The numbers of temporary assistants employed at the Belfast Post Office during the period of Christmas pressure in 1938 and 1939 were 966 and 1,053, respectively, of whom 90 per cent. and 62 per cent., respectively, were ex-service men. On both occasions all suitable ex-service men, whose names were put forward by the Employment Exchange, were engaged. There were, of course, fewer ex-service men available last Christmas owing to the splendid contribution made to the fighting Forces by Northern Ireland.