§ MR. STEADMANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster-General, whether it is in accordance with the rules of the Department for a rural postman to act as assistant to a sub-postmaster situated at the outward end of his journey, especially if the assistance can be rendered without interference with the postman's duty and during the period of waiting before commencing his return journey.
§ MR. HANBURYThe rules of the Department do not forbid a rural postman to render assistance to a sub-postmaster in his private business so long as it does not interfere with the proper performance of his own duty. It is not, however, desirable that any part of the official duty assigned to a sub-postmaster should be performed by a rural postman as the foreman has to keep an exact check over everything done.
§ MR. STEADMANMay I ask if a sub-postmaster can compel a rural postman to assist him in his private business without payment.
§ MR. HANBURYI should certainly say not.