§ MR. MACALEESEI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, with reference to the vacancy that at present exists in the postmastership of Dundalk, could he state when did this vacancy actually arise, and what was the date of the official circular in which a notice appeared intimating the vacancy, and inviting applications for it; what was the cause of the delay that arose from the date of the vacancy arising and this notice appearing, and also the delay that has since taken place in making the appointment; how many candidates responded to the invitation that appeared in the official circular in reference to this vacancy; and whether the individual upon whom the vacancy is conferred will draw the salary of the office from the date of the retirement of the late postmaster, or only from the date of his actual appointment; if only the latter, then can it be stated what sum, if any, will acrue to the Treasury as a saving in respect of the cost of the administration of this office by reason of the delay in filling the vacancy; and, if generally greater expedition can be used in making appointments to such vacancies when they arise in the future.
§ MR.HANBURYThe vacancy occurred on the 23rd of February. It was 1491 notified in the Post Office Circular of the 28th of March. There was no delay, as the pension of the late postmaster was not awarded till the 3rd of March, and the salary had to be revised. There were fifty-seven candidates who applied for the appointment, and it was necessary, as usual in such cases, for the surveyors to investigate and report upon the claims and qualifications of each of them. An appointment has been made, but the new postmaster cannot draw the salary until he actually takes up the duty. The officer acting as postmaster in the meantime will receive half of his own salary and half of the salary of the postmaster, in accordance with the usual rule in such cases. The balance of these salaries will remain undrawn.