BANKRUPTCY ACT BREACHES.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2043, 21 November 1907, Page 3

BANKRUPTCY ACT BREACHES.

Press Association. AUCKLAND, Nov. 20

At the Supremo Count Alexander Paterson, charged u'i'Uh breaches of the Bankruptcy Act-, and found guilty on ono count, was broughtup lor sentence. Air Justice Demiiiston said he would treat accused as a main personally liameat, but as a reckless trader. Addressing Paterson, his Honor said: “Your conduct has been reckless in the- ex- , treme. You must- 'bavo known- at the tinne you entered into iiossessi'on of this laago quantity of goods, i'll your lasit year's trading, tllnat you M ere absolutely in the . hands of your creditors, and carrying on- only by their grace. You never at any time took steps to readily know your position. It is impossible, to my mind, to doubt that the reason was that you could n-o-t venture to do so. I believe that your not keeping hooks was simply a very natural desire to shirk realising your position. It seems to me'j-ou preferred to plunge for the last .year with, the result wo have heard!" I must do my duty and sentence - you to -a term of imprisonment. Following precedent I sentence you to six nnonitlhb. In viiew of the fact that you have not been guilty o-f personal fraud I shall not indict hard labor.” Air Reed asked that the prisoner bo treated as a first-class misdemeanant, which indulgence his Honor granted, adding that he wanted to give prisoner every indulgence consistent with lids views regarding tllie issues on. which tilNo jury .failed to agree. ■Mr. To-le announced his intention of applying to thie Attorney-General far a liuilii prosequi.