A meeting of creditors was held yesterday at HASTINGS in the estate of James MEAD, contractor. Mr B.L. KNIGHT was voted to the chair in the absence of the Official Assignee. The liabilities were £241 12s 1d, and the assets nil. The debtor was examined by Mr LOUGHNAN on behalf of some workmen to whom wages were due, with a view to showing that the bankrupt had made preferential payments in connection with a building contract which had resulted in loss and caused his bankruptcy. The evidence was referred to the Official Assignee. Mr W. DINWIDDIE represented the debtor. WAIPAWA - Mrs SCRIMGEOUR's garden party fixed for today had to be postponed on account of the rain until Wednesday next week.