be sifted. It as somewhat singular that the bankers wished to choose their own assignees and their own solicitor; there must be a reason for it. He moved that this meeting adopt the committee's report and nomination of Messrs. Baker, Langham and Oliver to be assignees of the Bankrupt's estate and effects, and recommended to the creditors at large for election. Mr. Ranger of Eversfield place, seconded the resolution, which was carried unanimously.
Quick Work. The unusual celerity with which the proceedings were carried on all round was remarkable. Within a few days Mr. Young had obtained proxies for votings, which represented upwards of £80,000, which was more than sufficient to carry the choice against the committee's recommendation. The original proposition was, however modified by an additional assignee and an additional solicitor, and by Thursday the 23rd of June, at the Court of Bankruptcy, the creditors by their proxies elected as assignees Mr. Jesse Piper, of Hawkhurst, Mr. Robert Deudney, of St. Leonards, and Mr. Frederick Ticehurst, of Hastings. Also as solicitors, Mr. W. B. Young, of Hastings, and Mr. Edward Martin, of Battle. The Bankrupts were allowed £3 a week each, and were complimented by the Commissioners for the assistance they had rendered. Mr. Lawrence stated the accounts showed a dividend of over thirteen shillings in the pound. Thus the preliminary proceedings, though looking a little suspicious at first, were evidently in good hands.
Richard Smith's Bankruptcy. When the bank closed its doors, Mr. Richard Smith owed the firm £17,000, and was one of the debtors whose insolvency led to the stoppage of the Bank. He was a farmer and butcher at Salehurst and Sedlescomb, and on the 10th of July an adjourned meeting was held for the choice of assignee under Mr. Smith's extensive failure. A proof was then tendered for a claim of £3,000 and interest, money lent by Edward Yates, of London. The bankrupt said the money was borrowed in 1850 to carry on a trust of his late brother Henry, of which his brother Tilden and himself were trustees. He did not receive the money himself, but he supposed Tilden did, although he did not know. He was satisfied his brother Henry did not have it. Tilden did all the business of the trust, keeping the accounts and paying and receiving everything. He got the money to pay the interest out of the estate. The trust was wound up about four years ago, and he thought the promisory note should have been paid off. Further debts to about £6,000 were then tendered, including, including(sic) as creditors Mr. Jeremiah Smith, of Springfield Lodge, Rye, Miss Harriet Russell, of Brixton (lent cash £1,000) and Miss Charlotte Russell of Clapham (lent money £1,000). The creditors nominated Mr. George Clement, of Hastings, to act on -
