amount paid to Vernon, and also to have the horse and trap handed toT. Shaw brought into the estate. The following resolution was passed:—That the official assignee place the particulars in regard to the bankruptcy before the Crown Pro -.editor with a view to having the bankrupt punished.