At the Northampton Bankruptcy Court on Tuesday, before the Deputy Registrar.

Frederick Wooding, grocer, of 34 High-street, Rushden, came up for his public examination.

The statement showed gross liabilities £887/14/0; £873/3/6 estimated to rank for dividend; assets, £269/16/9; deficiency, £603/6/9.

In reply to the Official Receiver, debtor said he commenced business for himself two years ago, the business being purchased at a valuation for £277. He had been employed as grocer’s manager for Messrs. B. Denton and Son, and had experience of both retail and wholesale departments. He had no capital himself to commence with, but his brother found £100 and a sister £50. His brother died in January, 1908, and he had carried on the business. In August, 1908, the excess liabilities over assets was £300, and he only filed his petition in August last. There had been a net loss of £155/14/10 in carrying on the business in the last twelve months.

The Official Receiver said the debtor had been buying right up to the end. He filed his petition of the 10th August, and opened a fresh account with Messrs. Hodgson Bros. within two or three days of that time.

Debtor said the goods were ordered two or three weeks before.

The Official Receiver asked the Registrar to adjourn the case and to order debtor to file a proper cash account for the past year. The cause of bankruptcy was selling goods at less than they cost.

By Mr. James : He did not know at the time that he was selling at less than cost price, but had since ascertained it.

The examination was adjourned.