Defendant Admits Debt-Move for Settlement Out of Court

Grey River Argus, 21 September 1948, Page 3

Defendant Admits DebtMove for Settlement Out of Court

P.A. WELLINGTON, Sept. 20. The claim of Robert Arthur Drury, agent, against Andrew Dick Reid Duncan, licensed publican, for £lOBB 10s on a cheque which was marked “return to drawer,” was continued in the Supreme Court this afternoon. Mr T. G. Taylor called his client Duncan. , . ~ Witness admitted giving Drury the cheque for £lOBB 10s, and that he could not meet it at the time. He said he told Drury that he would ring him and tell him when it would be “right,” and Drury could put the date on himself. The cheque was handed to Drury for betting. Witness had told Drury that two or three people owed him money- and that as soon as they paid him, he could pay Duncan said it was wrong that theie was a loan. He had only asked lor credit. About £BOO was due to huu that time in connection with bets, but not directly connected with Drury. Witness notified Drury to date the cheque. Duncan told Mr Mason (for plaintiff) that he placed money for Drury, but did not get any reward,. except the information gained in placing the bets. He was an agent of Drury s. Drury would not be making bets tor himself. He was a commission agent. Witness agreed that Drury would be under a liability for £620 after losses of December 13. Duncan then said that he admitted he owed Drury £lOBB 10s and said that he would pay him as soon as he I could. Two bookmakers he had men-

tioned, in particular, as owing him money still did so. That was his leason for not paying Drury. On the suggestion ot the judge, the Court adjourned to enable the parties to discuss a settlement. No agreement was reached and His Honour called counsel into his room. The Court a break of nearly an hour. His Honour agreed to adjourn the matter till November 22, with a view to a settlement before then. If settlement were reached, he added, that would remove any possible reproach or suggestion that it was the defendant’s desire to plead the Gaming Act.