BANKRUPT SEA-COOK

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 275, 10 February 1928, Page 16

BANKRUPT SEA-COOK

LAW-SUIT GOES AWRY AN UNFORTUNATE DELAY How a successful claim for damages subsequently brought about the bankruptcy of the claimant was explained yesterday in the office of the Official Assignee, Mr. G. N. Morris. Ernest Arnold, a ship’s cook, was awarded damages against another seaman for victimisation a year ago. But he lpst against another man and had to pay substantial costs. Unfortunately the damages were never paid to him, and being liable for the costs, he had no recourse but to file. Arnold had already lodged a petition in bankruptcy against the first seaman, but owing to legal delay the second got in first and had Arnold adjudged a bankrupt for the amount of the costs of the unsuccessful case. He owed £59 to unsecured creditors. His assets were given as book debts said to be worth £l2B. Thus a nominal surplus of £6B was shown. In his statement bankrupt said that as a result of the litigation hostility had been shown by members of the union toward him and he had been put out of work for several months. When he is employed he earns £4 15s a week, out of which he has to pay £2 a week rent. He has a wife and three children to support. “I take it there is nothing against the bankrupt?” asked Mr. Morris. **He has beeti very badly treated,” said Arnold’s counsel. Creditors agreed and the meeting adjourned pending further inquiries.