ARREST OF A DEBTOR.

Taranaki Daily News, 4 August 1920, Page 5

ARREST OF A DEBTOR.

SOUTH" TAHANAKI CASE. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—CopyrieM. Auckland, August 3. Before Mr. Justice Salmond, application was made by Thomas Irwin, calling upon the Farmers' Co-operative Organisation Society,. Hawera, to show cause ■why he should not be discharged from custody. Irwin had been in gaol since last TTriday, when he was arrested on a warrant, telegraphed from Hawera, alleging that he was an absconding debtor and intended to leave New Zealand. His counsel said that Irwin had no intention of leaving the Dominion, and had not even applied for a permit. Mr. A. H. Johnstone said that the debtor owed ,the society .£9lO. He Bold a farm near Patea and received £2OO and then disappeared. There was an impression, based on something Ms wife had saiid, that they were going to America. The debtor left certain stock on the farm and this was sold, but there was still £342 owing to the society. iTWin gave evidence that last November he purchased a farm of 220 acres for £9900, paying no cash. He sold it in July at a profit of £llOO. After paying all debts he liad £l6O. In the meantime he had .bought cattle for £990 and did not pay for them. Before leaving Hawera he gave instructions to the auctioneer of the Farmers' Co-operative Society to sell them. As the market dropped, the cattle realised £342 less than the purchase price. Mr. fustice Salmond made an order for discharge from custody on condition that debtor reports daily to the police. He thought the creditor was quite justified in having a warrant issued, as the man went away without leaving an address.