§ 10. Mr. JOYNSON - HICKSasked whether, although Mr. Karl Hestermann Merz, the new Director of Experiments on the Board of Invention and Research, was born in England, he is of pure German extraction; and whether in these times it would have been possible to find an Englishman to occupy this post?
§ Dr. MACNAMARAThe name of the Director of Experiments and Research is Mr. Charles Hesterman Merz, and not as stated. Mr. Merz and both his parents are natural-born British subjects, born in England. His father's father was born in South Germany, and settled in England about 1830. His mother's parents were natural-born British subjects. His selection for this important post at the Admiralty, for which he is pre-eminently suitable and qualified, has met with general approval, and the Board of Admiralty considers itself extremely fortunate to have secured his services, at very considerable personal sacrifice.