§ MR. W. ABRAHAM) (Limerick, W.I beg to ask the Postmaster General whether he has made inquiry respecting John Cowhey, sub-postmaster at Bruree, and ascertained that this man has been convicted twice of drunkenness and once of serious assault, and was also dismissed from the employment of the Prudential Assurance Company for irregularity in his accounts; and if John Cowhey will 666 still be retained in charge of the Post and Money Order Office at Bruree?
§ *MR. RAIKESI have now made inquiry into the circumstances to which the hon. Member refers. I find that the convictions alluded to took place some 12 years ago, and, although I was not aware of them when making the appointment, they had been brought to my knowledge before I answered the hon. Member's question on the 5th June. With regard to the alleged dismissal from the employment of the Prudential Assurance Company, I find that there are conflicting statements as to the exact cause which led Mr. Cowhey to relinquish the agency in 1878, and nothing definite can now be ascertained respecting an event which happened so long ago. Since Mr. Cowhey became sub-postmaster the duties of the office have been performed entirely to the satisfaction of the Department, and I should not, therefore, be warranted in depriving him of the appointment which I conferred upon him in December last.
§ MR. W. ABRAHAMThese convictions occurred in 1885, and not 12 years ago; and if the right hon. Gentleman will put himself in communication with the Secretary of the Assurance Company he will find that Cowhey did not resign, but was dismissed. I wish to know whether a man whose character is so notorious is to be retained in the Public Service?
§ *MR. RAIKESThe statement made by the hon. Member is not contained in the information furnished to me.
§ MR. W. ABRAHAMI will furnish the right hon. Gentleman with a copy of the convictions at the Magistrates' Court.