A Defendant and His Creditors D. Goldman appeared before his Honour Judge Grain last Friday on a judgment summons taken out by the Shanghai Gas Mr. A. E. Seddon, for plaintiffs, said judgment was given in July last for $290.42 and $65.75 costs, and the amount now due was $357.42.
Defendant, who had paid nothing to date and asked for further time, was questioned at length by Mr. Seddon. He stated that he was already paying out $50 a month in other claims against him. He was employed by the China Realty Ca. at 'a salary of Tls, 200 a month. He had no property. He lived in a house which his wife had acquired, from witness's brother before the judgment. The brother bought the furniture, by arrangement with his wife. Witness had money owing to him by other people, but was unable to collect owing to their not being within this court's jurisdiction. Witness was only able to offer $10 a month. He had been in finan-cla) difficulties for six or seven years, Mr. Seddon told his Honour that the Gas Company brought this action on principle and not so much because of the amount. They did want small debtors to see that they could not flout the company.
Defendant further stated that on the previous day he approached the Chairman of the Gas Company and_ offered. to pay $150 down, and the balance of the debt as convention, but the offer was not accepted.
His Honour—I cannot understand why the offer was refused. It does appear that Mr. Goldman is doing his best to pay up.
Mr. Seddon—To other creditors, yes, but not the Gas Company.
His Honour—Perhaps your turn has not yet come.
Defendant said he could only afford to pay $60 a month in the discharge of debts, and was already paying $50.
His Honour—I will make an order for the payment of $30 a month. If other creditors bring pressure to bear on you in consequence, you must tell them will be wasting their time if bring you to court again.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.