§ COLONEL R. WILLIAMS (Dorsetshire, W.)I beg to ask the Postmaster-General if his attention has been called to the case of Mr. Best, formerly postmaster of Wareham, who, after faithfully discharging his duties for forty-two years and sinking all his savings in erecting a suitable post-office, is now compulsorily retired without any pension; and whether, in view of his long service and the peculiar circumstances of the case, he can recommend any relaxation of the rules in his favour.
§ MR. SYDNEY BUXTONMr. Best is not an established civil servant. Besides acting as postmaster, he held an outside appointment for many years until 1900, and he also carried on a private business from 1896 until 1896. The Superannuation Acts limit the award of pensions to established officers; 1351 and it is not in my power to obtain exceptional treatment for Mr. Best.