MR. JUSTIN HUNTLY M'CARTHYasked the Secretary of State for War, Whether, for the last four and a-half years, Quartermaster Bruce Longhurst, Ordnance Store Department, has been in charge of the Athlone Sub-District, a sub-district that embraces about a fourth of all Ireland; that he has been reported upon to the War Office as having carried out his duties with zeal and ability; that 18 months ago he was promised by the Surveyor General, War Office, a change of station out of Ireland; and that he has lately been removed from Athlone to Haulbowline, Cork Harbour, for having reminded the War Office of the promise made to him; whether it is the fact that Quartermaster Longhurst has not been allowed to see the letter ordering his removal to Haulbowline, and that the only document he has received bearing upon his removal is an undated memorandum from Dublin Castle; and, whether such treatment of a deserving officer is in accordance with the usages of Her Majesty's Service?
§ MR. BRANDIt is the case that Quartermaster Bruce Longhurst has been in charge of the Athlone Sub-District for about four and a-half years, that he has been favourably reported upon, and that a promise of removal was made to him by the War Office; but the exigencies of the Service have prevented the War Office from carrying into effect this promise. He has recently been removed to Haulbowline; but this removal has been made for reasons connected with the efficient working of the Department. The removal has been carried out in accordance with the usages of the Service; and if the officer considers himself aggrieved, he can seek redress under Clause 42 of 1572 the Army Act of 1881, which gives him the right to put forward a complaint to the Commander-in-Chief, who, to use the terms of the Act, is required
To examine into such complaint, and, through a Secretary of State, make his report to Her Majesty in order to receive the directions of Her Majesty thereon.