§ Mr. CHARLES CRAIGasked the Postmaster-General on what grounds William Mitchell, a telegraph mesenger at Antrim, was passed over, and the appointment of auxiliary postman at Muckamore given to a lad who had had no previous Post Office experience; and whether it is a rule of the Post Office that where possible such positions as that of auxiliary postman shall be filled from the ranks of telegraph messengers in preference to outsiders?
§ Mr. SYDNEY BUXTONThe situation referred to is a small part-time duty which carries with it no claim to advancement in the Post Office service, and it was considered advisable to select a suitable local candidate who has other employment rather than W. Mitchell, an ex-messenger at Antrim, who would have been entirely dependent on the wages attached to the post. Preference is not given to telegraph messengers in filling these small posts, as, in their own interests, it is better for them not to take such posts unless they are in a position to supplement their earnings by employment outside the Post Office.