“LET MOTHER DOWN.”

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18283, 21 March 1931, Page 10

“LET MOTHER DOWN.”

STUDENT’S EXTRAVAGANCE LIFE AT UNIVERBITY. Extravagances of a student who, while at Cambridge, bought three motor-cars, had steeplechasing colours and incurred dQbts totalling £SOO. were revealed at Coventry. Cleever Ralph Woodcock, 25, of Brechfa, Carmarthen, formerly of Dunchurch, Warwickshire, appeared for his examination in bankruptcy. Woodcock explained that he married in June last year, and was now living in a house of which his wife was the tenant. The rent was £8 per year. He entered St. John’s College, Cambridge, In October, 1926, intending to take a degree. The arrange.|ient was that his mother should pay his expenses. He fell into debt, and was “ sent down " because he was unable to continue paying fees. Official Receiver; Do you care to offer any explanation why this indebtedness was run up at Cambridge?— Woodcock; My mother -wanted me to live on rather a high standard. Woodcock admitted that he was involved in three motor-car transactions, and spent a great deal on drgss and entertaining. He added, “I think anyone at Cambridge should have at least £750." In 1929 he took over a riding school, but was unable to meet instalments. From October, 1929, for 12 months he was employed in the test and service departmeijifs at a motor works in Coventry. Bills were produced in court, and the Registrar remarked on the fact that two bills from tailors totalled £l3l. He then asked Woodcock, “ What about this item, • £3O for books?"— They were books on work at the university.—Registrar: Work! The Official Receiver declared that it was a case of gross extravagance. No doubt every sacrifice had been made to send him to college. The Registrar stated that Woodcock had Jet his mother down badly. lie could .see no point in adjourning the examination which was accordingly closed. ,