§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNG (Cavan, E.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, if he can state the qualifications of Mr. Armstrong for appointment as postmaster in Cootehill, county Cavan; whether, although following the occupation of a druggist, he was appointed over the heads of candidates of long experience in the postal service; and seeing that Mr. Armstrong's predecessor was obliged to give up all other occupations, whether Mr. Armstrong has also been required to devote his entire time to official work.
§ MR. HANBURYMr. Armstrong was reported to be fully competent to discharge the duties of sub-postmaster. It was considered necessary to appoint a man in order that efficient control should be maintained over the twelve established and auxiliary postmen attached to the office, and none of the four post office servants who applied for the appointment were suitable, three being women and the fourth an unestablished officer who does not reside at Cootehill. It is not intended to require Mr. Armstrong to relinquish his private business.
§ MR. SAMUEL YOUNGWas not Mr. Armstrong's predecessor a grocer who was required to devote the whole of his time to the work of the office?
§ MR. HANBURYI am told that that is not the case.
§ MR. DALY (Monaghan, S.)Was the last holder of the office a lady?
§ MR. HANBURYYes.