¶1 The Court is of opinion in this case that it is unnecessary to consider the question of excusable neglect for which his Honor declined to set aside the judgment in the court below. Not only must the defendant show excusable neglect as defined by many decisions of this Court, but he must also show that he has meritorious defense. Norton v. McLaurin, 125 N. C., 189; Turner v. Machine Co., 133 N. C., 384.
¶2 Upon consideration of this feature of the case, we are of the opinion that defendant’s petition and affidavits show no defense to the action which could avail him in law. Pharr v. Russell, 42 N. C., 222.
¶3 Affirmed.