Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/331

 A mechanic has devised an improved letter pillar-box, such as that of Austria or Germany, to prevent thefts.

Tell him this scheme has been under consideration—do not say for twenty-five years.

We are asked: That an Imperial, and if possible also an international postage stamp be brought into use, and that until this is done a room should be set apart in each of the more important post offices in the kingdom for the sale of foreign and colonial stamps (as is done in some of the Colonies), in order to enable commercial men to send stamps for replies, etc.

Captain Montgomery (Durban) points out the difficulty he has in sending 1d., 2d., 3d., or 6d. to England for replies to letters, or to buy nick-nacks, newspapers, etc., that are advertised. He strongly urges that stamps be taken from all parts of the Empire and exchanged by the British and other post offices even at a small percentage. It would be an immense convenience. The Postmaster-General of New Zealand is in favour of the proposal.

Our new coupon does away with the necessity for this to a great extent. Refuse.

"Man of Kent" suggests: "That an Agricultural Parcel Post be established at special low rates for dairy produce, poultry, vegetables, fruit, etc., as a practical contribution towards the relief of the agricultural population.

Tell him it was suggested in the eighties. But we cannot favour one section of the population over another, even if Kent were reduced to a desert.

Here is a heavy batch of letters complaining