§ MR. J. P. FARRELL (Cavan, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he can state on what grounds was Joseph Dingnan, a soldier from Armagh, appointed rural letter carrier between Shercock and Northlands, county Cavan, when the application of Peter Coyle, who was a native of the place and recommended by all the influential residents, was rejected; is it customary to appoint rural postmen without the approval of the district or sub-postmaster; had Dingnan such approval; and on what grounds was Coyle's application refused?
§ MR. HANBURYIt is the rule of the Service that for all postmen's places soldiers should be selected when there is no eligible telegraph messenger or other person already employed with claim to the place. Under this rule it is not possible to consult the wishes of the district or of the sub-postmaster, and in the case to which the hon. Member refers the soldier would be properly selected.