BANKRUPT BUS-OWNER

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 443, 27 August 1928, Page 13

BANKRUPT BUS-OWNER

TOURS MANAGER BLAMED THOUGHT ACCOUNTS HAD BEEN PAID Alfred Henry §mith, a bankrupt bus proprietor, who met his creditors this morning, blamed the manager of National Tours, Ltd., A. S. Blackie, for his financial difficulties. Smith's service business had been connected with the firm. Mr. G. N. Morris, Official Assignee, said that some of bankrupt’s documents revealed a long series of complaints against the business. Counsel said he could not understand why business firms allowed big debts to bo run up. No resolution was made at the meeting, and bankrupt’s affairs were left to Mr. Morris for further investigation. Smith attributed his bankruptcy to the fact that Blackie misled him in regard to the manner lie was conducting the office side of the business. • “I was not aware until quite recently that large sums were owing, both in and out of Auckland,” Smith declared in his statement. “I was assured by Blackie that everything was in order and that he was paying accoutns as they became due.” Smith said lie had made an arrangement in September, 1927, with National Tours, and had £ 2,400 in cash. His schedule showed his debts to be £1,573, his assets £l9l, and the deficiency £ 1,382. To Mr. Morris, bankrupt said that the keeping of the books was a verbal arrangement, and about November or December he said Blackie had volunteered to attend to claims. “I couldn’t attend to that side,” bankrupt asserted. “I was working sometimes 11 "hours a day outside.” Mr. Morris: There ha.ve been complaints about the driving and the condition of the cars* You were responsible for that side —what have you got to say about that?' DRIVERS AND DANCES Bankrupt: All the complaints were handeid over to Blackie. I had heard about some accidents, and some drivers were “sacked.” Smitbfs statement added that he had taken several cars on hire-purchase. He was married, and had four children from four to 11 years of age. Mr. Maoris pointed out that the books in the business made the great problem in Smith's affairs. Bankrupt said he had handed over his check system on the drivers to Blackie, who had carried on from September. When, he pleaded guilts'- in the Police Court on Thursday to five charges of contracting debts of over £2O, being an undischarged bankrupt, Blackie was ordered to come up for sentence, if called upon, within six months.