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Dear Sirs,-We have | completed the audit of the accounts of your Company to the 31st October last, and we now hand you interim and approximate Balance Sheet at that date, which is certified by us so far as clerical accuracy only is concerned. You will observe that the Suspense Account, which represents | the cash and investments handed over by the late owners | on the conversion of the Company into a limited concern, | now stands at £10,326, | it having been increased by the interest and dividends (1) received to date, amounting to £215. | It is worth while mentioning to you that a portion of this interest accrued prior to the 10th December, 1892, the date of the formation of the present Company, but we have not attempted to apportion it as between the late partnership and the Company. The amount of the Suspense Account does not represent the final balance of the funds received from the old Company, inasmuch as averages amounting to over £1.500 | have been collected by the Limited Company on account of (2) the old Company, and against this amount insurance calls have been paid for liabilities incurred prior to the formation of the Company. As soon as all these items have been | finally settled, an adjustment of the Suspense Account between the old partnership and the Company will be necessary. Yours faithfully, (250)

CORRESPONDENCE.

LEFT-HANDED SHORTHAND WRITING.

Sir, I am inclined to think that the number of lefthanded shorthand writers is greater than is supposed by Mr Ball, whose interesting article on the subject appeared in your issue of 27th Dec. last. I have seen many cases of the kind mentioned in recent years, not only in this country, but on the other side of the Atlantic; but at present I cannot spare time to look up the particulars.

My present object is to mention that, in the person of Mr James Easton Thomson, of Edinburgh, we have another ambidextrous phonographer. This gentleman, after writing shorthand for many years, found that his right-hand (from altogether extraneous causes) was becoming subject to writer's cramp, and thereupon cultivated left-hand writing with much success. Soon after acquiring a moderate rate of speed with the left-hand, he obtained a Pitman Speed Certificate for 80 words a minute. This is before me now. It is dated 14th April, 1886, and states that "the shorthand notes were written with the left-hand." I may add that Mr Thomson's left-hand work was always written "backwards," that is to say, from right to left, like the last specimen in Mr Ball's article; and that he was soon able to write at much higher speeds than the 80 words for which he got the certificate. It was no uncommon thing to see him taking down a speech in two note-books at the same time-the hands of course moving in opposite directions. Upon comparing the two pages, these would be found almost identical, allowing for the difference in direction; the reason being that each word or phrase was written simultaneously with both hands, and the same muscles were called into play. I do not find the above-mentioned certificate recorded in the Journal for 1886; possibly because Mr Thomson about the same time gained one at 100 words a minute, as stated in the Journal for 1st May of that year. In that case the notes were doubtless written with the right hand in the ordinary way.

Edinburgh.

JOHN M. WArden.

Sir, Will you permit me to contribute the following facts concerning left-hand writing. When but eight years old, I had the misfortune to lose my right-hand in a mowing machine. I was afterwards taught at school to use my lefthand for longhand writing, etc. When between eighteen and nineteen, I began to learn Pitman's Shorthand, Mr R. Hobday, at Ramsgate, being my tutor. On 1st Aug., 1891,

I obtained the Certificate of Proficiency. Afterwards I practised for speed, and on 10th June, 1892, I obtained a Speed Certificate for 100 words per minute. This I considered sufficient for ordinary purposes, as I wished to devote my spare time to other subjects, although I believe that I could attain to a higher speed by practice. As for the general use of the hands, I should recommend to those who have both, the equal practice as far as possible of each for writing, drawing, etc. Most people having both hands, however, have a natural tendency to use the right in preference to the left, it being for some unknown reason a phenomenal exception to prefer using the left. Ramsgate.

J. F. KEMP.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS

ANNOUNCED.

BOY CLERKS, age 15-17. Apply on special form obtainable from Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Burlington Gardens, London, W., before 12th Feb.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL FOURTH-CLASS CLERKS, age 18-23. Salary £80 to £300, with prospect of further promotion. Obtain form of application from the Chief Clerk, London County Council, Spring Gardens, London, S.W., enclosing stamped, addressed envelope. Particulars of examination next week, but good shorthand (120 words a minute upwards) and book-keeping are essential here. There are usually about 10 vacancies and 100 candidates.

EXAMINATION HELPS

FOR COMMERCIAL STUDENTS.

No. I. Commercial Correspondence and Handwriting. By E. J. Cross and J. H. Pimley, with a preface by A. Nixon, F.C.A. Crown 8vo, 91 pp., with plates. T. Wyatt, 279 Deansgate, Manchester, price is.

No. 2. Shorthand. By A. Beardwell and G. F. Sandiford, with a preface by H. E. Blain. Crown 8vo, 126 pp., with plates. T. Wyatt, 279 Deansgate, Manchester, price is.

Under the general title given in our heading Mr Wyatt, of Manchester, has just published the first two volumes of a series of " Helps" in subjects of examination for commercial certificates, which cannot fail to be of the utmost service to teachers and students. The authors are examiners to several important educational bodies, and their books are introduced to those for whom they are especially designed by admirable prefaces from the pens of well-known authorities on the subjects with which they respectively deal.

In noticing" Commercial Correspondence and Handwriting we cannot do better than quote the succinct summary of its contents which Mr A. Nixon has given in his preface. Teachers, he points out, will find in its pages: "A definite course of class work. Hints on the arrangement of lessons and the management of classes. Syllabuses and examination papers of all the examining bodies. Examiners' reports and notes." Students are provided with: "The actual answers of candidates which secured full marks. Notes on the prevalent weaknesses of examinees. Suggestions for class, home, and examination work, and a carefully selected list of two hundred business words frequently misspelt." It need hardly be said that Messrs Cross and Pimley have produced a thoroughly practical work, and if the advice they give and the course of lessons they prescribe is acted upon, we may look for a very great improvement in admittedly weak points in the equipment of many junior candidates for commercial positions. The facsimiles of examination papers of various bodies and of the actual work of successful candidates in the examinations of the Union of Lancashire and Cheshire Institutes, form a most valuable feature. The book deserves the attention of all interested in the subject.

It is undoubtedly a fact that in some quarters the special difficulties of shorthand speed examinations are not rightly understood and appreciated; unsatisfactory tests and disappointing results are not unknown in this department of examination work. In " Shorthand," Messrs Beardwell and Sandiford have, therefore, in our opinion, done well in supplying material for the improvement of examination papers, by subjecting the tests of some of the leading bodies which examine in this subject to a process of thorough analysis and comparison. Many of the results exhibited in tabular form are extremely striking, and will interest shorthand writers of every grade. It should here be pointed out, however, that the authors are impartial and thorough, and the causes of failure which are directly attributable to the shortcomings of students are dealt with most comprehensively and are set forth with painful precision. But the authors are evidently animated with a genuine desire that shorthand students of the present and the future should profit by the

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We have your letter of the 17th inst. In reply, we beg to say that we have been unable to write you earlier as our client has had to wait receipt from his Bombay office of important documents which had inadvertently been retained there. These documents being essen

tial to the matter in hand, we have not been able to proceed far without them. Our client thought the delay which has occurred might prove prejudicial to his interests, and he called here to-day and had an interview with our Mr. Stone. The different aspects of the case were put before him, and the matter was discussed as fully as was possible in the absence of the information asked for in ours of the 13th inst. As, however, he was unable to make up his mind definitely as to what is the best course to take, he had decided to have a consultation with you so that the matter may be thoroughly gone into with the aid of the information you have, and a settlement come to on the questions involved.

Will you therefore please let us know by return of post what day in the early part of next week would be most convenient for your Mr. Jones to see him. We may mention that Tuesday would be the best day for our client and for our Mr. Stone who will probably accompany him.

Awaiting the favour of an early reply,

Yours faithfully,

experiences of the past. The "Examination Helps" which are comprised in the volume are of much practical value, and we fully concur in the opinion expressed by Mr Blain in his Preface, that outside actual text-books there is "no work on this important subject more calculated to repay perusal and careful study" than that of Messrs Beardwell and Sandiford. Both theoretical and speed examinations are dealt with, and the chapters devoted to each of these branches of shorthand study and proficiency contain much helpful practical advice on the best methods of acquiring theoretical knowledge, and on the attainment of useful rates of speed.

DICTATING SORE THROAT.

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Dictating sore throat, says Health, is an affection of the vocal chords that business men get from the odd, strained, high voices which they use in dictating to their stenographers. I don't know why it is," a physician said recently, "but nearly every man, when he dictates, puts his natural, easy voice aside, and uses a high-pitched, feverish note that plays the very deuce with the vocal chords as it grates over them. A man of big interests will dictate over one hundred letters a day at times. His throat is so sore when he is done that he has to take some oleaginous and soothing medicine. The disease is distinctly a modern one, a sign of these complex modern times, and it has been called, for want of a better name, dictating sore throat. The only cure for it is to teach men to dictate in their natural voices (a thing that seems to be impossible), or to compel them to cease dictating altogether,"

PITMAN'S SHORTHAND TEACHER'S

HAND-BOOK.

We have pleasure in directing the special attention of shorthand teachers to the preliminary announcement in our advertising pages of the early publication of "Pitman's Shorthand Teacher's Hand-book (Twentieth Century Edition)." This is an entirely new book, designed to meet in a thorough and complete fashion the requirements of teachers for information and guidance relative to the best methods to pursue in regard to instruction of every description. We I can say with the utmost confidence that the "Hand-book" will be found worthy of the attentive perusal and study of all shorthand teachers. The courses of lessons planned in connection with the various " Twentieth Century text-books are not confined to simple directions as to the portion of the book to be studied, but embody many original hints and suggestive notes, on which a lecture or a lesson may be based. In regard to form, the Hand-book will mark a departure in phonographic literature. Further information on this and other points will, however, be announced later.

THE ENTERPRISE CLUB.

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There was an exceptionally good attendance at the annual meeting of the Enterprise Club, 44 King William street, the only ladies' club in the City. General satisfaction was expressed at the announcement that Lady Samuel, the Lady Mayoress, had consented to be President of the Club for the year, and that Lady Dimsdale would retain her connection with it by becoming an associate. The different branches of the Club-the summer cycle runs and picnics, the winter dances and concerts, the classes and Shakspere Reading Soty, and the Library-had all been well worked by the sub-committees responsible for them, and interesting reports were omitted. The Employment Register is becoming a valuable feature. The present premises of the Club are too small for comfort, but additional members and associates are needed if it is to extend its operations as it ought.

OBITUARY.

PROFESSOR EARLE.

The Rev. John Earle, Prebendary of Wells, Rector of Swainswick, near Bath, and Rawlinsonian Professor of AngloSaxon in the University of Oxford, who died at Oxford at an advanced age on 31st Jan., for many years took a keen interest in the Spelling Reform movement, and visited and corresponded with Sir Isaac Pitman, The Professor considered that too much importance was attached to our fixed orthography, and held that the way to natural reform was to "let all men spell as they like." In his well-known work, "The Philology of the English Tongue," an account is given of the inventors of English phonetic alphabets, with illustrations of the Pitmanic alphabet of thirty-eight characters, and its use. The Professor's "Chronicle of Bath" (an illustration of a popular historical method which anyone may pursue) appeared in this Journal for 1876, with an introduction from his pen, and on other occasions he was a contributor to our columns.

INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

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I.P.S. TYPISTS' SECTION.

LONDON.

The next ordinary meeting of this section will be held on Saturday, 21st Feb. at St Bride's Institute, Bride lane, Ludgate Circus, at 3 o'clock. Mr W. C. Corbett-Dyer, of the London Society for Teaching the Blind, will give an account of the Society's system of teaching shorthand and typewriting to the blind, a blind pupil giving a practical demonstration on a "shorthand machine," and on the typewriter. All typists and shorthand writers are cordially invited to be present.

Intending candidates for the teachers' and students' typewriting examinations on 28th March are reminded that entries and fees should be received by the Secretary not later than 28th Feb.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The inaugural meeting of the East London S.W.A. took place at 55 Upper North street, Poplar, on 26th Jan., when the following officers were elected: President, Major Evans Gordon, M.P.; Vice-Presidents, Mr A. O. Goodrich, L.C.C., Mr A. W. Lyndridge, F.I.P.S. Committee, Messrs Yorke, Veryard, Galley, Richards, Benn and Fooner. Librarian, Mr Lord. Treasurer, Mr. T. Bayes, 55 Upper North street, Poplar. Secretary, Mr R. S. Walker, 12 Ewing street, Burdett road, Bow. Assistant Secretary and Auditor, Mr C. Steward. Meetings will be held at the Red House, Commercial road, E., every Friday evening at 8 o'clock. East London phonographers, ladies and gentlemen, are cordially invited to become members.

On 23rd Jan., Mr A. E. Morton (examiner in typewriting to the Society of Arts) delivered a lecture at the Keeton's Road, Bermondsey, Evening Continuation Board School, entitled "Writing by Machinery," and " Preparation for Typewriting Examinations." In the first part of his lecture, Mr Morton outlined the history and traced the evolution of the typewriter; he then dealt with the typewriter as it is in the present day, and, subsequently, ably dealt with the question of preparation for typewriting examinations. The lecture, which was illustrated throughout by a number of interesting lantern slides, was highly appreciated by a good muster of students. The chair was taken by Mr J. Porter (Chairman of Managers), and the responsible teacher (Mr R. Williams) and other members of the staff of the Evening Continuation School were present.

There was a large attendance of phonographers at the weekly meeting of the Sunderland Commercial S.W.A. (federated) in their rooms, John street, on 28th Jan., under the presidency of Mr G. E. Pearson. Miss M. F. Webster, of the Tyneside Phonographers' Association, Newcastle, gave an instructive and thoughtful paper, entitled, "Individuality," which was followed by a good discussion.

Alderman J. H. Lloyd presided at the annual meeting of the Birmingham S.W.A. at Queen's College on 29th Jan., and distributed speed certificates gained by the members, and prizes and certificates awarded to students of the classes. The report, which was adopted, recorded a cash balance of £56 6s. 9d., a membership of 136, and shorthand students for the year, 506. The Lord Mayor was elected President for the ensuing year; Mr R. W. Watkinson, Hon. Treasurer; Messrs T. B. Selby and C. J. Mann, Hon. Secretaries; and Miss J. C. Blower and Miss K. Perkins, Hon. Librarians.

Before the Oldham Sorthand Association at the Unity Hall on 28th Jan., an ex ellent paper was read by Mr L. J. Driver, entitled "George Eliot and Marie Corelli-a contrast," by the Rev. E, Newall. There was a good attendance, and an interesting discussion followed. Mr J. Buckley occupied the chair.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS. DUBLIN.-Mr W. McEvoy, 69 Drumcondra road, Dublin, has recently started evening classes for instruction in shorthand and typewriting. Mr McEvoy holds Pitman's Shorthand teacher's certificate, and Pitman's speed certificate for 200 words per

minute. He also holds a certificate for working a typewriter at the net average rate of 62 words per minute for ten minutes, and was presented in the year 1895 with a "Williams" machine for this performance, which was the best out of more than forty competitors. Full particulars of classes on application.

LONDON. EXETER HALL, Strand, and 186 Aldersgate street, Y.M.C.A.-The shorthand classes here are now in full work, and will continue to meet till July next. Intending students can join at the half term date, viz. 16th Feb. Prospectus post-free.

LONDON. CAPLAND STREET School, Lisson grove, N.W.At the Evening Continuation School at this centre for male and female pupils, instruction is given in shorthand on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30, the teacher being Mr E. H. Maund (teacher's diploma). Mrs F. Cracknell is the responsible teacher. There is a speed class on Wednesday evenings, when dictation is given at speeds ranging from 40 to 140 words per minute, and embracing every description of matter. LONDON. THE LONDON COMMERCIAL ASSOCIATION, 60 Mark lane, E.C.-Owing to the large demand for really efficient shorthand writers and typists, a department has been opened here for tuition in these subjects and is meeting with a fair amount of success.

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 name Graham, about which L. G. writes, has two recognised pronunciations, namely gray'am which is the more general, and grame, which appears to be used for Scottish names spelled in this and slightly different ways. The aspirate is not pronounced, and should, therefore, not be introduced in vocalizing.-A. W. L. should use the " Dictionary "' form for wisest; the form he submits is entirely contrary to rule.-There are, no doubt, as C. G. W. says, many instances where outlines other than those actually used could be employed. The case of territory is that of one of five words distinguished by a difference of outline (see "Instructor," p. 206-10); in many other cases the outlines used are adopted for very good reasons.-S. A. T. will find the outline for prestidigitation in the new Dictionary"; we do not, as a rule, repeat here information which may be found in such a generally accessible work. The reason for making a distinction in the manner of writing a second-place vowel, according as it is long or short, is explained by Sir Isaac Pitman in " Progressive Studies" (page 27).-The correct outline for the word J. R. C. inquires about is

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rational.

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SHORTHAND SPEED.-It is desirable for F. N. R. to become somewhat more proficient in the Corresponding Style before going on to the "Reporter." With the ample time he has for practice, he should, with well directed effort, be able to write at the rate of 100 words in six months' time. He should follow out the instructions contained in the "Reporter," but if he can obtain the help of a good teacher it would be very desirable.

IMPROVEMENT of Speed.-We should strongly advise G. M. to avail herself of the facilities afforded at some good school of shorthand to improve her speed by taking up a course of practice, finishing this by sitting for a certificate. Shorthand ability is indispensable to the typist.

TYPEWRITER FINGERING.-Castellnedd has got into the habit of only using two fingers when typing, and finds in consequence that he is severely handicapped when he wishes to write quickly. Our correspondent uses the Yost typewriter, and we would recommend him to write to the office of the Yost Typewriter Company in Holborn Viaduct for a copy of their typewriting hand-book. The habit of writing with one or two fingers of each hand is one that cannot be too strongly deprecated. In the first place, it

undoubtedly slackens speed very considerably, and it also throws undue strain upon the fingers employed. We would suggest that Castellnedd should take some simple exercises from the handbook we have mentioned, and practise them for an hour a day regularly; he would then find that the fingers which are now unemployed would become strong enough to keep up with those he at present uses. It has been truly said that there is only one way to typewrite, and that is to use all the fingers of each hand. Anything else is at best a makeshift. The typist should pay the same attention to fingering as the pianist does.

BOOK-KEEPING Simplified, EXERCISE I.-Muddled is informed that the item "Interest on Capital is not a payment but a transfer from one account to another. It should be debited to Interest a/c and credited to Capital. We should recommend Muddled to get some instruction in the art of book-keeping from a teacher; he might with advantage take postal lessons from Pitman's Metropolitan School.

ORDER BOOKS.-In reply to William, we think that the form of order book most commonly used and most desirable is that in which the orders follow each other consecutively as received. There is less chance of an order being overlooked, which might easily occur when the orders are entered in various parts of the order book.

ASSISTANTS OF CUSTOMS.-R. D. inquires whether there will be an examination for Assistants of Customs before August. He has a pupil who will be twenty-one in that month and desires to sit. He also asks us to advise as to a coach.-In all probability there will be an examination for Customs Assistants in April, but unless there are very exceptional circumstances a student is setting himself and his coach an unfair task in leaving his preparation untouched until two months before the examination. We do not recommend coaches; our correspondent should_inquire of advertisers as to terms and make his own choice. The pupil in question should also sit for Assistants of Excise in May and November, 1903, and May, 1904.

CIVIL SERVICE GUIDE.-A. E. S. asks for any book containing information as to subjects, etc. of various Civil Service examinations. Our book on the subject is out of print, but if A. E. S. will write his age, educational qualifications, and his requirements fully to Pitman's Metropolitan School, he can be advised on the subject.

ASSISTANT FACTORY INSPECTORS.-A. L. M. asks for the best text-book on the law of workshops for the Assistant Factory Inspectors' examination, and how often vacancies occur.-There are several good books, viz., Von Planer on factory legislation, and one of the four following:-Ruegg or Redgrave, or Evans Austin or Abraham Tennant. Many law tutors prefer the first named. The examinations occur at very irregular intervals, sometimes two a year.

Writers of THE ROYAL NAVY.-W. R. R. wants full details

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as to the examination requirements for ship's clerk in the Navy."-We presume he means "Third Writers and Ship's Steward's Assistants of the Royal Navy." Age 18-23 and 18-21 respectively. Subjects: writing, spelling, copying MS., English composition, arithmetic, geography. Candidates who intend to sit should apply to the Captain of H.M.S. Duke of Wellington, Portsmouth, of H.M.S. Pembroke, Chatham, of H.M.S. Vivid, Devonport, the Senior Naval Officer, Queenstown, or the Commanding Officer H.M.S. Caledonia, Queensferry. Pay, Is. 4d. rising to 75. per day.

GIRL CLERKS' SHORTHAND TEST.-Gus wishes to know what speed in shorthand is required for "girl clerks," how long the examination lasts, where it takes place, and whether her writing is suitable. The speed usually given is from 80 to 90 words a minute, taking down is in ink, and the time for transcribing one hour. The examination lasts two days and is held in London, Edinburgh and Dublin. The competition is very severe, and we strongly advise sustained hard work and some correspondence tuition. Gus's writing can be made suitable, but it seems to us slow and laboured. She should note that every word must be written without raising the pen you never join capitals.

EXCISE.-T. O. M. intends sitting for the Excise examination within a year, and asks advice as to books to be mastered.-Use Pitman's Commercial Geography (World), Indexing and Préciswriting, and Commercial Arithmetic, then Workman's Arithmetic

(Clive), Morris's English Grammar, and Pitman's English Composition also seem to be necessary. Our correspondent's handwriting could easily be improved.

TELEGRAPH INSTRUCTION BOOK.-B. B. inquires for a book of instruction and practice on the sounder and needle instruments.— There is a useful little book published by Mr C. B. Ward, 5 Saltoun road, Brixton, London, S. W., which may suit our correspondent's purpose. The price is 3d.

RENT PAID IN ADVANCE.-In the book-keeping paper of the London County Council examination to which P. J. J. refers, the £20 paid in advance should be credited to P. and L., as the paper requires that "all expenses are to be carried direct to P. and L. account,' and debited to a suspense account. It would then appear, as it should do, as an asset in the balance sheet.

PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT.-Rego asks us what would be the cost of preparing himself for this position, and for how long he would have to be articled ?—The length of service as articled clerk is five years, but the expense is to a large extent a matter of arrangement between the parties to the articles, as it consists principally of the premium to be paid. This may be anything between fifty and two hundred guineas, but in a great many cases this is returned in the form of salary. The coaching required for the intermediate and final examinations would cost about £25 including books.

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CLERKS IN CONTINENTAL SHIPPING OFFICES.-Such appointment as Maritime seeks can only be obtained through the usual means, namely advertisements, or the introduction of friends. Unless Maritime is acquainted with the language of the country he seeks an appointment in, he will probably find a difficulty in obtaining one.

NET.-B. M. E. inquires about the spelling of the word net (in the sense of clear of all deductions and charges); why, he asks, should not two t's be used as is frequently done?-We are at a loss to understand why so many people persist in writing nett when net is declared by all the lexicographers to be the more correct form.

REFERENCE FROM EMPLOYER.-Ref asks whether an employer has the right to refuse an employee, who is leaving his service, a written reference, or to answer any inquiries that may be made of him concerning an employee who has left his service, and whether there are any specified grounds that would justify an employer in so refusing.-Giving a "reference" is entirely a favour. No employer is under any legal obligation to give one, though a refusal to do so is unusual, except where there are good reasons for the refusal. No reason need be assigned by an employer, who declines to give a "reference."

"P.P." AND "PER PRO."-Duke inquires whether these letters can be used without the user having a power of attorney from the person on whose behalf he signs.-No: all that is necessary is that the user should have the authority of his principal, which may be, and commonly is given verbally. In important matters it is usual for the principal to notify the persons with whom he is dealing through a representative that that representative has his authority to sign for him.

CHANGE OF CLERICAL OCCUPATION.-L. W., a solicitor's clerk of more than twelve years' experience, possessing a knowledge of French and German "that can be put to practical use," being a good shorthand writer and typist, and having studied book-keeping and the principles of commerce, desires to relinquish the law and enter commercial life. He inquires what situation he should apply for in London, or in the provinces, and what salary he should ask.-L. W.'s services should be valuable in the office of any merchant or manufacturer having agencies in France or Germany, or doing business with those countries. There are many large firms and companies in London and in all the large provincial towns who require assistants with the qualifications that L. W. appears to possess. Openings are more numerous in London than in the provinces, but the competition is much severer. Our correspondent should answer suitable advertisements. He should ask a salary of £2 to £2 10s. to begin with.

STAMPS ON CHEques and BilLS.-C. I. S. asks (1) the reason why a "sight draft" for any amount bears a 1d. stamp, while drafts payable three or six months after date, are subject to an ad valorem duty; and (2) whether it is necessary to have the

second and third draft stamped in the same manner as the original. The only reason for the difference in the duty on bills or cheques (drafts) payable at sight or on demand and those payable at a future date, is that the legislature has decided that there shall be such a difference. An ad valorem duty on chequeswhich are drafts payable at sight-would greatly hinder the use of those documents, the employment of which it is the policy of Parliament to encourage. The duty on cheques being a fixed amount they can be obtained ready stamped in large numbersa circumstance that materially facilitates commercial transactions. Where bills of exchange are drawn in a set of two or three, it is only necessary to stamp one of them: the others are exempt from duty.

HANDWRITING.-Will those correspondents who do not see criticisms on their handwriting inserted, be good enough to infer that their writing is considered satisfactory, and therefore we do not offer comments.-Subscriber's and F. B. W.'s handwriting is not suitable for an office; they should obtain lessons from a teacher.-W. F.'s writing is suitable for a ledger clerk, but it would be improved if it did not slope quite so much.-S. S. G. would do well to consult a teacher for the improvement of his handwriting; we do not think it would be of service to recommend a book.-With more practice, C. A. W.'s writing would be very suitable for a correspondence clerk.-A. M. G.'s writing is good; it should be written slightly heavier and with good black ink.-E. P.'s writing would be improved if written with more care and with avoidance of the backward slope.-L. U. should have a course of lessons at Pitman's Metropolitan School; his handwriting is not suited for a business position.-We are not acquainted with any book devoted specially to legal handwriting, but Ignorance would find Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series No. 19 a good model.-F. W. C. might use it with advantage.S. S. J. C. would find it a useful copy book; he should, however, if possible, obtain instruction.-Grapho will find what he requires in Vere Foster's Original Series No. 10, Plain and Ornamental Lettering.-Canute should have lessons, if possible.

MISCELLANEOUS.-We are unable to advise Fabian.-W. B. needs an elementary work; such a book as Dr Cornwell's "Young Composer" (Simpkin, Marshall and Co., price is. 6d.) would suit him. The letters F.I.P.S. stand for Fellow of the Incorporated Phonographic Society, and as the distinction is not limited to the male sex, C. P. could secure it if duly qualified.-A. C. E. can learn all about the fellowship just mentioned by writing to the Secretary, Mr H. W. Harris, 100 Mattison road, Harringay, London, N.-The question put by Quis should be addressed to Mr. Harris.-Wealdstone should procure and study "Stops, or How to Punctuate" (T. Fisher Unwin, price is.).-Frith's "Character in Handwriting" (Ward, Lock and Co., price is.) would meet Woodman's requirements.-We are quite unable to appraise the value of the curio Inquirer asks about.-W. E. F. would need to have had a very superior education in order to be qualified to sit for the B.A. degree; he should place himself under a tutor.-H. W. W., who inquires relative to the examination for ships' clerks in the Navy, is answered on the opposite page.-There is no work giving information on clerical duties in a Town Clerk's office; for the general duties of a shorthand-typist Municipal should obtain "Shorthand in the Office."-Answers to Monte Christo and a number of other correspondents shall appear next week.

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

THIRD CLASS OR ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATE, for thorough know.

ledge 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 25. 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 IS.

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.

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