§ 57 and 58. Mr. BLAIRasked the President of the Board of Agriculture (1) whether Mr. Alfred Gavin M'Clelland, whose profession is that of deep-well driller, of 2, Claremont Terrace, South Shields, has been appointed to the post of assistant-inspector of animals; and, if so, seeing that his age is thirty-five years, whether an Order in Council was obtained prior to his appointment; and (2) if any Report has been received from Mr. Alfred Gavin M'Clelland's superior officer as to his fitness for the position of assistant-inspector of animals; if so, whether that Report was favourable to his appointment; and, if so, if the Report may be laid upon the Table of the House?
§ The PRESIDENT of the BOARD of AGRICULTURE (Mr. Runciman)For six years Mr. M'Clelland was engaged in practical farming, particularly in the rearing and management of cattle, horses, and sheep. He was a pupil at Guelph Agricultural College. During the time he was deep-well drilling he found time and opportunity for enlarging his experience of livestock. No special authority or Order in Council was needed for his appointment as an assistant-inspector under the Diseases of Animals Acts. He was appointed as from 2nd April last, and is on probation for two years in accordance with the usual custom. No Report upon him has yet been received by the Board from his superior officer.