§ MR. STEADMANTo ask the Postmaster-General what are the grounds upon which the overseer, Mr. F. Gates, of the South-Western District Office has been reduced to the sorter's ranks; whether he is aware that this officer has over thirty-three years service, during eighteen of which he has been an overseer; will he say whether Mr. Gates has been called upon to explain any unsatisfactory conduct during his service as a supervisor; and will he inquire into the whole circumstances of this officer's career, with a view to his reinstatement as an overseer.
(Answered by Mr. Sydney Buxton.) I have twice given careful consideration to the case of Mr. Gates and inquired into all the circumstances of his career, and I regret that I do not see my way to reinstate him.