MR. T. M. HEALYI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury if he will explain why the position of superintendent of the People's Gardens, Phoenix Park, vacated by Mr. Dick, has been given by the President of the Board of Works to a gardener from Scotland, passing over men already in the service of the Board both in the Phoenix Park and St. Stephen's Green; what is the salary and tenure of the office; what are the qualifications required; and what measures were taken to secure the best appointment.
§ * THE PATRONAGE SECRETARY TO THE TREASURY (Sir WILLIAM WALROND,) Devonshire, TivertonMr. R. Anderson has been appointed by me to the office of Bailiff of Phœnix Park, to which this question presumably refers. The salary is £200 rising to £250, with residence, and the post is an established one. The holder of the office must have knowledge of forestry, drainage, garden- 1119 ing, and management of deer, and he is responsible for considerable expenditure. The qualifications of the many applicants were very carefully considered, and the selected candidate, who has for the last fourteen years held an important position on an Irish estate, appeared to be exceptionally well fitted for the post. I may add that I previously communicated with the Board of Works, who concurred in the appointment.
§ * SIR WILLIAM WALRONDIt is.
§ * SIR WILLIAM WALRONDI am.