§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Longford, N.)To ask the Chief Secretary to the Lord-Lieutenant of Ireland whether he is aware that, at a recent quarter sessions in Longford, complaint was made that Mr. Alexander W. Percival, a receiver under the Land Judges' Court, had compelled a widow named Mary Heally, living on the Wetherell Estate in Ballincurry, county Longford, to pay two years rent, although he had only receipted her for one year's rent; and whether he will bring these facts to the notice of the Judge, with a view to his removal from the post of receiver in that Court.
(Answered by Mr. Wyndham.) An ejectment for non-payment of rent was brought against this tenant at the Longford Quarter Sessions, in April, 1903. The amount claimed to be due was found on examination to be correct, but it appears that the agent, Mr. Percival, had been in the habit for several years previously of giving a receipt for a half-year's rent in advance of that actually paid. The tenant was thus under the impression that she owed a half-year's rent less than the amount actually due. With his consent a half-year's rent was subsequently struck off and credit was allowed to the tenant for this amount in the decree which was subsequently obtained against her. There is nothing in 723 Mr. Percival's action calling for notice, as suggested.