A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

Levin Daily Chronicle, 25 February 1928, Page 7

A PLEASANT SURPRISE.

PETITION DISMISSED WITH COSTS AUCKLAND, Last Night. There cannot be much pleasure in making a two days' journey from the country for the purpose of hearing yourself adjudged bankrupt at the end of it but one man who came to Auckland on such an errand had a pleasant surprise awaiting him in the Supreme Court to-day. His case was called once or twice -without response but when it was finally called at the close of business, the visitor-farmer from Opotiki stepped forward. "You are in this position," explained Mr. Justice Blair. "The other side has not appeared." The effect of this was not at once evident to the farmer until his Honour added "You can ask to have the case struck out." "Very well I will have it struck out then," was the prompt response. "Is that all?" he asked after a pause. "I suppose you will be entitled to some costs," said his Honour. "Do you want costs?" The farmer assented, adding: "They have put me to a lot of trouble all right." A little calculation brought the result that the man was entitled to £{» 12s costs. "Petition dismissed with costs," said his Honour. Things were going so much in his favour that tho farmer was ready for more good fortune. "Where do I g' 1 * my costs?" he asked. "Do I get them before I get away?" "I don't know said his honour smiling: "Your costs are against petitioning creditor. What you have got virtually amounts to a judgment against him."