David F. Rice, Bankrupt v. Mack Matthews, Trustee

TUTTLE, Chief Judge:

This is an appeal from the denial by the trial court of a discharge of appellant-in bankruptcy. In order that the seriousness of the matter can be appreciated, it should be noted that provable debts in the bankruptcy amounted to some half million dollars, whereas the referee’s order denying the discharge was based upon a finding that appellant had transferred and concealed property having a value of not to exceed $4300 from his creditors with the purpose of hindering, delaying and defrauding creditors.

The basic facts are not in dispute. Prior to the date of the bankruptcy,…