Windfalls From New Zealand.

Otago Witness, Issue 1951, 11 April 1889, Page 11

Windfalls From New Zealand.

Editob Witness,— Sir : Permit me to draw the attention of your readers to a fact certainly not widely known — namely, that " lists of persons deceased in New Zealand, of whoso estates letters of administration have been granted to the public trustee," are open for inspection at the office of the Agent-general in London. These valuable lists are not for general circulation* and are only to be seen npjpn personal application. Many of the names are those of persons formerly resident in the United Kingdom, and consequently it Is more than likely that their kindred axe not only unaware of the deaths of their relatives, but also of the fact that a " windfall " awaits them. To shpw the very valuable nature of these lists^ it is only necessary to quote the following items from those issued during 1888 : — B. Rawllnga ... £8000 JohnHolloran ...£ISOO John Walker ... 2500 Edmond Cording... 1200 Matilda Bash ... 250 J. Jorgensen ... 500 B. A. Bailey ... 500 Alexander Fraser... 350 k H.F. Cullity ... 200 Johnßalmer ... 300 John Jones ... 860 George Head ... 509 TJ.B.M'Kae ... 255 William Gamby ... 1400 George O'Connell... SJSO George Hancock ... 300 David Gemmell ... 210 JohnDoran ... 510 C. E. Smith ... 1500 Elizabeth Jerram... 400 O&arles Chatlis ... 400 A. Cotton ... 400 W. J. Cqssar ... GOO Joseph Williamson 3GO Henry Fordhsm ... 400 S. B. Watßon ... 720 James Millet' ... 700 Newspaper pufriieity concerning unclaimed moneys has in very many instances proved so exceedingly valuable that it would seem very desirable that these lists should be published, not only in New Zealand, but also in English newspapers. A precedent for such publicity has recently been made by the Cape Government in relation to persons dying iatestate at the Cape of Good Hope leaving money for their "unknown heirs." The interest of these unclaimed colonial funds would easily defray the cost of advertising, and would keep us in touch with our "kin beyond sea/—l am, &c, SidnetH. Pbeston (Owner of the copyright of " Unclaimed Money "), 1 Great College street, Westminster, London, 5.W.,23rd February 188&