MR STERNDALE IN TROUBLE.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XII, Issue 45, 21 February 1877, Page 2

MR STERNDALE IN TROUBLE.

We have heard so much of late in our Auckland telegrams anenfc Sterndale and Suwarrow that we are induced to publish fche following telegram, which appeared in the Post of Monday, giving, as it does, the full history of the affair-. — Re the Suwarrow embroglio. The Canterbury was ready to sail last night, and was only waiting for Mr and Mrs Sterndale. At five o'clock Sterndale was arrested by the Deputy-Sheriff, Mr Collins, aud tbe Bailiff, John Coyk, on a speedy service warrant, obtained by Henderson and Macfarlane earlier in the day, on a suit which was pending. After an hour's search, the officers discovered Sterndale. When Collins produced the warrant, Sterndale bade the Deputy-Sheriff take care what he was doing, at the same time producing from his pocket a legal document signed by Mr Whitaker. "Do you see that signature," asked Sterndale. " Yes I do," said Collins. " Well, then, you had better be careful, or I'll make ifc hot for you." Collins, notwithstanding this caution, proceeded with the service of the writ, and informed Sternale that he mnsfc consider himself a prisoner. Sterndale then relapsed into his ordinary "laisser aller" style, and told Collins he supposed ifc was all right, and that he would go with him. A cab was called, and the luggage of the prisoner obtained from the Canterbury. Tne route "was shaped for Mount Eden, where H. B. Sterndale was safely lodged in gaol according to the tenor of the committal. He is to be kept confined for three months, unless in the interval he shall either pay to the Sheriff the sum of £1000 in satisfaction of the writ, or shall enter into satisfactory bonds with sureties to the extent of £2000, to appear when called upon. The present position of affairs is set forth in the declaration of action commenced by Henderson and Macfarlane against Sterndale, in October, 1874. Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane entered into partnership with Sterndale in an islands trading venture. The firm were to find the money and a vessel of 100 tons. Sterndale was to give the benefit of his island experience in managing the depot to be established at one of the islands. The profits were to be divided in the proportion of three-fourths to fche firm and onefourth to Sterndale; Henderson and Macfarlane to have the general control of affairs, but Sterndale was to have fche sole direction, of the movements of the vessels when away from Auckland. All property or leases of land acquired among. the islands by Sterndale were to become the property of the partnership. All produce was to be consigned to Messrs Henderson and Macfarlane, who were to realise the same to put the proceeds to the credit of a joint; account, the partnership to remain in force at least two years, but not to exceed ten years. Both parties should keep good faith with one another, and do their best for each other. Henderson and Macfarlane now declare that Sterndale violated the deed, and in the following ways:— lst. He has claimed certain islands and property acquired since the partnership as his own, and denied that Henderson and Macfarlane have any interest therein whatever.. 2nd. He has neglected to take any notice .of an iutimation sent to him by Henderson and Macfarlane of dissolution of partnership on the expiration of two years, on the 7th October last, the undertaking having proved unprofitable. 3rd. He has converted part of the property to his own use, and not rendered any account to Henderson and Macfarlane. When tbe latter firm commenced the civil action they filed a declaration in the Sheriff's Court on the 13th inst., asking the Court to declare the partnership dissolved, and to wind up the estate under their directions, and to appoint a receiver besider administering such other relief as might be required. This action was proceeding in the usual quiet course .of law when ifc was ascertained that Sterndale was about to leave the colony. The schooner Canterbury weighed anchor during fche nighfc, and dropped down to the reef, where had been anchored all day. Her movements were carefully watched during the nighfc by the Customs authorities, who were on the alert to prevent any arms being smuggled on board. Tbe Customs launch, with two officers on board, proceeded round the North Head in her wake, and accompanied her to wbere she anchored.