Frank C. Ball, Representing Ball Brothers, Bought Inter-State Automobile Company, Muncie, Indiana

Acquired Automobile Plant.

The Inter-State Automobile Co.'s property, Muncie, Ind., including the factory and equipment, was sold to Frank C. Ball, representing Ball Bros., glass manufactures, and said to represent other Muncie capital, at the sale in bankruptcy held last week in the Delaware superior court before Harry C. Sheridan, referee in bankruptcy, the consideration being $211,000.

There was plenty of opposition in bidding for the property. The sale developed into a public auction after Referee Sheridan refused the sealed bids on the ground that the bids were below the appraised value of the property. Charles A. Finnegan, the capitalist, who recently purchased the E. F. Thomas Automobile Co.'s plant, at Buffalo, N. Y., was the last bidder before the property was sold to Mr. Ball. Finnegan's bid was $211,000.

Frank C. Ball stated that operations at the factory would begin at once, that all the material on hand would be worked into automobiles and all the unfinished machines would be completed and placed on the market. After this has been done there is some question as to what will be done with the factory and equipment. If conditions warrant, the manufacture of automobiles, probably a low-priced car, will be continued, but the plant may be turned to other use. Mr. Ball stated he and his associates had no idea of the ultimate use of the factory, but added it was certain there would be some industry housed in the big structure. Thos. F. Hart, the well known former window glass man, was one of the leading officials in the Inter-State company.

The Inter-State Co. was organized several years ago, with J. M. Maring and Thos. F. Hart as managing directors. From the first, it is understood, there was some friction between the directors and this friction increased until last summer, when Hart filed suit for a receiver in the Delaware circuit court. A later petition filed by others creditors in the Federal court at Indianapolis, placed the concern in bankruptcy.