Mr. CATHCART WASONasked the Postmaster-General if he will inquire for what reason the steamer "Orcadia" passed the Eday pier, Orkney, on a recent occasion, although the sea was comparatively smooth, the tide up, and the postmaster waiting on the pier with the mail-bag in his hands?
§ Mr. HERBERT SAMUELOn the occasion to which the hon. Member refers, I am assured that the weather was squally, with snow showers, and the Captain of the "Orcadia," who had to decide in his discretion whether the call at the pier should be made, considered that it would not be safe. I may add that the Sub-Postmaster endeavoured to have the mails put on board the steamer by a boat, but the local boatmen would not undertake the work on account of the weather.