The Assistant Secretary to the Treasury has forwarded the following letter from the General Manager of the National Mutual Life Association for advice:

On 1st February 1892 Mr A.B.C. effected a policy for £150 with the Mutual Assurance Society of Victoria which Society became amalgamated with this Association as at 31st December 1896.

Mr C. is now dead and the widow is claiming the proceeds of the policy.

I am advised by our West Australia Branch, on whose books the policy stands, that both Mr C. and his wife were born in Germany, that they were married in South Australia and that after marriage he took out letters of naturalization but she did not.

Will you please let me know if there is anything in the Regulations adopted by the Government regarding enemy subjects, that would prevent us paying the amount due under the policy to the widow.

There is no regulation or law of the Commonwealth which would prevent the payment of the sum in question.

[Vol. 14, p. 429]