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Wednesday, 23 November 1910

Mr FULLER (ILLAWARRA, NEW SOUTH WALES) - Yesterday, I received a letter from the Department of the PostmasterGeneral pointing out that, after inspection, his officers recommended that the postal requirements of Thirroul would be met by the erection of two post-boxes at the expense of the public there. Is it the policy of the Department to grant only such postal facilities as the people are prepared to pay for ?

Mr THOMAS - I shall be glad if the honorable member will see me about the matter, or give notice of his question.

Mr Fuller - I shall send back the letter to the Minister.

Mr THOMAS - On the 27th October, the honorable member for Lang asked whether the late postmaster at Peak Hil! had complained of overwork and applied for, and been refused, assistance. He also asked whether there is a considerable overworking in various ranks of the service at the General Post Office, Sydney. To these questions, the Deputy Postmaster-General, Sydney, has furnished the following replies : - '

1.   There is no instance where a postmaster in New South Wales has complained of overwork and applied for, and been refused, assistance. 2.. There is a considerable amount of overtime being worked in the General Post Office in the Accounts and Telephone Branches owing to the want of space to allow additional officers to be employed, and the inconvenience caused by the alterations to the building now in progress. Every possible inquiry is being made by an officer, specially deputed for the purpose, with a view to securing additional accommodation in order that temporary assistance may be engaged, and so relieve the strain on the permanent officers required to work overtime. Extreme difficulty has been experienced in obtaining oilers of accommodation of any description.

Mr HEDGES asked the PostmasterGeneral, upon notice -

Mr THOMAS -The question of establishing a wireless telegraphy station at the Federal Capital will be shortly considered.

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