Goess, the appellee, is the receiver of a national bank, and against him Willcox, the trustee in bankruptcy, has brought a number of suits, still pending; he is also a creditor of the estate. As such, he obtained from the referee an order to examine one Hughes, on whose information Willcox relied, at least in part, in preparing his suits, and who, it is to be assumed, has told Willcox all that he knows, or at least all that Willcox wishes to learn. Goess’ only possible purpose in asking for the examination is therefore to prepare his defense to the suits. Willcox moved before the referee to vacate the order and lost; he appealed to the judge and lost again; and now by leave he appeals to this court.
While an examination under section 21 (a), Bankr. Act (11 USCA § 44 (a), lies within the discretion of the referee, that may be reviewed in a proper case, We do not say that a creditor may never be able to examine a witness at his own expense, even though there be a receiver or a trustee; but at least he should ask that officer to examine and, if he refuses, show to the court that the refusal was unwarranted. In re Andrews (D. C.)
Order reversed; order for examination vacated.