Williamson

Upon the petition of M. N. Williamson, trustee in bankruptcy of the estate of George M. Ikeda, bankrupt, we are asked to revise in matters of law an order of the District Court adjudging the respondent, W. M. Richardson, to be the owner of 216 bales of hops grown by the 'bankrupt upon the “Ride-out Ranch” in Sutter county, Cal., during the year 1909, the same being part of a total crop of 357 bales. Ikeda was adjudged a bankrupt on September 20, 1909, and shortly thereafter, on October 5th, Williamson was elected trustee of the estate, and immediately took possession of the hops. Thereupon Richardson, claiming ownership of the entire crop under the terms of a contract with the bankrupt dated March 3, 1909, and alleging that the trustee’s possession thereof was wrongful, presented to the referee a petition setting forth the facts upon which his claim was based, and prayed for an order directing the trustee to yield possession. Answer was filed, and upon the issues thus joined a hearing was had, resulting in a finding by the referee against the claimant, whereupon, in the manner provided by law, he brought the matter before the District Judge, who awarded to him 216 bales, and to…