Bedfordshire Archives Service Catalogue
  • Reference
    X479/3/10
  • Title
    Copy of letter from Blake and Riggall to Manager, Union Bank of Australia Ltd, Collins Street, Melbourne:
  • Date free text
    21 Dec 1898
  • Production date
    From: 1898 To: 1898
  • Scope and Content
    Wrote to Squire on 14th but as he was ill saw Mrs Squire - appears to be respectable, dressmaker by trade. Family, husband, wife and 3 children very poor and live on her small earnings. She said Mr Squire was in indifferent health and not capable of managing his own affairs. Saw Squire a few days later, does not appear incapable but mind not strong. Debts owing to David Henry purchased by Messrs Brentnall and Riley, accountants of Little Collins Street, under name of Assets Finance Co. Proprietary Ltd. Company holds 2 assignments from Mr Squire for £250, interest at 30% and claim £850 due to them, including premiums paid for last 6 years on life insurance policy, but they are prepared to accept £600. Mr Squire denies signing charges but Mr Riley showed documents which seem to prove he did. Mr Squire claims that he only owes £218 (account attached) but Mr Riley has an account (attached) for £851..8s..6d. Policy in Widows Fund Society matures at death or on reaching age of 50, as Squire is near 50 this is a valuable asset. Mr Riley eventually said he would accept £500 in settlement. Upon giving each assignment Squire gave a receipt to Henry for full amount, partly for cash advances and balance as bonus for risks taken. Squire refused to sign document giving power of attorney to Reverend Mr Squire as he might wish to dipute claim made by mortgagors and did not wish any amount less than full amount of legacy to be accepted on his behalf. Mr and Mrs Squire brought Mr T Corley, a contractor, to give independent information about them. He confirmed their poverty and said Squire wished to buy a house and enter the retail fruit trade when he got his legacy. He did not think Mr Squire could be persuaded to settle his money on his wife and children. Mr Wright asked how money might best be placed for Mr Squire's benefit without giving him control of a large amount at any one time. Blake and Riggall think a settlement on wife and children best but do not think Squire would agree
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