ANOTHER IRISHMAN'S CLAIM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 285, 1 December 1932, Page 6

ANOTHER IRISHMAN'S CLAIM.

May I venture to supplicate for more of the unlimited patience and generosity invariably granted to the Irish in England? (writes Mr. Cecil Hayes in "The Times"). Mr. de Valera has filled one Irishman, at least, with hope. I refer to his claim of £300,000,000 from England _ for a century's over-taxation. This opens up a bright prospect whereby an Irishman may come into an Englishman's own. Now, I trust that Mr. de Valera, in his broad magnanimity, will not neglect my personal claim, which is simple, accurate, and as undeniable as the above claim. My claim arose thus: The Right Hon. Oliver Cromwell's soldiers burnt the farmhouse of my direct male ancestor in A.D. 1032. Its then value was £1000. Therefore, my claim is for £1000 (with compound interest at 5 per cent for 280 years). This equals £523,648,000. Say, £523,000,000. No witnesses can be called to dispute the "burning," and the accuracy of the total (derived without a logarithms table) can be taken on the word of an old senior scholar (and lecturer) in mathematics in Queen's College, Galway. Frankly, for peace and quietness, I am willing to accept less for cash. If Mr. Thomas fails to suggest a figure, perhaps he will permit me "negotiations" and/or arbitration. I have an arbitrator in mind on whom I can rely for a A - ery substantial award.