Sheffield Evening Telegraph – Tuesday 05 April 1910
Conisbro’ Fruiterer’s Affairs
A meeting of the creditors of George Sowerby Holtby, lately a fruiterer and fish dealer at Old Hill and Church, Street, Conisbro’ was called for this morning at the office of the Official Receiver Sheffield.
The statement of affairs shows unsecured liabilities amounting to £116 2s. 5d., and £1 12s. owing for rates, and the estimated value of the assets is £27 10s. 8d.
Debtor commenced business in June 1904. In January. 1908, he was joined by his brother William, who put £125 into the business. That, said the Official Receiver, lasted 12 months, and then the brother withdrew without any payment, leaving the business to the debtor, who undertook to discharge the liabilities. He sold the business on February 23rd last for £13, and afterwards sold his furniture for £10, in order to file his petition.
He attributes his failure to the illness of his wife from November, 1908 to May 1909, to bad trade and shortness of capital.