§ MR. STEADMANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, for what reason G. S. Johnston, an unappointed postman of Edinburgh, was directed by Inspector Ross to look out for another situation, after being asked why he had signed the petition to the Postmaster-General requesting official recognition of the federation; and is he aware that a 1481 practice prevails at Edinburgh, especially on the part of this inspector, of questioning unappointed men as to their reasons for signing petitions.
§ MR. HANBURYJohnston was unable to pass the medical examination for appointment to the establishment in 1898, and he was informed that he would be allowed to remain on duty for a month to give him an opportunity to look for other employment. Afterwards, at Johnston's earnest request, this temporary employment was continued till the 24th of April last. The inspector says that he is not in the habit of questioning unappointed men as to their reasons for signing petitions, and in Johnston's case he merely told the young man that he did not think he should sign the petition in question as he was not on the establishment.