George North’s Bankruptcy.

Patea Mail, 15 January 1881, Page 4

George North’s Bankruptcy.

Some creditors of George North, the getter-up of racing sweeps, held a meeting at Wellington, on Tuesday, in consequence of the bankrupt having decamped, Mr Richardson presided. Mr H. Blundell—The first thing to do will be to establish the fact that he has gone, therefore it has been suggested you should examine this gentleman here (Mr Neal), who was in charge of North’s business. Mr Henry Neal (in the employ of the barber) —I can give you my credit he has gone. He went away by the Hawea last Sunday week. We had not the least idea he was going. He said a month ago he would take a trip up country, and when he went up country he took a lot of books for the next £4,000 sweep and a lot of cards. His wife and family have gone. He brought me down from Napier with my wife and family, and I am stuck here, and want to know what I am to do. Mr Blundell—How do you know he’s gone ? Mr Neal—l know how ; that is quite enough for me. Everything was arranged between North and a relative. I happened to pump the latter yesterday, or I would not know what I do. It was reported North was on the mail steamer going to San Francisco, and it is a fact. The Chairman —What had the relative to do with it ? Mr Neal—He came up as a “ blind,” to gammon the “ boss ” wasn’t gone. The Chairman —Did he say so to you ? Mr Neal—Yes ; that was what he was down for. Mr Blundell —He told you that was part of his programme ? Mr Neal—Yes. The Chairman —Is that what you think merely ? Mr Neal—l say what I know, not what I think. The Chairman—Do you know anything about the sale of the business ? Mr Neal—lt is not sold at all ; the only part of his property sold is his private house. The Chairman—Did he live on the premises ? Mr Neal —No ; he goes out every summer just for a change. When I came here I took my wife and family there, and it cost me nothing for rent. Mr Blundell—Had North a lease of the shop V—Yes ; five years to run. The Chairman —There was a report

about that he had sold his premises to a person in Nelson for £BOO, and got the money. Debts to the extent of £173 (inclusive of £lO5 on bills not yet matured) were stated to be owing. After some further discussion, Mr T. J. Ladd proposed that Messrs H. Blundell and Nathan should take the advice of Messrs Stafford and Fitzherbert as to making Mr North a bankrupt, and to report at a meeting to be held in the same place.

An adjourned meeting was held on Wednesday, when Mr Stafford, solicitor, advised that the Judge should be applied to for immediate order declaring North a bankrupt. The meeting agreed to do this, and adjourned for a week.