The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-21 00:00:00

NEW OFFICIAL ASSIGNEE.

The Lord Chancellor has appointed Mr. Charles Lee,
of Manchester, at present one of the official assignees of
the court of that district, to the vacancy in Mr. Com-
missioner's Holroyd's court, caused by the retirement,
through indisposition, of Mr. James Foster Groom, who
has filled the office for 22 years, since the first establish-
ment of the court on its present footing,

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT—YESTERDAY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Law.)
IN THE MATTER OF THOMAS BARBER JOHNSON.

This insolvent, an auctioneer, and an assistant to an
auctioneer, applied to he discharged from prison.
Mr. Reed opposed for Mr. Daniel Buckland, attached
to the library of the British Museum, and Mr. Carter'
supported.
The complainant bad been induced to give two ac-
ceptances to a person named Midgley, who resided in
Gunter's-grove, Brompton. These bills Midgley got
discounted by a money lender, and as Midgley was non
cgt imrentus, Mr. Buckland had to pay them. That
gentleman had taken as security a bill of sale on
Midgley's furniture in Gunter's-grove, and when he
waited to enforce it he found the insolvent residing in
the house, and he claimed the property for an advance
made in the name of a person named Perkins. It turned
out that there was another bill of sale held by Messrs.
Chinnock and Galsworthy, and as the insolvent said he
was apprehensive of being turned out, he got about 20
men to keep possession, and they remained nearly a
week. They were described as singing, drinking, and
smoking, when it was intended to enforce Mr. Buck-
land's security. It was supposed that there was suffi-
cient property to pay the claims of Perkins and Thick-
land, and to the surprise of the latter the property was
removed to the rooms of the insolvent's father, an
auctioneer, in Gracechurch-street, and there sold by
auction for about 1491. A notice was served not to
pay over the proceeds, but a cheque was given to
Mr. Perkins, and an action was afterwards brought
against the insolvent, who acted as the auctioneer
on the occasion. He had been an assistant to his
father. The action was pleaded to and tried in August
last. After the trial had proceeded for some time a
verdict for consent for 1001. was given. The costs were
1361. The insolvent was taken in execution in December.
An offer of 501., and subsequently of 701., had been
made and refused, but it was stated that 10s. in the
pound on the debt and costs would probably be ac-
cepted.
The point against the insolvent was, that he had not
acted as he should have done to Mr. Buckland, and
was therefore not entitled to his discharge. The case
occupied the whole day in the elucidation of the facts.
The insolvent's father was examined and stated that
the reason he paid the money over to Mr. Perkins on
the day of the sale was, that he was fearful of an attach.
ment. He knew there were disputes about the pro-
perty, 'and Mr. Perkins being a very old friend he
wished to secure him.

The Chief Commissioner requested further evidence
before he decided on the case. It seemed as if the wit-
nesses had been purposely left at home.
Mr. Caarten assured the court that such was not the
case. It was not known that they would be wanted.
The court adjourned the case to Friday for further
evidence.