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A new book deal is being touted as the lifeline for author Alan Duff, who has a month to satisfy creditors owed more than $200,000 or face bankruptcy.
The hope was raised in the High Court in Napier on Thursday, as counsel for the writer successfully sought an adjournment of proceedings taken by Mutual Finance Group, which is owed $36,156.08.
The Auckland company had obtained judgment for the sum in the Hastings District Court on January 18 and is seeking to have Duff made bankrupt if it is not paid.
Associate Judge David Gendall - who a little earlier struck out a similar application on behalf of Lloyd Duckworth Ltd after being told its debt had been settled - adjourned the matter until August 20.
But he said it was a final adjournment and a proposal by the debtor satisfying Mutual and other creditors would have to be agreed to by that time.
Duff was not present at the "first call" of the application, for which his lawyer, Gerald McKay, sought an adjournment based on the prospects of settling that debt and others.
Mr McKay said there were not a lot of current assets and the combined "outside contingent debt" was $200,000 to $300,000.
He said Duff was overseas with a publisher making arrangements relating to the new book.
As an author, his income was inconsistent, Mr McKay said, but based on Duff's standing and success of previous books, there was expected to be an ability to pay, with significant income expected in the next 12 months.
The request for any deferment to be the final adjournment was made on behalf of Mutual by Napier lawyer Emily Fackney. Associate Judge Gendall said that if Duff was unable to make arrangements satisfying Mutual Finance and other debtors by August 20 "then an order will likely be made".
- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY
