§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSY (Limerick, W.)I beg to ask the Secretary to the Treasury, as representing the Postmaster General, whether he is aware that owing to the change in the mail service on the Limerick and Kerry line since the 1st instant, the English mails and the Dublin daily papers, formerly due to arrive at Rathkeale at 11.4 o'clock, a.m., do not now arrive till 2.47 o'clock, p.m.; whether he is aware that the towns of Newcastle West, Abbeyfeale, and Listowel on this line of route are placed at a similar disadvantage, and that it is impossible to reply to letters arrived by the day mail on the 713 same afternoon, the despatch day mail leaving at 2.30 o'clock, p.m.; and whether, considering the disadvantages which these towns now suffer, be will enter into negotiations with the Great Southern and Western Railway Company with a view to a settlement of the matter in dispute between them.
§ MR. AUSTEN CHAMBERLAINThe effect of the recent alterations in the arrangements for serving towns on the Limerick and Kerry line is correctly described by the hon. Member. The actual times of arrival and despatch of the mails are shewn in the Statement which was sent to him about a month ago. The Post-master General would have been glad if he could have prevented the inconvenience to which attention is called; but the reply given by the railway company to his last offer for the maintenance of the former day mail service was such as to give him no hope that they would now accept any terms which he would be justified in agreeing to. It may, however, be taken that the offer to the company in regard to the day mail train is still open.
§ MR. O'SHAUGHNESSYWhat was the offer?
§ MR. AUSTIN CHAMBERLAINI must ask for notice of that.
§ MR. FLYNNIs the hon. Gentleman aware that the Limerick County Court Judge had to travel by coach the other day because of this alteration?
§ MR. SPEAKEROrder, order!