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Thames Star, Volume X, Issue 3379, 21 October 1879, Page 2

Amokgst the multitude of Bills introduced already this session, is oue chaperoned by Mr Hutchinson, one of the members for Wellington City, and intituled " An Act for the Total Abolition of Imprisonment for Debt." This important measure, which contains but four clauses, provides th,at the Act will come into force on the beginning of next Tear, from which date " The Imprisonment lor Debt Abolition Act, 1874," and " The Imprisonment for Debt Abolition Act Amendment Act, 1875," will be repealed. The measure absolutely abolishes imprisoment for debt, but the fourth clause provides as follows: " The following shall be deemed indictable offences pnniahable by fine or by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for any term not exceeding twelve months:—(l.) Any person who, with intent to defraud, shall by any device or promise induce credit to be given. (2.) Any person who, by any false representation or ky any concealment of property which might be taken in execution, shall have prevented or delayed the execution of any distress warrant or writ of fieri facias issued by any Court of competent jurisdiction upon a judgment available against such person. (3) Any person who shall hare made default in payment of any sum or sums of money received in a fiduciary or professional capacity, and which shall hare beea ordered to be paid by a Court of competent jurisdiction.