Page:The Post Office of Fifty Years Ago.djvu/98

30 Letter Carriers even more than that of the Clerks. There would not only be no stopping to collect the postage, but probably it would soon be unnecessary even to await the opening of the door, as every house might be provided with a box into which the Letter Carrier would drop the letters, and, having knocked, he would pass on as fast as he could walk. By this means a man would go through a district of moderate extent in half an hour, and deliver within it almost any number of letters; for it must be borne in mind, that in a town (and at present we are only considering the arrangements for towns) a Letter Carrier's walk would scarcely be lengthened by an increase, however great, in the number of letters to be delivered; and that even the number of houses at which he would have to call would be increased but in a low ratio.

This important relief to the Clerks and Letter Carriers would indeed be obtained at the cost of some additional labour to the Receivers and Deputy Post-masters, on whom would then devolve the whole duty of taking the postage. It must be remembered, however, that as these officers have already to receive and account for the postage upon about one-fifth of the letters which pass through their hands, constant attendance is even now required; while