declared, but as the original records were lost during the war the Official Receiver experienced great difficulty in tracing the pre-war creditors, who numbered over 120. However, as a result of publicity given in local newspapers fifteen creditors lodged claims totalling $285,796.
106. In another, still older, case it was discovered that a bankrupt was the owner of several pieces of land in the New Territories which were being resumed by Government. The Official Receiver claimed these too, and established his right to receive on behalf of the bankrupt's estate the compensation payable. There were also five other pre-war cases on hand in which sums were available for distribution.
Dividends Paid
107. Twenty two dividends were declared and distributed, eighteen in bankruptcies, and four in windings up.
Public Examinations and Court Work
108. Three Public Examinations were held. Altogether legal officers of the Department appeared in Court and in Chambers on 81 occasions in connexion with bankruptcies and liquidations.
Prosecutions
109. One debtor was prosecuted for absconding, for contributing to his insolvency by gambling, and for failing to keep proper books of account; he was convicted on all counts and sentenced to imprisonment for twelve months. In another case, a debtor prosecuted for absconding was sent to prison for three months.
Cases Concluded
110. Two bankruptcy cases were concluded and the Official Receiver was released from his trusteeship by Orders of the Court.
Previous Cases still Outstanding
111. Fifty one outstanding bankruptcies, including the seven pre-war cases mentioned in paragraphs 105 and 106, were carried over from previous years, but in twenty nine of these a final dividend has already been paid, and only formal closure proceedings are required. There were eighteen compulsory liquidations outstanding from previous years, five of which were merely awaiting formal conclusion. Some of the cases awaiting formal closure have been awaiting closure for several years. It has, however, been necessary to give priority to the more important work on current cases.
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