§ Mr. SEAVERNSasked the Postmaster-General whether he has issued instructions that telegraph messengers are to be instructed in telegraphy in order to render assistance during seasonal pressure; whether he is aware that a Departmental Committee, in its Report on dual training, stated that it took five years to make a competent telegraphist; and whether these messengers will receive any promise of permanent established service, or whether their future career will depend entirely upon their prospect of becoming unestablished assistants'?
§ Mr. BUXTONI have authorised the trial of a scheme for the training of a limited number of boy messengers, who will, when qualified, be employed either temporarily as season assistants or permanently as full-time assistants at salaried sub-offices. Employment in the latter capacity carries with it, after five years' service, eligibility for nomination to an established appointment as sorting clerk and telegraphist. I am glad to say that, while it takes about three years to make an expert telegraphist, many learners qualify to take charge of a telegraph circuit after less than a year's training.