AN UPHILL FIGHT.

Otago Witness, Issue 2817, 11 March 1908, Page 40

AN UPHILL FIGHT.

HISTORY OF A TRAWLER. (Fbo'm Our Own Correspondent.) CHRISTCHURCHT March 6. Some months ago an ambitious young Xaan named David John Wildev conceived the idea of supplying Christohuroh with cheap and fresh fish. His friends wished him luck and helped him to puT&iase a trawler, but the Goliath of monopoly and adverse fortune was rather too big for this particular David, and he met his creditors in the official assignee's office this morning to explain why his anticipations had not been realised. Wildey's .statement showed that he owed £675 17s 9d, and he yalued his assets (consisting ohiefiy of the trawler and its appliances) at £600, leaving * deficiency of £75 17s 9d. He purchased the trawler Mullogh five months ago. He paid part cash, but there was still a mortgage of £050 on the vessel. The purchase Included trawls, nets, and plant complete. It w represented to him that th« Mullogh was almost fit to start; work, but he found that there was a great deal of repairing wanted-. At last the vessel got fairly to work, and some good hauls were made. He later had some trouble ■with the crew, which caused a good deal «| time to be losf. The principal trouble «to the faifure to get & fair price for the flfh. Through wrltdnrf to the papers regirdinff the fi»h mArket and Belling fish Srivatelr h« fett Out with the tr&de, aw* (ad difficulty |n Jelling his fisti. The price -obtained: ftt anotW did not pay exgtfoses. Wbe.it he started he had-eYery to expect that the projeM; would pay. He was recently sued for £51 14s tot coal, And later the bailiffs ware put in possession of the ship. The mtitfteured Subsequently took charge of the Mnllogn. A creditor stated that it was proposed to

form * company fn Christchurch to take over the bankrupt's estate and continue the trawling operations. Several leading business men had agreed to take 6hares. It was decided to adjourn the proceedings for a week.