§ MR. J. P. FARRELLTo ask the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the case of the late Private James M'Gowan or M'Gavan or Murray, who died in Rhodesia, and whose mother is now living in poverty in Longford; whether he is aware that it is believed by deceased's friends that a considerable sum of money, his property, was not accounted for; whether any arrears of pay was due to him in respect of his military service; and, if so, will inquiry be made with a view to its payment to his mother immediately.
(Answered by Mr. Churchill.) I have looked into the case. As the hon. Member was informed by letter, dated the 16th October 1903, and 7th June 1904, James Murray's estate was wound up and the balance (£39) forwarded to his heirs, and the Master of the High Court has not been able to find any trace of a sum of £25 0s. 10½d., said to have been in the possession of the deceased at the time of his death; but has offered to 66 render any assistance he can in endeavouring to trace the amount if the relatives will inform him on what ground the inquiry is based. Mrs. Murray was informed in this sense on the 8th of November 1904, and as she has not given any reply it is not possible to take any further steps in the matter. Mrs. Murray was also informed that, as her son deserted from the Rifle Brigade and did not rejoin within three years, any balance due to him from Army funds was forfeited.