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COMMERCIAL LETTER.

THE ADVANTAGES OF

SHORTHAND.

BY HEINRICH SIMON (Oxford).

The immense use of shorthand to all who have any considerable amount of writing to do, by saving them a great deal of trouble and work; to the business man by enabling him to conduct his correspondence with far higher accuracy and rapidity; to the parliamentary speaker and the general public by the exact reproduction of speeches and debates, and to every educated individual in general, by allowing him to fix readily important passages, to make notes or to stenograph verbatim, though much disputed until not very long ago, has been universally recognised in recent years. Yet the fact remains that there is many an important advantage of shorthand unknown not only to the public, but even to many shorthand writers. I am not speaking here of the profit in general knowledge which is necessarily derived from the study of any art or science; what I desire to point out are the less conspicuous advantages peculiarly characteristic to the study and practice of shorthand.

One of these is the improvement on the ordinary hand writing, which is experienced by almost all who take up the study of shorthand seriously, and who had not previously spoiled a good handwriting. The stenographic characters, meaning different things when sometimes but little changed, compel the writer to be careful in the making of his outlines, thus at the same time-though for the most part insensibly-leading him to improve his longhand. But this fact, important though it may be, is of secondary consequence only as compared with others. A great thing-perhaps the greatest of the indirect profits-is the possibility of writing one's thoughts down as quickly as they come. Many a valuable thought would be committed to writing, many an important passage in a book or an article would have been better, but for the lack of a means of following thought as rapidly as it is produced. Many a man might be an author but is not, simply because it is impossible for him to follow the flight of his thoughts, or because his aversion against that snail-vehicle, longhand, is too great. There can be no doubt as to the vast amount of thought which is lost in this way.

The efficient stenographer, on the other hand, trusting safely in his never-failing help, shorthand, feeling himself able to note down any thought as quickly as it may appear, will not only commit to paper his ideas more fully and at large in a shorter time, but, deriving a pleasure from this ability of his, can write down even more of his thoughts than he originally intended.

To those who have attained to the mastery of shorthand to such a degree as to be able to report speeches, an additional number of stimulations are presented. The chief of these appears to me to be the development of quickness of apprehension. The stenographer who is following a rapid speech is naturally forced to strain every nerve, and to use his senses and brain in so quick and continual a succession as hardly ever occurs in ordinary life. To enlarge upon the meaning of a mental exercise like this I do not consider necessary, nor to mention all

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In reply to your letter of the 15th inst., Mr. Johnson has arranged to go and select the wall papers on Wednesday next, so you will probably receive these in about a week's time. The servants' rooms and the offices, with the exception of the servants' hall, are not to be papered, but distempered as described in the specification. Kindly ask Mr. Johnson what colour he would like the walls of these rooms finished in, when he is next at the house.

We enclose you herewith sections of picture mouldings; that marked A is to be used in the drawing room, dining room, billiard room and all the principal rooms, that marked B in the bedrooms, dressing rooms, boudoir, etc. This picture moulding will have to

rooms.

be fixed to suit the width of the frieze selected for the various In the principal rooms it will probably be about 2ft. from the ceiling, while in the bedrooms it will be about lft. 6in.; you must not, however, fix this moulding until you get the exact width of the frieze.

All the woodwork in the bedrooms, boudoir, etc., to be finished white, while the drawing room, dining room, billiard room and study are to be stained an approved brown tint, and twice varnished with flat egg-shell varnish. We shall be glad to receive from you in due course the samples of the stain you propose to use.

Yours faithfully,

the smaller profits accompanying the practice of shorthand, such as exercise in the language, training of logic, etc. All I want to show isand I hope these lines have tended to prove it-that besides the direct usefulness of shorthand, there are a number of special advantages whose importance must not be forgotten or underrated.

2,500 MILES OF READING-According to a French statistician, one million letters of the ordinary type used in newspapers placed in close juxtaposition extend over fifteen hundred mètres-somewhat less than a mile. According to this reckoning there must be about eleven hundred yards of reading matter in the average Parisian daily. Within the covers of the familiar yellow-backed novel will, as a rule, be found double that amount, and in order to cover the ground which is represented by all of M. Zola's novels, the eye will have to perform a journey of more than thirty miles. An average man, living for the average period of a human life, may be calculated to get through about twenty-five hundred miles of reading before his task is done.-Golden Penny.

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REPORTING SPEECHES IN THREE

LANGUAGES.

A remarkable reporting feat is recorded at Winnipeg, Manitoba, in association with the reception of Mgr. Sbarretti, the Apostolic Delegate, at St Boniface's College. The reporter for the Winnipeg Morning Telegram writes:"The address in three languages of the Apostolic Delegate was correctly described as a remarkable effort. It must have struck readers of the Telegram, however, that the reportorial skill which presented next morning a fairly complete account of the whole proceedings, including the speech with its trilingual difficulties, was none the less an extraordinary feat. Despite the brilliant men on the Telegram staff, however, it is only fair to acknowledge that the task of reporting any pe.ch delivered in three languages was beyond the abilities of any ore man. To Father Drummond the credit is really due. When applied to by the reporters for the Winnipeg papers to help them out of their difficulty, they found that he had actually a complete note in shorthand in three different languages of the speech as delivered, and, although tired with the manifold duties of a fatiguing day, he dictated a complete synopsis of Mgr. Sbarretti's speech; translating rapidly from his shorthand rotes with a rapidity, ease, and fluency truly marvellous to anyone who knows the difficulties of the task." In this genercus acknowledgment the reporter has, the Northwest Review says, "unwittingly exaggerated the magnitude of the feat. Father Drummond's shorthand notes were not in three languages, but in one, the English shorthand of Isaac Pitman. He has had almost thirty years' experience of translating into English shorthand both Latin and French discourses."

I am about to say something which I hope you will not take as if it were meant to be disrespectful to the authors whose works you love, and the accuracy of whose opinions I am not disputing—at all | events, not for the moment. I can quite understand that I may be wrong; I cannot hope to be right at all times; but, at the same time, you should not, you must not, and I hope you will not, | condemn me unheard. I cannot be led to believe that you are so unfair. I trust not, and I shall (1) be disappointed if it is proved that I am mistaker. I did not, and I do not, expect to find that I am. I shall be glad, then, if you will tell me if it has occurred to you that there are some readers who never take the trouble to verify the staten ents which they see from time to time | in the books they read? I do not say-I cannot say that they believe a statement because they think that the book I in which it has appeared is an inspired volume; for, as you must be aware, there is (2) only one such volume. But I do say, and I think you will not deny it, that, at any rate, ❘ they act as if they thought so. I may not be right, but I think I shall not be mistaken in saying that you must have come across instances of assertions in books of which it must be said, and ❘ of which it has been said repeatedly, that they are absolutely incorrect. You will, I think, agree with me that we have all, at some time in the course of our reading, INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. met such instances. Moreover, you should not be (3) unwilling to allow that for a reader to accept every statement of an author as if it were heresy to doubt it or to check it, is, and must be, opposed to common sense and the right use of one's reasoning powers. If the statement is found to be correct, surely you were not wrong in proving its truth. If | it is not proved to be accurate, then you cannot be blamed for avoiding the trap into which you were so very nearly falling. The faculties by which it was possible for you to discover the inaccuracy were given to (4) you in order to be used, and you can scarcely be wrong in using them. You may not have thought of this before, but I trust that for some time to come you will watch more closely the statements you read, and if it does happen that you can verify them I hope you will. You may then say I was not wrong, and that I had reason for these remarks. I had not thought of extending this chat to such a length, and I cannot do better than conclude now. I shall not trouble you again for some time. (500)

(To be continued.)

NAMES WITHOUT VOWELS IN THEM.- Many places have curious names, but apparently there is only one place which has a name without any vowels. That is the little hamlet of Ws, near Paris. Ws being an unpronounceable name, the inhabitants of the hamlet have transformed it into "d'Us," but this change has not been sanctioned legally, and on all the official records the name W's still appears. The hamlet has 117 inhabitants, and its sole attractions are the Chateau d'Osny and the Chateau de Vigny, which is one of the best specimens of the Renaissance style of architecture. So far as is known, there is only cne person in Europe at present who has a name without any vowels, and that is M. Srb, the Mayor of Prague.

EXAMINATION FOR THE SHORTHAND TEACHER'S

DIPLOMA.

The next examinations for the shorthand teacher's diploma will be held on Saturday, 16th Jan., in London and any other centre in England, Scotland, or Ireland that may be required, provided a fair number of entries for that centre are received. Full particulars of these examinations may be had on application to the Secretary to the Examining Board of the Society, Mr H. W. Harris, 100 Mattison road, Harringay, London, N., from whom also may be had, if required, specimen copies of previous examination papers, price sixpence each set.

LONDON.

On Saturday, 5th Dec., the members of the London Phonetic S.W.A. held a social evening at the Arcadian in Queen street. Tea was served at 5.30 to the accompaniment of a perpetual flow of conversation, and after a short interval a program of interesting musical items, varied by readings and recitations, was rendered, the contributors to the evening's entertainment being members and friends. Miss Little presided efficiently at the piaro.

The rext quarterly examination for speed certificates will be held on Thursday, 31st Dec., at 7 p.m. The examination is open to all phonographers, and test passages will be read to accommodate the wishes of intending candidates at rates from 60 words per minute upwards. Those who propose to submit themselves are requested to intimate their intention as soon as possible to the Secretary, Mr H. J. Cork, 2 Reedholm road, Stoke Newir gton, N., stating at what rate they desire to be examined.

The program of lectures, etc, for Jan. is as follows:-
Jan. 7-New Year's Address by the President. Mr E. A. Cope.
9-Saturday) Annual Soirée, St Bride's Institute, Bride late,
Ludgate Circus, E C., 6. 30 p.m.
Mr George Leslie

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14-"A Trip to St Petersburg" (illustrated).

Bannerman.

21-" Edison and his Inventions." Mr William Lynd.

28" Readers and Reading." Mr John Bygott.

Speed practice and the dictation of commercial matter every Thursday evening at 7 o'clock. Members enrolled between 7 and 8 r..

MIDLAND (T.S).

Meetings of the Midland District of the Incorporated Phonographic Society were he'd at the Pitman Hotel, Corporation street, Birmingham on Saturday, 5th Dec At the af ernoon meeting a paper was read by Mr JR Taylor, F.I PS, entitled Should the Intellectual Value of Shorthand be its Goal?" This was listened to with much interest. At the evening meeting a paper was given by Mr W. G. Barker, F.I.P.S., entitle 1 "Com. petence and Iacompetence." An interesting discussion ensued, in which most of those present participated.

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MALMESBURY ROAD COMMERCIAL

EVENING SCHOOL, BOW, E.

In the year 1899 the Rev. E Schnadhorst, MLS.B., induced the London School Board to open a commercial school at Malme bury road, Bɔw, E The first year's work fully justified the opening of the School, for the average weekly attendance of students for the whole session was 300, of whom 50 presented them elves for examination either at the Society of Arts or Chamber of Commerce, and 41 gained certificates. From that time the progress of the school has been steady and continuous, the average weekly attendance for last session (1902-3) being 400, while the number of entries for commercial examinations for the same period was 284, of whom 205 were successful. Of these successes, fully 50 per cent. were obtained for success in variou: stages (50 160 words per minu`e) of Pitman's Shorthand at Society of Arts, Chamber of Commerce, or National Union of Teachers' examinations. The shorthand classes, which, in the first year of the school's existence only necessitated one instructor (Mr F. C. Under wood, I.P.S. diploma), now demand the services of three fully qualified and experienced teachers for four evenings each week, and admit of the division of the subject into grades to suit the requirements of everyone desirous of taking up the study of the subject at any stage from the most elementary to the most advanced additional advantage is to be found in the separation of seniors and juniors (in the beginners and elementary stages) into distinct classes, the seniors being under the care of Mr Jones, FI.P.S, and the juniors under that of Mr T. G. Croft, M.I.P.S., while the intermediate and advanced classes are still under the personal direction of Mr F. C. Underwood. The curriculum of the school embraces special classes for the Civil Service examinations, French, German, book keeping, type writing, shorthand, English, geography, history and arithmetic. There are also gymnastic classes in connection with the school for both male and female pupils. Elementary, intermediate, and advanced classes are held in all subjects, thus enabling all students to make the best possible progress by having his or her particular needs specially attended to. The school is divided into a senior and a junior department, seniors being over and juniors under 16 years of age. The attendance this year has been the best on record, and has steadily increased week by week, reaching for the week ending 24th Oct. over 500 students. classes are mixed, male and female in both departments, and are under the principalship of Mr H. F. E. Dawson.

An

The

ELECTION REPORTING IN NEW YORK.

Some interesting reporting work was accomplished in New York during the recent municipal political campaign. Whenever the more prominent "Fusion' or Reform speakers were to deliver orations, the services of four expert shorthand writers and three good typists were engaged by the Citizens' Union. The stenographers would begin by taking five-minute turns, the period being gradually reduced, until toward the end of a meeting the turns hardly averaged two minutes each. The shorthand writers were u uilly accommodated with seats upon the platform, a little to the right of the speaker's rostrum, and in front of the chairman, and on leaving the platform they retired to an adjacent

room, where they dictated their notes to the typists, who, of course, used manifolding paper. So excellently did this plan work, that the last slips of the completed verbatim report would be handed to the representatives of the local newspapers within ten minutes of the end of the meeting, the bulk of the matter having been previously handed out in batches, and much of it already sent to the newspaper offices by messengers. This system was organized and supervised by Mr. Ivy L. Lee, a Princeton University man, who acted as press representative for the Citizens' Union, and each evening's work involved an expenditure of $100, or £20 This rather extravagant outlay was considered to be more than justified, in view of the general incapacity of the average New York new paper man to write shorthand, and the consequent garbled reports of speeches usually presented it presented at all, to American readers.

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LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The first paper of the winter program of the Newcastle and District S W.A. (federated) was given by Mr J. R. Porter, on 25th November, before a large audience of members. Mr M. Easton presided. Mr Porter took as his subject 'Victor Hugo," and gave an able dissertation on that author's literary characteristics. The degree of his art, he said, was shown in a complete cutting away from literary traditions, and his mighty talents had in them almost a revolution, as there certainly was in his literary style. The lecturer then contrasted the characteristics of his earlier and later works, relating some of the most interesting incidents of Victor Hugo's life, and read a few of the finest passages from his books. A discussion followed, in which Mr L. Moorse, the Chairman, Mr M. Easton, Miss E. M. Tate, and Messrs W. H. Heppell, T. W. Woodmass, W. H. Carmon and W. H. Blades took part. The special events of the program for the next two months are as follows:

Dec. 23-Annual social.

Jan. 27.-Short papers by Messrs T. P. Borland "The Quack;" T. M. Browne The Newcastle Chronicle, Past and Present;" and W. H. Heppell, "The Would-be Phonographer."

The Somerset County Council have arranged for a continuance of the Weston-super-Mare shorthand classes, and they were re-opened at the Science and Art School on 7th December, at 7.30 pm. The delay has been occasioned owing to the recent Education Act, the classes previously being commenced some six weeks earlier, but the full winter session will be continued as usual, and pupils are desired to make early application, to be entered on the register, either to Mr S. C. Smith, Town Hall, or Mr R. W. Mitchell, the instructor, I Con way villas, Gerard road. The following are the pupils who have recently successfully passed in the various stages of Phonography attached to both the public and private classes conducted by Mr Mitchell-Elementary Passes.-1st, F. Ware; 2nd, F. Hando; 3rd, W. Slatford; 4th, F. Trestain. At a later examination Frederick S. Pottenger secured an Elementary Certificate. Ladies' Classes.Miss I. Suter; Miss Henley; Miss Wigglesworth. Advanced Passes W. Richardson and Miss I. Suter. P. Hyssett and W. Britton were mentioned as the writers of the two next best papers for Theory work.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

LEEDS. Chapeltown, 22 Methley Mount, Training College for students and prospective teachers of Phonography. Principal, Mr G. A. Barton, F.I.P.S. (late special instructor, London School Board). Coaching for Pitman's, Society of Arts, I P.S diploma, and other shorthand examinations. Courses carefully adapted to meet individual requirements. Private tuition by arrangement. Further particulars and prospectus free.

LEICESTER -The annual meeting of the Leicester and District S.W.A (federated, will be held on Tuesday evening, 29th Dec., at the High Cross Coffee House, Leicester. All phonographers invited, ladies especially. The new session commences

on 5th Jan.; particulars may be obtained from the Hon. Sec., Mr A. Eyre, 14 Hinckley road, Leicester.

LONDON. Turner's Shorthand, Typewriting, and Commercial Bureau, 16 Wool Exchange, Basinghall street, E.C. Lessons in shorthand and typewriting on all the leading machines given daily from 10 a. m. till 4 p.m Situation bureau. Instruction for

juniors at a specially reduced fee.

SMETHWICK. Mr G. R. Glover, F.I.P.S. (teacher's diploma), principal of the West End Private School of Shorthand, 65 Marshall street, West Smethwick, Birmingham, desires correspondents and others to note that the above School will be entitled in future: "The West End Private Commercial School," and to meet the requirements of several students, a branch has been opened at 24 Union street, Smethwick. The following subjects will be taught at both of the above addresses: shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, and business routine. Private class and individual tuition will be given.

SOUTHAMPTON.- Evening classes in shorthand, mathematics, and science. Individual attention. Special speed class for Society of Arts examination. For terms apply to Mr C. Reed, M.I.P.S. (registered teacher), 34 Kent rd., St Denys, Southampton.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Answers to all inquiries relating to Shorthand, Typewriting, Commercial Education, Commercial Law, the Civil Service, and kindred subjects, will be published as soon after receipt as possible, but correspondents are requested to bear in mind that in some instances research taking time may be needful before satisfactory information can be furnished, and also that this Journal is sent to press eleven days in advance of the date of publication. Correspondents can be answered under initials or a pseudonym, whichever they prefer, but their names and addresses must be forwarded as a guarantee of good faith. All letters of inquiry should be addressed EDITOR, PITMAN'S PHONETIC JOURNAL, PHONETIC INSTITUTE, BATH.

OUTLINES.-The practice indicated in rule 69 of the "Instructor is observed in three of the words about which Glaucus inquires; one syllable words and their plurals have no accent, and therefore the large circle ss final is correctly used in roses.

SHORTHAND and Spelling.-The idea that shorthand causes bad spelling has no more foundation than any other excuse for bad spelling. We can assure Phonographer that we have never known an instance of a good speller who became incorrect in his orthography through learning Pitman's Shorthand. The transcription of shorthand into longhand, if persevered in, may be made a medium for greatly improving the spelling.

SHORTHAND TEACHING.-A. A. can have private pupils without the necessity for holding any certificate whatever. But if our correspondent anticipates that she will undertake teaching to any considerable extent, she would do well to secure one of the customary qualifications, particulars of which have been forwarded to her. Pitman's Theory Certificate is issued only for ability in writing the Corresponding Style; there is no similar test for the Reporting Style, the student in that style sits for a Speed Certificate.

LEARNING TYPEWRITING.-To become a typist, Thinker would need to practise on a machine in addition to using a dummy keyboard, although the latter is, of course, very useful for practising purposes in the early stages of the acquirement of the art of typewriting. The loss of the right thumb would not be detrimental.

MALE SORTERS AND MALE LEARNERS G.P.O.-S. F. asks what rules of arithmetic are covered by the examinations for male sorters and male learners.-The regulations for learners state first four rules, simple and compound, including English and metrical weights and measures, reduction, vulgar and decimal fractions (excluding recurring decimals). Our correspondent can obtain, by ordering locally, books of papers set at previous examinations for these appointments, price 6d. per set. They are published by Eyre and Spottiswoode. For political economy he may use Walker's Brief Text-Book (Macmillan, 6s. 61)

MALE SORTER G.P.O.-J. W. M. asks for the subjects and regulations for Male Sorter G.P.O.-The age limits are 18 21, and an examination for forty vacancies will be held on 11th February. Write at once to the Secretary, Civil Service Commission, London, W., for the regulations, which will include a form of application to sit, and order, locally, the last two sets of papers

Oct., 1902, and May, 1903, price 61. per set. The examination fee is 4%. and the subjects prescribed (1) English composition, including writing and spelling; (2) arithmetic as explained in answer to S. F. above; (3) geography general. Pitman's Commercial Arithmetic (price 2s. 6d.) and Commercial Geography (pric, 25. 61.) cover the ground in subjects 2 and 3, but special preparation by means of Pitman's Metropolitan School "Home Study" or some other reliable coach, is advisable for all Civil Service competitive examinations. Note that learners and sorters af er two yea, established service (London or Provincial) are eligible for the competitions open only to servants of the Postmaster General, viz.: Clerkships in the Supplementary Establishment, Secretary's Office G.P.O., commencing salary LICO per annum.

PATENT OFFICE ASSISTANT EXAMINER.-Student is 22 years of age and asks whether he could possibly, working from 30 to 35 hours a week, succeed in this competition.-There is no reason why he should not, but the appointments are valuable, and the competition keen. There is no possible doubt about the scope and searching nature of the examination to test the candidate's scientific knowledge, ard in mechanics and mechanism, chemistry, electricity and magnetism, and physics. Laboratory work is essential, as there is usually a practical test in each. Still there is nothing impossible, if the student is hardworking and determined; but if these things are lacking, the preparation would be mere waste of time, of money, and of labour.

COAL MERCHANT'S ACCOUNTS.-In reply to Coal Merchant, there is nothing so special in the accounts of a coal merchant as to warrant the publication of a special work upon them. The ordinary principles of double entry book-keeping can easily be applied by any one having a very moderate knowledge of the system. Coal Merchant's handwriting is apparently laboured. He will find the exercises given in Pitman's "Business Handwriting" beneficial.

BOOK-KEEPING SIMPLIFIED, EXERCISE No. XLII-We are always sorry to have to contradict a lady, but A. F. will find that there has been no omission to account for £200 depreciation in tools in the above exercise. The Key answer is quite correct.

INSURANCE COMPANIES ACCOUNTS.-D. E. is informed that a work on the accounts of insurance companies is advertised as in preparation by Messrs Gee and Co., Moorgate street, London. We do not know of any existing work which deals with this subject exclusively.

ACCOUNTANTS' SOCIETIES.-Replying to W. R. E., we cannot say when the body he refers to ceased to exist, but like most of the other associations of public accountants it probably became absorbed in the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales. This and the Incorporated Society of Accountants and Auditors are the bodies now generally recognised in England and Wales as giving diplomas to persons practising as public accountants. There are similar bodies in Scotland and Ireland. The above named societies have branches in most of the principal towns and cities in the provinces, but the ex-minations are conducted from London. The "Incorporated" used to admit persons engaged in the municipal accouatants' offices to their Inter. and Final examinations, and we believe this privilege is

still offere1.

RECOVERY OF DEBTS-A. E. G inquires where he can get a book dealing with the recovery of debts, and in particular with the course to be takea.-Assuming that the debts he has in view are small debts, under £50, he will probably find all the information he requires in Jones's "County Court Guide," published by Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange, London, E C., price 25. 61.

net.

THE STUDY OF CONVEYANCING - Kenmare, who is desirous of becoming a conveyancing clerk, irquires as to the best book to begin his study of the subject.-Gibson and Weldon's Students' Conveyancing" is a good work to start with. Williams on "Real Property" it is almost indispensable to read to get a thorough grasp of the law and the theory on which practical conveyancing is based, and it is desirable to read in connection with either of these works one or more of the leading books of precedentsPrideaux, Key and Elphinston, Dart, or Greenwood. If our corresponder t is engaged in a solicitor's office, he will, no doubt, be able to consult some one or other of these. If not. he may be recommended to join one of the law lending libraries in connection with the chief law publishers. Stevens and Sons, Ltd.,

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COMMERCIAL TRAVELLER,--E. P. consults us about becoming a commercial traveller; he has done good business for a society be represents in collecting and canvassing. To this extent he is well qualified for the work. But a commercial traveller should have a thorough practical acquaintance with the business he represents, and be able to advise customers on all points relative to the productions of the firm he travels for. Has our correspondent such knowledge of any particular trade or trades? We advise him to procure and study "How to Become a Commercial Traveller" (Fisher Uawin, price is.).

LADY JOURNALIST.-G. H. S. asks us to furnish some idea of the qualifications necessary for a lady reporter.-We answered a similar inquirer in our issue of 21st Nov. We may add, however, that the first essential is a good education, which must include proficiency in Erglish composition, the ability to spell correctly, and a good general knowledge of historical, geographical, and political matters, which will prevent the tyro from falling into absurd blunders when reporting. If a lady can take a good shorthand note and use the typewriter skilfully, she would do well to obtain a position in the editorial department of a newspaper or periodical, where she would obtain an invaluable training in the technicalities of the profession, and equip herself with the knowledge needful to enable her to become a successful lady reporter. Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism" (price 18. 63.), which is just now being very widely studied, should be used as a text-book. Copies of the new edition will be ready about the middle of January.

PUNCTUATION.-G. H. H. asks whether it is correct to write a comma after the number of the street in addresses?-In our opinion no reason whatever can be assigned for dividing the number from the name of a street by a punctuation mark. In practice, however, the leading authorities among printers seem to be about equally divided. It may be remembered that not long since the question arose in a case heard before a metropolitan police mag strate, when his worship expressed an emphatic opinion that the employment of the comma was incorrect.

HANDWRITING.-W. J. C. (South Africa) writes a bold, plain hand, but it is lacking in style; he could improve it by the study of Pitman's Business Handwriting (price is).-B E. W. writes a fairly satisfactory upright hand; stroke of small d and looped letters should be longer.-With a little practice D. G's. writing would develop into a good commercial style. Our correspondent would be disqualified for a Civil Service position.G. A. P. writes a very satisfactory hand for a solicitor's office; he should persevere in the attainment of practical skill in shorthand.-H. L's. handwriting will with care develop into a good business style; he needs to improve his capital letters by the study of some good models, such as may be found in any good commercial copy book.- Knott's handwriting would be improved in appearance and wou'd, in fact, be a satisfactory style, if more care were taken to secure the proper and uniform length of looped letters, and if the practice were given up of looping small p.t-W NH and D. I. H. each write a good, clear hand, which with some tuition of the right sort could be developed into an excellent commercial style. Both would do well to consult the writing master at Pitman's Metropolitan School.-H. C. P's. handwriting needs considerable improvement; if he obtains a position in a City office he would be well advised to follow the advice given above.-Hammer's handwriting would be greatly improved by making the stroke of d and most of the looped letters longer; the contracted tops of m and n need attention, as they impart an undesirable peculiarity to our correspondent's style.-M. S. should practise with Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series, No. 12 copy book; the method of holding the pen taught in schools is the correct one.-With instruction E R. P. could develop his hand into a good upright style; if he cannot obtain this he should use Vere Foster's Upright Series No. 9 copy book.

MISCELLANEOUS. It is almost impossible to advise J. G. as to the salary he should ask; he must necessarily be guided by what employers are paying to their junior assistants of about the same qualifications as himself. We have little knowledge of the salaries paid in his locality; he would do well to consult the

teacher under whom he gained distinction.-Draughtsman would find a difficulty in being articled at his age, but he could acquire the ability which would fit him for the duties of a draughtsman by attendance for suitable instruction at the lccal School of Art, provided, of course, that he possessed the needful aptitude.T. L. B., who has lost his right arm, but writes a very satisfactory style with his left hand, consults us as to the advisability of keeping up his study of shorthand. A great deal must depend on his occupation in life. If he is engaged or likely to be engaged in office work, we advise him to persevere until he can take a good note, as practical shorthand ability will add greatly to his usefulness. If he is employed in a trade, it is possible that some other study might be more useful.- Constant Reader should begin the study of French with Pitman's French Course, Part I." (price 6d.).-In further reply to E. S. F., the pronunciation pater is followed both in prose and poetry; he should follow the dictionary markings in all cases-Tudor would probably be <ffered about 20s. weekly.-J. V. L. L. should have addressed his letter to the Editor at the address given at the head of these Answers. His inquiries, and those of some others shall be answered next week.

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PITMAN'S SHORTHAND CERTIFICATES. The following Certificates are issued :—

THIRD CLASS OR ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATE, for thorough knowledge of the "Phonographic Teacher "Shorthand Primer, Book I."; or 20th Cent." Manual " or " Instructor," as far as Chap. xvii. Fee 6d. Every student after having worked through the "Teacher" is recommended to test his knowledge by applying for this Certificate.

SECOND CLASS OR THEORY CERTIFICATE, for a thorough knowledge of the 20th Cent. "Manual"; or "Instructor," Chaps. i-xxvi.; or Shorthand Primer, Book II." Fee 2s.

FIRST CLASS OR SPEED CERTIFICATE. Speed certificates are granted for 60 words per minute and upwards. Fee is. 6d. FULL CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY.-When a Second Class Certificate and a First Class Certificate for 80 words have been obtained, a Full Certificate is issued, certifying that the holder has a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of Phonography. Fee rs.

TEACHER'S CERTIFICATE.-A Shorthand Teacher's Certificate is issued to candidates after examination. Fee 5s.

Forms of Application for the above Certificates, containing full particulars, can be had gratis and post-free from any of the Offices of Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd.

Erratum.-Mr J P. Toms points out that in the report headed "The Mind and Speed in Shorthand," on page 968, the word "writing" is substituted for "reading" in the fifteenth line from the bottom. The advice was to get accustomed to reading shorthand at various rates of speed. e.

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Young lady wishes to correspond in shorthand with expert phonographer. Apply J. R. Muir, Dundhu. Musselburgh, N.B.

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Clerks and others engaged in Inland Revenue or Admiralty offices, kindly send name and address. R. Stamp, 48 Bootle place, Puisey. [1] Correspondence desired either in longtand or shorthand, with a stamp collector in Malta or Gibraltar. Thomas Price, 14 Platt's crescent, Stourbridge, England.

Correspondence in French (elementary) desired, for mutual improvement. General information. Prompt replies to all. Henri Knight, Woodcroft, Co, thorne, Crawley, Angleterre.

Have you been disappointed by not receiving answers? If so, send stamp for list of thoroughly reliable correspondents. Braham, 7 Lancaster rd., London, W.

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