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Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2149, 3 August 1907, Page 4

DEBT-COLLECTING METHODS. A PECULIAR DOCUMENT. Beforo the commencement of tlio c«.*il sitting of tho Christchurch MiiHistnito’s Court on July 25tli, Mr. C. E. Salter brought under the notice of Air. H. AV. Bishop, the presiding Magistrate, a blue document beaded “Intention to Proceed,” which he su'd had been given to him by a lail.v to whom it was sent, and who had taken it for a genuine legal process. The document was, to all intents and pm poses, genuine, and every effort seemed to have been made to give it the appearance of an official document.. Across tho paper in huge rod letters, was printed ‘ Registered '() B 9163,” and in one cornor a large red seal gave tlio wholo an air of importance and officiality. In the prii: toil toxt* of tho paper is stated, in ponderous legal verbiage, that payment for a debt could bo niado to tlio Trtdo Protection Association. AH Saltor, in explanation of tho document, said that tho firm to whom the recipient of it had owed money had given no instructions, to tlio Trades Protection Association to collect tho debt. Tho paper had boon •sent to tho lady’s business address unsealed, and anyone could read it. All-. Bisliop, commenting on tlie matter, said that two similar documents had been brought under his notice, and in each case tho recipients had mistaken them for gonuino Ci.nr** processes. He could not, however do anything in the matter miles it could be shown that any membei of the legal profession was rospcisiblo for or connected with tho affair, and if such wore proved to be the caso the Law Society could deal with tlio matter.