§ MR. CONWAY (Leitrim, N.)asked the Postmaster General, Whether he has fully considered the Memorial recently sent to him, and signed by the principal inhabitants of Kinlough, County Leitrim, in favour of the retention of Miss Annie M'Gowan as postmistress of Kinlough; whether he is aware Miss M'Gowan has had. the management of the post office for the last two years, and given every satisfaction to the inhabitants; and, whether one George Whitten, who has had no experience of post office routine, is to supersede her; and, if so, why?
§ THE POSTMASTER GENERAL (Mr. RAIKES) (Cambridge University)I have fully considered the Memorial to which the hon. Member refers; but I regret to say that Miss M'Gowan is not qualified for the appointment of Sub-Postmistress, as she is not a householder, and the office in which she is assistant is inconveniently small. I have, therefore, appointed Mr. Whitten, who is qualified in this respect, and who is also considered the best qualified in other respects for the satisfactory performance of the duties of the office.
§ MR. CONWAYI wish to ask the right hen. Gentleman, whether he is aware that the mother of Miss M'Gowan is the occupier of the house where the post office is now held; and, whether she is not willing to hand over the house to the daughter, and give her every facility for carrying out the duties of the office?
§ MR. RAIKESsaid, he was aware that the mother of the girl was the occupant of the premises, and he understood she was willing to hand them over to her daughter; but, as he had already explained, the premises themselves were insufficient for the accommodation of the public.
§ MR. CONWAYintimated that he should call attention to this matter on the Post Office Vote.