COUSINS SQUABBLE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 485, 15 October 1928, Page 1

COUSINS SQUABBLE

BUSINESS BROKEN UP CONTRACTOR MEETS CREDITORS “It looks like a family squabble,” is how Mr. G. N. Morris, the official assignee, described the bankruptcy of George Blank, contractor, of Papakura, this morning. Blank said in his statement that, in 1926, he had disputes with Herbert Blank, his cousin, with whom he had entered into partnership in 1921. Up to that time the business had been doing fairly well. Bankrupt began business on his own but, in 1927, the disputes were submitted to an arbitrator, whose decision led to Blank filing in bankrupety. “The decision came as a complete sui'prise to me,” declared Blank. After questioning the bankrupt as to why he had been surprised, Mr. Morris said that there seemed to be nothing unfair about the decision. Mr. Morris further said that the squabbling between the cousins had precipitated the bankruptcy. “Sheer pig-headedness has been shown on both sides,” said a creditor. The assignee said that no question would arise regarding conduct, and he considered it fairly obvious that bankrupt’s application for discharge would not be opposed. Blank’s assets were £1.680, his debts £1.116, and there was a surplus of £564. The meeting decided to agree to Mr. Morris’s suggestion that he and a committee of creditors should arrange bankrupt’s affairs.