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R. Pullen [Waterhouse & Co., Solicitors for Constable & Co.]
[Correspondence following Constable & Co.'s defence against the libel suit and appeal brought by Aleister Crowley against Nina Hamnett and the publication of her book Laughing Torso.]
Waterhouse & Co. Solicitors 10 & 12 Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2.
14th February 1935
EDWARD ALEXANDER CROWLEY (In Bankruptcy)
R. Pullen's notes on first meeting of Creditors.
Mr. G. F. A. Rutherford, an Accountant, is preparing Statement of Affairs.
Several of the Creditors attended, wither personally or were represented, but only a very few proofs had been lodged, most of which were for small sums. The only one of substance being that of Mrs. Brooke-Smith which was for £800 odd.
The Debtor was not present but Mr. Rutherford handed in a medical certificate which was accepted by the Official Receiver.
It was stated that the Debtor expected to be about again in about a week's time.
Mr. Rutherford had drafted a Statement of Affairs but it was very incomplete, because many of the Creditors have failed to answer his letters. The Official Receiver pointed out, however, that the statement must be completed and filed within a few days.
The liabilities known up to the present amount to just over £5000.
The assets consist merely of a few books and manuscripts of the Debtor which, however, are said to be unsaleable at the present time.
Mr. Rutherford explained that the only asset which, so far as he knew appeared to be substantial, was a large amount payable by Mr. Yorke [Gerald Yorke] who had gone abroad taking with him many manuscripts and other property belonging to the Debtor. The Debtor had commenced an action against him which is still pending.
A representative from Messrs Withers & Co. thereupon explained to the Official Receiver that they represented Mr. Yorke in the proceedings taken against him by the Debtor, and they had advised him that he had a perfectly good defence to the action. They stated also that the action had been lying dormant for the last 3 years.
Mr. Rutherford also stated that there were still two or three actions for libel pending by the Debtor, as Plaintiff, but that there was not much prospect of these proceeding.
The Official Receiver then suggested that the meeting could be adjourned for a week or so, but as no one seemed inclined to accept this suggestion, the Official Receiver stated that a Summary Order would be made and that the Public Examination would go on and that the Debtor would be adjudicated, and that the Official Receiver would be appointed Trustee.
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