In the case of Albert James Jefferies, of Portland-road, Rushden, proprietor of the Allen-road steam laundry, who has been adjudged a bankrupt, the public examination took place at Northampton Bankruptcy Court on Monday before Dr. Faulkner.

  The liabilities are £115/10/1, viz., 27 unsecured creditors £105/7/4; and ten creditors for rent, rates, and wages, payable in full, £10/2/9.  The assets are estimated at £68/12/0, less £10/2/9 payable in full, bringing the assets to £58/9/3, and making a deficiency of £46/18/1.  The causes of insolvency are stated by the debtor to be slackness of trade, heavy expenses, pressure by creditors, and keen competition.

  The Official Receiver’s observations were as follows:-

  The bankrupt, who is 31 years of age, took over the Rushden Steam Laundry on his own account in September, 1906.  He had been previously managing the laundry for the liquidator.  He commenced with a free capital of £20.  Before he came to Rushden, he was engaged as foreman at a laundry at Willesden Green, London.  The books of account kept by the bankrupt are ledger, wages, and sundries books.  About three weeks prior to the receiving order, he called his creditors together and offered to pay by instalments of £4 a month until he had paid 20/- in the £.  The creditors present agreed, but subsequently others pressed him, execution was issued, and he was obliged to file his petition.  According to the statement of affairs there are two creditors whose debts exceed £10, and out of the total liabilities, £16/18/6 is for money borrowed, and the balance is for goods purchased and work done.

  The bankrupt states that he became aware of his insolvency in March last, and has incurred debts since then which are now owing, hoping that trade would improve to enable him to pay them.

  Examined by the Official the debtor said he borrowed £20 in 1906 from a money-lender, expecting it would pull him through.

  The Official Receiver: Things were getting queer when you went to the money-lender?

  Debtor: Yes.

  The examination was formally adjourned to the 30^th July.