§ MR. CULLINANI beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether his attention has been directed to the dismissal of a postal messenger, named John O'Brien, in Golden sub-district, Cashel district, in the county Tipperary, on a report furnished by the sub-office official without any inquiry; whether he is aware that O'Brien had, a short time before the date of the report, received a good conduct badge and increased pay after twenty years service; whether any part of his duty was neglected on the occasion of the report; and, whether, in compliance with the wishes of the people of the entire district, as expressed in petition, he can see his way to order the reinstatement of O'Brien, or grant an open inquiry into the circumstances of his dismissal.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe case of John O'Brien, late a rural 585 postman between Thomastown and Golden, Cashel, who was dismissed in December last after being for the fourth time reported for intoxication, was the subject of full inquiry and consideration by the Postmaster General before his dismissal was decided upon. It is the fact that in October last his good conduct stripe, of which he had been deprived in l893 (when he was for the third time reported for intoxication), was restored to him. While he was not absolutely incapable of performing his work on the last occasion on which he was under the influence of drink whilst on duty, the Postmaster General is of opinion that, having regard to his previous record, he could not be allowed to remain in the service. It is not desirable to reinstate him, and it is not proposed to reopen the case.