CAUGHT NAPPING.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 1, Issue 117, 24 June 1880, Page 2

CAUGHT NAPPING.

To the Editor. Sir,— l notice a paragraph in your issue of the 17th inst. under the above heading. You will oblige by allowing me a small space to say a few words on the matter referred to. The case to a creditor is like all others with assets nil—not worth a straw. But, there seems to me a principle involved, which is of a serious nature. This case shows the utter worthlessness of the bankruptcy laws, and how roguery may be carried out under their cover. The facts of the case remain the same, in spite of Sullivan’s statement in Court to the contrary, and they are as follow : —Sullivan takes a contract, and takes two men in with him as mates in the job. The work finished, Sullivan, as hea’d of the trio, receives the cheque—(perhaps at this moment his mates are “ napping”)—gets the cash, and immediately files. Doubtless he has seen the slippery nature of the bankruptcy laws, and how men glide out of their debt and difficulties with ease. A better opportunity could not present itself, so ho fell into the quagmire of bankruptcy . . . . . Aow, Sir, I have known Sullivan for the last three or four years, have had transactions with him regularly, and have always found him honest and straightforward. This is only one instance where honest men are lured into evil .... by the laxity of the laws. If some of the leading business men of the County were to get together and discuss the matter, and point out to the Government the faulty places in the Bankruptcy Act, I have no doubt something would be done this session. Surely the business men of Ashburton have had sufficient experience to enable them to do something in that direction. —I am, &c., John Williams. Winslow.