Senator ST LEDGER (QUEENSLAND) - On the 24th October I asked the Minister representing the Postmaster-General, the following questions, upon notice -

1.   Has the attention of the Minister been called to a leading article in the Townsville Bulletin of12th Octoberlast, which says - " Yesterday morning several thousands of words were handed in at the Bulletin office at 9 o'clock, which should have - been received before 2.30 a.m., and this means a day later publication. This has been going on for months"?

2.   Is this a fact as to the11th of October and the preceding period stated? If so, to what extent have delays taken place, and why?

3.   Is it a fact that the post and telegraph offices at Donaldson and Wyandotte have been closed? If so, why?

4.   Is it a fact that the Minister intends to close the Tate office?

5.   Is the Minister satisfied that the Northern telegraphic lines from the Southern States and South Queensland are sufficiently numerous and efficient to carry on the business of telegraphic communication in North Queensland with reasonable rapidity, and without the expense of urgency payments ?

I desire to know if he . has yet been supplied with the information?