STRATFORD NEWS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 209, 4 March 1914, Page 3

STRATFORD NEWS.

F3OM OUR RESIDENT REPORTER,

Office and Job Printing Works: York Chambers (upstairs) Telephone No. 113.

BANKRUPTCIES A GROCER WHO "GOT." A i|iiiet lit lie business in Broadway one day blossomed out under a new name, "Tlic Auckland Cash .Market Co." Grocery was the main line of business. Terms were cash. There was no '"tick." Prices were low. Competition said it couldn't go on, as some of the selling prices were under their •buying 1 cost. They were right. Subsequent events have shown how it was that the "Company" could sell so cheaply. Anyone could do it if the warehouses would only give the same "rope." But the manager took a holiday about New Year. He has not come back. A creditor made the firm bankrupt, and yesterday the meeting of creditors in tin; estate of Nathan Godfrey was held. Only one creditor was present (Mr. lirookman, representing Messrs. Hatrick and Co.), but he held sufficient proxies to constitute a quorum, and the D.O.A. minuted one or two resolutions regarding the estate. Mr. Coleman explained that proofs of debt so far received totalled £llO6 18s lOd, and there was an indebtedness of some £4OO to Godfrey Phillips, from whom bankrupt bought his business. The stock on the premises was valued at £334 10s 9d, and this, with the value of the goodwill of the tease, constituted the whole of the assets. The creditors in the estate were chiefly Auckland firms. Tenders will be called for the goodwill of the lease, and the stock will be realised as early as possible. A resolution was carried that the creditors are of opinion that it would , be more convenient if these particular bankruptcy proceedings in the Taranaki Supreme Court district were moved i into the northern district, more particularly in regard to extradition proceedings. i

A CARRYING BUSINESS Tho creditors in the estate of ,J. A. Thompson, carrier, met at the D.O.A.,'s office on Tuesday. Mr. Stanford represented the bankrupt. Bankrupt stated (inter alia): —"I started business in Stratford in 1008 as a wool and coal merchant and general carrier. I bought the business from M. T. Jury, paying £2BOO for same. I gave a first mortgage of £I2OO over the property and was guaranteed a hank overdraft to the extent of £3OO. The balance of £I3OO was my equity in a farm at Pohokura, which I exchanged for this business. When I exchanged tho farm I owed about £3OO for stock. This was niv only debt at that time. I paid some, and this exhausted my overdraft at the bank, which was guaranteed. The setured creditor eventually cleared off my overdraft and I thereby increased my secured debt to £ISOO. I, therefore, had no further ready capital. I continued in business for five and a-lia!f ycar.4, during which time tilings gradually got worse. My business gradually decreased, and I attribute such decrease to the following causes: Want of capital. I could not pay cash for such things as feed, etc., and so was forced to pay interest at rates varying from ten per cent. Increased cost of feed, and shoeing and increased rate of wages due. to carters. Kxtensivc competition in the carrying trade, and lastly, I have experienced groat difficulty in collecting my book debts, having been forced to write off a great many debts on my books as bad. As my statement shows, if my property realises anything like its true value. T will be able to pay all mv creditors twenty shillings in the pound." . , The statement of bankrupt's affairs showed unsecured creditors ,CB2fi 12s fld, secured creditors £1523 17s 2d. estimated value of securities £2531 15s, credit balance £IOO7 17s lOd. other liabilities £37 4s 4d, total debts £Sf>3 17s Id. On the credit side were: Book debts. £350 5s Id, estimated to produce £200; cash in hand £2 15s, furniture £SO, chattels £4O 5s surplus of assets £IOO7 17s lOd, total assets £1250 17s 10d; estimated credit balance £.IBO 0s fld. Tlie total debt owing to the secured creditor was set down at, £1523 17s 2d. The value of the mortgaged freehold, half an acre in Broadway North, was put down at £IOOO and of the chattels at Co.ll 15s, a total of £2513 las., The chief unsecured creditors were: Newton King £415 7s lOd ,1. McClug gage £SO, X.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency Company £3B 4s 3d, Egmont Coach and Carriage Co. £3l 10s fld. Mcßain and Childs £35 fls fld. A. H. Trotter £lO. It was decided to dispose of the land and plant, and to allow the bankrupt to retain his furniture. Mrs. Thompson's offer to transfer her Building Society shares ( £4 paid upi was declined. j PERSONAL | As mentioned briefly yesterday, Mr. T. C. Fookcs, the popular president- of : the Stratford Bowling Club, was farewelled by Fellow-members on the green, afternoon tea being dispensed by Messrs Curtis and Smart. Replying to the good wishes expressed liy Messrs. Smart, King an-1 Penn on behalf of the members. Mr. l-'ookea Congratulated the Club on the tine spirit prevailing amongst the members of the Stratford Club. As to the gathering that afternoon, and the many complimentary remarks that had been expressed concerning himself and family, he thanked them all very sincerely. He regrettcA that he had to .'o away, and lie hoped to come back and spend many more pleasant hours on the green. Tn this connection, he regretted that he had not been a bowler long before, as he had only been playing for about three years. During his residence of 23 years, he had worked hard, and he believed he thoroughly deserved the holiday. In conclii-ion, he thanked them for their man, good wishes, and expressed the hope that he would be back soon and have many more games with them. Constable John Scanncll, of Whangamomona, was married at Inglewood yesterday to Miss Grace Calgher. daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Calgher. Mr. and Mrs. ,Scanncll passed through Stratford bv the afternoon train en route for Wanganui, and were showered with rice by local friends and a small ariny from. Whangamomona and thereabouts, where "Jack" is deservedly popular. The work out there requires a limn of iron nerve and infinite tact, and the fact that Constable, Scanncll is one of the most popular of constables among his '*constitu<

I ents" speaks well for the manner of his ' rule. The newly-wedded couple have I the hearty wishes of a very wide circle of friends.

BERNARD'S PICTURES TO-NIGHT. To-night's grand change of programme includes the real wild animal drama, "A Triumph of Strength,' in which are some grand studies of the King of the Forest. The lions which escaped from the care of the keeper threatened the lives of an artist and his . child, but the bravery and ingenuity the wife and mother releases them from their terrible predicament, The film is exceptionally interesting and entertaining. Madame Bernard has the sole rights for Stratford of the "Pathe," "Topisal." and "Gauniont" Gazettes, and the Wteit of these will be screened during to-night's and to-morrow night's performances. There are two splendid seenics, too, on this programme, and there is a big star comic entitled "Fatty at San Diego," the theme of which is irresistibly funny. The management draws attention to the splendid operatic music supplied by a professional orchestra.

AUCKLAND BOWLERS' VISIT At a meeting of the Committee of the Stratford Bowling Club on Monday night, arrangements were drawn up in connection with the entertainment of the visiting bowlers from Auckland, the president and secretary being appointed a. reception committee. The visitors will be entertained at lunch on Thursday. to which all local players are requested to attend. While the visitors are on the green during the morning and afternoon, local members are expected to do all in their power to make the visitors' stay as enjoyable as possible, and they are reminded that a plate should be brought along for afternoon tea. Lady friends of members of the club are cordially invited to be present on the green during the day. SCHOOL SPORTS

The school sports, postponed on account of the wet weather just before the Christmas holidays, will eventuate to-morrow afternoon. Some of the preliminary events were run oft' yesterday. Six boys are to compete in each final event. The results of yesterday's events are as follows:—100yds race (boys under lOyrsl. —lst heat, C. Lawn 1, C. Copestake 2, 2nd heat, R. Baskin 1, W. Sharrock 2; 3rd heat, E. Black 1, W. Kelleher 2. 100 yds (boys over lOyrs).—lst heat..- ,T. Morton 1, L. King 2, C. Campbell 3; •2nd heat, R. C'outts 1, R. Fryday 2, A. Kive'l 3. 220 yds (boys under 10) —Ist heat C. Lawn 1, C. Copestake 2, L. Bishop 3; 2nd heat. W. Wolfe 1, R. Baskin 2, H. Taylor 3.

Your photograph will please them all —some of your friends have been expecting one for a long time—don't be satisfied with one taken j-ears ago. just as you are to-day, in your everyday attire. Having your portrait taken is as pleasant as an informal call on good friends. Make an appointment to-day with Mr. McAlistcr, Stratford. Eight sticks of dark Ilavelock tobacco for Cs; eight sticks of Derby, 6s; eight 2oz tins Ilavelock, 7s fid; eight 2oz tins Derby, 7s Od. These are specimen prices from Stan. Sharp's stock of smokers' requisites. Next Bellringer's, Stratford. There is no questioning the fact that ''The Kash" is the best place in Stratford for men to supply their clothing and mercery wants. Quality and price tell their own unequalled story in favor of the store.