Star.
London, England, 1830-11-08 00:00:00

INSOLVENT DEBTORS' COURT, Nor. 11.

Humphrey FRifi.2llll Ravenserqft, the patent wig-maker, of Sale.
stmt, Lincoln's-inn-fields' was opposed by a creditor named Comps,
and several others in person.
The insolvent underwent a long examination. from which it appeared.
that about 13 years ago he was declared a bankrupt. He had obtained
his certificate, but could not tell what dividend was paid to his ere&
tore. He denied that he had ever pnssed by the name of Oakley, but
admitted, on bing pressed, that he passed some years ago under that of
Reeve, whnn he took a house. He did this to prevent his being ar-
rested. His debts were between 2,0001. and 3,0001. and his assets
amounted to nearly 1,0001. the greater part of which was owing by bar-
risters for the patent wigs. He computed his profits to be about 81. a
week, which was inadequate to the support of his badly. He de-
nied that he had represented himself to Illr.Comyns as a man of pro-
perty, but admitted that he told him he had rented his premises
in Berle-area for forty years, which was the fact; and that the
Bishop of Chester was in his debt, which was likewise true. He made
this representation in 1827, when he took two furnished houses frees
Mr. Cocuyns, at the rate of 11 guineas the week. He rented the houses
nearly two years, and had paid him about 8001. He let the premises
out in lodgings, but denied he told the creditor that he had had a lease
recently granted him of his house in Sale-street for 31 years. His
business was carried on there as usual, although he had been in confine.
meat many months. The lease of the house was deposited in the bonds
of a creditor, and the furniture belonged to a Captain Wilson, who pur•
chased it when the landlord put in a distress, and he allowed it to re.
main for the use of the family. He paid his foreman 1601. a-year, and
his wife nearly half as much, and had been put to great times in ob-
taining and working the patent for the wigs.
Mr. Coo=s. who appeared on behalf of the insolvent, said, the audi-
tors might work the patent if they pleased.
Mr:Blackburn, one of the opposing creditors, stated, that he resided
in Milford, in Suffolk, where he kept an academy. In 1828 be pur-
chased the school, at which three of the insolvent's boys were
and he continued to board and lodge them. The insolvent paid trear re;
quarter, and on an interview told him that he was s man of property,
and doing well. In the course of some time several angry letters were
sent by the insolvent, and at last a circular, to compromise. This he
consented to, but it was never carried into effect.
Mr. Coosa cross-examined Mr. Blackburn, and after asking him if
he was not clergyman, to which he replied in he affirmative, enquired
if one of the Insolvent's children did not die suddenly while at the
school? He said he did, and explained the cause; he mentioned also
that be had written frequently to the insolvent on the subject, but that
his letters were not attended to.

Mr. Commissioner Bowzx said he had explained this part of his
conduct satisfactorily, and the learned gentleman would do well to con.
alder the instructions he had received from his client before he put any
more questions of this nature to Mr. Blackburn.
Mr. Comyna stated that the insolvent owed him 400 L foe the rent of
two furnished houses, and for dilapidation. He stated to him when he
took the premises, that he was a man of :property, and that several I
bishops were indebted to him. His business was a good one, and on
these representations he let him have the houses.
Mr. Comyns put in a letter to corroborate his statement.
After the remainder of the opposition had been goue through, Mr.
Blackburn and the other creditors submitted that the insolvent's descrip.
don was insufficient, inasmuch as be was not described by the name of
Reeve, in which name he took a house. The insolvent, it appeared, I
had Heed extravagantly, and at the time he was representing himself as
a man of property, it was evident from his schedule that he had been in
difficulties, and living in retirement through fear of arrest. They con.
tended that the insolvent, for his conduct, ought to be remanded. His
business was still carried on by his son, and he was reaping the profits.
Mr. Coosa addressed the Court at some length, and contended that
the insolvent's description was perfect, inasmuch as he had not con.
Meted any debt under the assumed name of Reeve. The opposition he
considered too vague to warrant the remand of the insolvent, and the
representations were not sufficiently strong to come within any of the
penal clauses of the Act of Parliament.
Mr. Commissioner Bowxy said he conceived the insolvent must
describe himself by the name of Reeve, fee, :notwithstanding he swore
Ihe bad contracted no debts in that name, yet the advertisement was to
let the public know that such a person sought to be discharged in ease
any debts might be owing. He did not think the ass of Mr. Black.
burn had been sufficiently established, although be bed just cause for
complaint.
The insolvent's ease was then adjourned, that be might ro.advertise.
land after the required notice has been given in the Landes Cairene, he
will be brought up to receive the judgment of the Court.
emegnon