A PRISONER'S BANKRUPTCY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 839, 10 June 1910, Page 3

A PRISONER'S BANKRUPTCY.

-♦ , .MEETING OF- CREDITORS. ■ A meeting of creditors in. the bankrupt estate of Joseph Paul Davis, at present undergoing a sentence of seven years' imprisonment in connection with the recent hotel fire at Wanganui, wi>s held before the. Official Assignee (Hγ. A. Simpson) yesterday. The following creditors were represented :— J. B. Lane and Co., P. Hayman and Co., Arthur Clark, Ltd., Manuel, Harris, and Co., Bing, Harris, and Co., and J. Derbyshire and Co.: - ■" ~! •.- ■■'•■■■• ■■■■ Nothing ■ definite was settled with regard to the bankrupt's estate. The Assign.ee explained that ho had not yet received the bankrupt's statement, and owing to the absence of his solicitor (Mr. Levi).' in Palmorston nothing had been done in that direction. In the meantime, it would be necessary for him (the Assignee) to obtain an order to interview Davis in gaol. Referring to tho bankrupt's property, tho Assignee explained that the goods, which had been used as exhibits in the recent Supreme Court proceedings, were at present held by tho Registrar of the Supreme Court against settlement of the costs of the prosecution in connection with the change of venuo'from Waugsnni to Wellington. Mr. Wilford remarked that such a proceeding was new to him. He pointed out, in the course of a general discussion which followed, that under the Crimes Act, when a change of venue is granted, the costs of 'the prosecution are paid by the applicants for such change of venue. Personally, he had heard of no application for such change of venue at the trial. Such, if made, should be in hearing of counsel for the defence, so that argument might be heard if necessary.

It wa-s agreed to adjourn sine die, the Assignee to confer with tho Registrar of the Supreme Court in tho meantime.

According to Mr. D. G. A. Cooper .(Registrar of the Supremo Court) the accused applied, through his solicitors, for a chango of venue from Wanganui to Wellington, which was granted conditionallj" upon a bond being entered into to meet the difference between the costs of tho trial. Tho bond was entered into, and subsequently the goods were seized. So far, stated Mr. Cooper, there had been no specific demand made for the goods.