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NOTICES.

Each Notice should be written on one side only of a separate piece of paper. Every Notice under the head of Correspondence must give full name and address.

Correspondents are requested to write their address clearly in ordinary longhand. If they wish to receive replies in Phonography, a star should be attached to the name; thus, John Smith.*

Notices of all kinds must reach Bath at least eleven days before the date of the Journal for which they are intended.

Every communication addressed to the Editor of this Journal must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer.

Exercises Corrected Gratis (enclose stamped and addressed envelope) by
Nunn T. Louis, c/o R. Lawson, esq., 273 Dewsbury rd., Leeds
Thomas I. W., Pensarn, Bryncrug, Towyn, R.S.O., Mer.

[12] [10]

Correspondence, etc. id. per line of ten words. Advertiser wishes to meet with phonographer, in Streatham or neighbourhood, for mutual speed practice. Mace, 11 Pathfield rd., Streatham, London, S.W. [10]

Advertiser (speed 120) wishes to meet advanced phonographer in neighbourhood for mutual improvement. Phono, 22 Plymouth pl., Leamington. Advertiser engaged in shipowner's and broker's business desires correspondence with others in similar capacity, view to mutual improvement and extension of knowledge. Address, James, c/o Mrs Gibson, 6 Cumberland st., Glasgow. [13] Gentleman desires correspondence with phonographers in Great Britain and abroad, in shorthand or longhand, on any subject. Would correct students' exercises. Arthur C. Hall, West Dean, Chichester.

A lady desires a shorthand correspondent for mutual benefit. Vivian Maxwell Macgregor, Lindenlea, St Mark's pl., Portobello, Edinburgh. Teacher of Shorthand (I.P.S. diploma) would exchange postal tuition with teacher of book-keeping (1st class Society of Arts, or equivalent). Address Phono, Summerhill, Oakengates, Salop.

Edward Clift, Geneva, begs his numerous correspondents not to write on the address side of post cards, the infraction of the rule costing 3d each time.

Pictorial post cards correspondence desired, English or foreign. Miss W. Clarke, 4 Kirkdale rd., Leytonstone, Essex.

Wilfrid and Mabel Miles, 62 Laurel rd., Leicester, desire to exchange post cards with all parts. Replies to all.

Pictorial post cards. Correspondence desired in longhand or shorthand. Replies to all. W. S. Belshaw, Tramways Co., Openshaw, Manchester. Any readers abroad sending me used postage stamps (older and higher value and greater variety the better, and as many duplicates as possible) will receive the same value in English stamps, pictorial post cards, or shorthand literature. Prompt replies (in longhand or shorthand) guaranteed. Arthur Gill, 50 Shrubbery st., Kidderminster, England.

Associations. id. per line of ten words.

Phonetic Shorthand Writers' Association (London District I.P.S.). The Arcadian Restaurant, 8 Queen st., Cheapside.-The principal Shorthand Association in the kingdom. Meetings held every Thursday evening from 7 to 10. Regular speed practice conducted at various rates by experienced phonographers. Lectures by well-known shorthand writers; discussions, etc. Speed examinations held periodically. Centre for Society of Arts shorthand examination and for Pitman's medal competitions. (Members sit at these examinations and at the I.P.S. Teachers' Exam. at reduced fees.) Shorthand library and other advantages. Fees, including speed practice, 10s 6d per annum or 38 per quarter. All phonographers (ladies or gentlemen) are eligible for membership. Prospectus, with full particulars, on application to Secretary, H. J. Cork, 2 Reedholm road, Stoke Newington, London, N. [14]

Typists' Section, I.P.S. (the N.U. of Typists is incorporated with this Section). Examinations for teachers and typists, lectures, demonstrations, discussions, employment bureau, advice on typewriting matters, etc. Annual subscription, 5s.; members of I.P.S., 3s 6d. Rules, Examination Syllabus, Forms of Application, etc., from the Hon. Sec., Geo. Colebourn, F.I.P.S., 50 Hillside rd., Stamford Hill, London, N. [17]

Evercirculators and Libraries. 1d. per line of ten words. An evercirculator is a manuscript phonographic magazine, consisting of articles written by the individual members, one member acting as conductor. The book passes round, and each round members contribute an article and remarks, or take part in the discussion. A leaflet containing further particulars forwarded from the Phonetic Institute, Bath, on receipt of id stamp. [x] Evercirculator paper in three varieties, of superior quality, five quires Is 6d; headings and title-pages, 3d per doz.; covers, cloth is., leather Is 6d. Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd. [x] New evercirculator. Advertiser desires to form one devoted to educational work, study, examinations, etc. Students of shorthand and other subjects invited to co-operate. W. H. Fenton, A.C.P., Grammar School, Southwell, Notts. (91 Phonographic students wishing to form evercirculator in Corresponding or Easy Reporting Style, for mutual improvement, essays, discussions, etc., please communicate with John McCann,* 22 Geoffrey st., C.-on-M., Manchester. No fees.

Select evercirculator. Established 1899. Members (either sex) wanted to complete list. Features:-Easy Reporting Style, articles, discussions, jokes, poetry, etc. Particulars, stamp. Edgar R. Northrop, Railsfield House, Bramley, Leeds.

The Gordon Shorthand Library circulates all the best magazines. Subscription, 6d per month, is 3d per quarter. Special section for supplying single magazines. A month's trial solicited. Particulars free. Conductor, A. T. Bean,* 1 Victoria rd., Stoke Newington, London, N.

The best Library is the Telegraph, established ten years, circulating all the magazines, including Australian magazine; quarterly subscription, 18. 3d.; always vacancies, particulars stamp. Conductor, f. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [21]

The 20th Century Commercial Library, over 160 books available for the use of members. Shorthand, typewriting, French, German, Spanish, and commercial books, together with copies of all English and foreign shorthand magazines. Subscription one penny per week. Splendid opportunity of studying large selections of works at a small cost. Full particulars for stamp. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S.E. [21] Phonographers residing in Great Britain and Ireland who are desirous of joining a library where they may rely on receiving all the magazines regularly every month, should send post card for particulars of the Gordon library before enrolling in any other. All the leading magazines circulated; subscription is 3d per quarter. A. T. Bean,* 1 Victoria rd., Stoke Newington, London, N.

Shorthand writers, desirous of improving their speed, should join the Kelvingrove Shorthand Circulating Library, circulating all the best magazines, Australian, etc. Terms, is 3d quarterly. For full particulars apply David Cook, 157 Kent rd., Glasgow, W. [15] Second-hand Books, Shorthand or Phonetic, for Sale, or Exchange, or Wanted, id. per line of ten words; Miscellaneous Books, 3d. per line. Wanted to exchange, unbound, Pitman's Shorthand Weeklies, 1900, 1901, 1902 (complete), for first six vols. of Hugo's French Journal; must be unbound. For sale, Phonetic Journals, 1900, 1901, 1902, unbound, complete, good condition, 3s 6d; buyer pays carriage. Francis G. Tate,* 27 Seymour pl., West Brompton, S.W.

For sale, Phonetic Journals, Jan. to Dec., 1902; good condition. E. C., 190 Finchley rd., London, N.W.

For sale, Pitman's Commercial Arithmetic and Key, new and clean, post-free is 9d. J. A. S., 5 Hambleton st., Wakefield.

Wanted, Pitman's Shorthand Dictionary, 20th Century Edition; will exchange or otherwise. Tippet, Skegness, Lincolnshire.

Wanted, Book of Common Prayer in Phonography, cheap, in good condition. E. A. Roby, 9 Riversdale rd., Highbury, London.

For sale, Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vols. 8 and 9, nicely bound; also Book-keeping Simplified. What offers ? Austin, 1 Albany villas, Leatherhead. [9] For sale, fountain pen, solid gold nib, cost ros 6d. What offers? Alec Luck, 6 Edith villas, Mortimer st., Herne Bay.

Wanted, 20th Century Instructor; Phonetic Journal, nos. 2 to 5, 16 and 47, vol. 61; Phonographer, nos. 1 and 2, vol. 7, and nos. 2 and 8, vol. 9. Steno,* 1 Victoria rd., Stoke Newington, London, N.

For sale, post-free, Phonetic Journal, vols. 60 and 61; Phonographer, vol. 8; Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vols. 2 to 5, 11 to 18, 19, 21 and 22; Business Correspondence in Shorthand and Key (1s 6d); 20th Century Shorthand Dictionary (4s); Degradation of Phonography (6d), and Lightning Business Phrases, both by Oliver McEwan; Pitman's Typewriter Manual (35); Remington Typewriter Manual (Is); fountain pen, nearly new, cost 10s, approval. What offers? 3s worth of assorted shorthand magazines, is, post-free. Steno,* 1 Victoria rd., Stoke Newington, London, N.

Wanted to exchange Pitman's Abridged Shorthand Dictionary, 2s 6d, unsoiled, for Robinson Crusoe or Vicar of Wakefield, or other books, written in the Corresponding Style. S. Tomes, 16 Hearne rd., Chiswick. Hamblin Smith's Elementary Algebra with Key, Is Id; Chambers's Book-keeping, 8d; Thornton's Book-keeping, 8d; Longman's Mathematics with Key, Is; Penmanship Charts, 9d; 12 second-hand Library Novels (not phonographic), 6d each; Reporters' Magazines, Shorthand Magazines, id each; all carriage forward. Wanted, reporting books, also fountain pen. Willcock, 536 Blackburn rd., Bolton.

Wanted, Pitman's Shorthand Dictionary, must be fairly good condition, cheap. Address, J. A., 78 Arlingford rd., Brixton, London, S.W.

For sale, vols. 10 to 18 Pitman's Weekly, splendid condition, bound, Is 9d each, or 13s 6d lot. Several other shorthand and commercial books for sale, cheap; list on application. D. Webster, 5 Albion st., Morley.'10] Bargains. Reporter, is id; Manual, rod; Keys, 3d; Phrase Book, 6d; gold fountain, 4s 3d; 5 quires evercirculator note-paper, 9d; Reporting Exercises, 3d; postage extra. Halmshaw, North st., Heckmondwike. Wanted, the first 12 nos. of the Connoisseur, must be first edition, unsoiled. A. T. Tansley, 25 Holland rd., Hove.

Wanted, cheap and in good condition, Pitman's Shorthand Dictionary, also Book of Common Prayer in shorthand. H. G. Hardcastle, Mulwith, Boro' Bridge.

Reading practice for the forthcoming examinations, etc., 6s. worth shorthand magazines, all different, post-free for is 6d, sent abroad to any part of the world for 2s money order. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S. E. [13]

For sale, Book of Common Prayer, is; Tom Brown's Schooldays, is; both in Pitman's Shorthand, equal new, the two is 9d, post-free. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [14]

TO SHORTHAND LEARNERS.-Students commencing the study of Pitman's Shorthand are recommended to obtain the "Phonographic Teacher," 6d.; "Key," 6d.; and "Progressive Studies," Is.; or "Pitman's Shorthand Instructor," 3s. 6d. These Books can be obtained of all Booksellers, or from the Publishers. Students desiring a teacher may be put in communication with one on sending a penny stamp to Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd., Phonetic Institute, Bath. SUBSCRIPTION RATES.-This Journal may be ordered through any Bookseller, Newsagent, or Railway Bookstall, or by post direct from the Publishers. The terms to all parts of the world are Is. 8d. per quarter; 38. 3d. per half year; or 6s. 6d. per year, payable in advance. Subscriptions may commence with any number. Monthly part, 5d., post-free 7d.; terms of subscription same as above.

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SHORTHAND AND GENERAL
KNOWLEDGE.

The late Thomas Allen Reed was fond of quoting a question once addressed to him by a business man who had had some unfortunate experiences with so-called shorthand clerks of the inefficient type. The unhappy employer inquired seriously whether shorthand tended to produce imbecility. The proper answer is obvious, but the story was used by Mr Reed to point a moral, and the moral is one that is needed as much to-day as it was in the most energetic days of the well-known phonographer. The amount of ignorance that exists in the world concerning things that everyone ought to know is colossal. In many of the circumstances of life it is possible to hide one's lack of knowledge, or, at all events, to avoid drawing special attention to it. But in the exercise of the arts of shorthand and typewriting, that concealment is impossible. We do not believe that, on the whole, shorthand writers and typists have less general knowledge than most other people: on the contrary, we are satisfied that the competent among them --and they are many-are rather better informed than most other people. But shorthand and typewriting infallibly reveal any lack of necessary knowledge. They afford a sort of perpetual examination: the phonographer and the typist in active work are always being tested. Therefore any errors that they make are

always being exposed. It is a common habit to attri bute those errors mainly or chiefly to shorthand. But that is a superficial view. The serious errors are nearly always due to a want of general knowledge.

"Bona

A striking illustration of this truth is furnished by the examiners' reports in connection with the Teachers' Examination conducted by the I.P.S. in January last. To take one of the tests only-that which consists of the candidate transcribing into longhand a passage presented to him in lithographed Phonography. This particular paper on the occasion in question dealt with certain of the characteristics of the Emperor Napoleon, an historic figure with whom and whose exploits every school-boy may reasonably be expected to be familiar. But the examination was not for school-boys. The candidates consisted exclusively of those who considered themselves qualified to instruct others. Yet one of them thought it correct to write Napolean. parte" came out as Buonoparte, Bonapart, Boneparte, Bounaparte, and even Bournaparte! Several candidates appear never to have heard of him by the familiar designation "the First Consul," for they describe him as the first council and the first counsel, while one candidate, with a streak of originality, dubs him “the first Consel "! "Corsican" one would have supposed to be a word sufficiently well-known to everybody who has heard of Napoleon yet three candidates transformed it variously into Carsican, Corscian, and Coruscean! The stupid prac tice of inventing words ought to be outgrown long before the desire to set up as a teacher impels a man to submit himself at such an examination. But the manner in which certain candidates dealt with the words "bureaucracy," "innovators," and "mediæ val" shows that a conviction of one's ability to teach may co-exist with an absolute incapacity to realize the folly of the practice referred to. It seems that "bureaucracy”—a word common enough in English newspapers-came out in the following extraordinary shapes:-beaurocracy, barocracy, beauracy, barocrassy, barcasy, bauchery, and burgeois! What the writers of some of these words can have imagined them to mean it is impossible to conceive. The inventiveness of candidates was even more conspicuous in the renderings of the word "innovators." Sundry transcripts gave this as innovaters, inovaters, innovaders, novitors, novitures, novaders, noventors, and novices. Did the candidates who wrote "novitors" and "noventors" ask themselves, we wonder, what those novel productions could possibly mean? Medivial, madevial, medeavial, medieaval, medieavol, and maedival, are hardly spellings with which a would-be teacher ought to be content. But there they were in papers deliberately handed in at the close of the examination! And they serve to drive home the old truth that you cannot accomplish good shorthand work, whether as a teacher or a writer, unless you possess a good sound general knowledge.

Secretaries of centres and intending candidates at the forthcoming examinations of the Society of Arts, should note that application forms must be posted not later than Tuesday, 3rd March.

No. 5 of Commercial Shorthand, lithographed by Mr Al. Munro-Peebles, Elgin, contains, in addition to business correspondence, three articles counted for speed practice. These furnish excellent variety in diction and vocabulary, as they deal respectively with The Position of Infant Traders,' "How to Establish and Conduct a S.W.A.," and "Dogs in Warfare."

The Journal of Education (Boston), a leading American authority on education, observes that "The Commercial High School of New York, Dr J. J. Shepard, principal, is attracting more widespread interest in the United States and Europe than any other public school ever established." The Isaac Pitman system is exclusively taught in this school, and also in the New York High School of Commerce and Girl's Technical High Schools (under the control of the Board of Education).

The "Letters from a Self-made Merchant to his Son," by Mr George Horace Lorimer, from which we gave some extracts a short time ago, have been issued by Messrs Methuen and Co., in the form of a volume published at 6s. This book is rightly described as a masterpiece of humour and sound sense. It purports to be a collection of letters written by J. Graham, head of a great Packing Company in Chicago, to his son Pierrepont, and it describes in a racy and interesting form the secrets of success in business and in life.

In connection with the Higher Commercial Education scheme of the London Chamber of Commerce (Incorporated), a course of five lectures on "The Stock Exchange and its Machinery," by Mr G. H. A. Branson, barrister-at-law, commenced on Monday last at the London Commercial Sale Rooms, 30 to 34 Mincing lane, London, E.C. These lectures have been specially arranged to meet the requirements of clerks and others concerned in Stock Exchange transactions. It may be noted that the course of lectures by Mr F. Templeman on Marine Insurance," which ended on 16th Feb., met with phenomenal success, and no less than 460 students enrolled their names.

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Ambidextrous shorthand writers do not seem to be quite so scarce as a recent contributor to our columns supposed. Mr G. M. Atkins, head of the Holloway branch of Clark's Civil Service and Commercial College, sends us specimens of the work of a student of fifteen in the boys' school connected with the branch, who can do good work with either hand, and is able to take down at the rate of 130 words a minute. It is interesting to note that while in longhand the left handed writing is practically an upright style, and that with the right hand slants in the usual way, the phonographic writing with the right and left hands respectively presents almost identical characteristics.

There is a large amount of helpful reading and much useful information in Business Life for March, in regard to the best method of preparation in order to make a successful start in commercial pursuits, with particulars of many openings available for ladies and gentlemen in positions of all kinds in which shorthand and typewriting skill are the chief subjects required. The opinions of a number of eminent men on "Commercial Education," including Lord Avebury, Sir Philip Magnus, Mr William Whiteley, Mr Kenric B. Murray, Dr W. Jacks, Mr A. A. Thomas, and Mr Sidney Webb are given by the Editor, and deserve to be widely read by all who are practically interested in commercial education, either as employers, teachers, or parents. In reply to several inquirers, we may add here that Business Life may be ordered through any newsagent, and that the price is one penny monthly.

Applications stating the number of candidates for the forthcoming examinations of the Midland Counties Union of Educational Institutions should be sent in on or before Ist March.

TYPEWRITING NOTES.

The Oliver Typewriter Company have issued a very attractive calendar for 1903.

When a ribbon begins to write faintly, don't try to get a deaser impression by banging the keys: turn the ribbon over. Even if banging the keys was the only way of postponing the purchase of a new ribbon, it would be false economy. Banging may make the ribbon last a few days longer, but it takes a good many days out of the life of the machine.

Modern Society for 2nd Feb. contained a protest to the views expressed in a previous issue by Narcissa in regard to women typists, and referred to in these notes last week. The protest is more sensible and truer to fact than the depreciatory criticism of Narcissa. The woman worker in the City is worthy of all respect and encouragement. The woman typist is a practical wage earner, and neither a doll, a slattern, or a milksop.

Mrs Crawford, Paris correspondent of the Daily News, gives the following advice to the woman who hopes to become a journalist :-"Learn typewriting. There is no better friend to the journalist and the eye-work printer than the typewriter, which is invaluable to those who have few opportunities to correct their proofs. More typewriters and fewer pianos! The noise at first is distressing, but one gets used to it."

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In the new North-German-Lloyd steamer, Kaiser Wilhelm II., arrangements have been made to open a special room for the use of business passengers who desire to dictate letters, or carry on commercial transactions. This special "salon de commerce will be fitted up with typewriters attached to various tables, and lady typists will be on the staff of the steamer. This is a step in the right direction, and shows an enlightened anticipation of the points urged in our article last week on "Atlantic Liners and Typewriters."

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According to Mr G. R. Sims's new venture, Men and Women, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle belongs to the straitest sect of conservatives as regards his methods of literary work. He has not been, we are assured, seduced by the melancholy voice of the typewriter, nor does he avail himself of that short-cut to the publisher's catalogue, the amanuensis." Melancholy voice "is distinctly good, and the description of the amanuensis as a "short-cut" is undoubtedly original. Every word of Sir Arthur's stories is, we are told, written by his own hand, so that his productions are literally a manuscript. His writing is described as consisting of small but very legible characters.

The Duke of Devonshire, speaking at Derby as chairman at the annual dinner of the County Dairy Farmers' Association, spoke of our educational system, and was inclined to criticise adversely the way in which educational money had been spent. The Duke complained that all the money had gone to keep up the supply of "efficient clerks, book-keepers and typewriters for the benefit of the manufacturing and commercial classes." He advocated greater attention to agricultural training. We heartily agree that, as far as the conditions of pure air and simple living are concerned, it would be eminently desirable for agricultural education to receive a greater share of attention and expenditure, but the question of livelihood still remains paramount. "Living on the land" does not seem in this day to be a very practical ideal, whereas living on shorthand and typewriting has proved wholly possible.

The printing of answers to questions put in the House of Commons for six months has cost £2,300, which works out at an average of 25s. per question. In addition to printing their replies, Ministers send typewritten copies of the answers direct to members concerned on the evening the question is asked.

An association has recently been started with the object of raising the standard of proficiency among shorthand writers and typists, discouraging underselling of services, securing a reasonable minimum of remuneration, and establishing an out-of-work fund. Miss S. Innes, 11 Dalmeny avenue, Camden road, London, N.W., is furnishing information on the subject.

OUR NEW YORK OFFICES.

As we have already notified, the offices of Isaac Pitman and Sons in New York, have been removed from the Decker Building, No. 33 Union square, to premises affording about three times the space previously occupied, situate in the far larger and finer new building of the Bank of the Metropolis at No. 31 Union square, adjoining No. 33 and forming the north-west corner of Broadway and Sixteenth street. An illustration of the new building is furnished below, and it may be explained that the Decker Building is the structure seen on the right side of the Bank of the Metropolis Building.

The frontage on Union square of the Bank of the Metropolis Building is 32 ft. 6 in., while along Sixteenth street there is a frontage of 175 ft. According to the Buildings Department of New York, this is the narrowest building for its height in the city, if not in the world. The building is sixteen stories high, of skeleton steel construction, absolutely fireproof, and provided with all modern improvements, including five rapid elevators, steam heat, electric light, mail chutes, telephone connections, express facilities, etc. The two-track tunnel of the rapid-transit line running through Union square passes the door of No. 31. This line will be opened in the autumn, and our new office is most favourably situated for the facilities it will offer.

SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING IN EDINBURGH.

BY OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.

The Editor of the People's Journal a short time since offered a prize of two guineas for the best paper on "The Shorthand Writer and Typist." The prize has been gained by Miss Ella J. M. Mangan, Edinburgh, and her paper occupied a column of the Journal named on 31st Jan. The writer displayed an excellent practical grasp of the whole situation, and gave some very sensible advice to those who aspire to become shorthand writers and typists. The points dealt with were the following:-The need of a sound elementary education to start with; the choice of a good shorthand and typewriting training school; the great necessity for absolute accuracy; the time usually required to obtain proficiency; the advantage of good handwriting; the half-trained girl; trustworthiness; and last, the salaries usually paid to competent typists. There was an absence of the extravagant statements which so often disfigure contributions on this subject, the whole being written in a thoroughly straightforward business-like fashion, which conveyed the idea to the reader that the writer of the article was furnishing her own experience.

Referring to the paper, the Editor of the People's Journal has the following paragraph in the same issue: "That it is not just so easy to succeed as a shorthand writer and typist as many girls imagine, is well shown by our two guinea prize paper this week, Girls who really mean to succeed should not be discouraged on this account, however, as there is plenty of room at the top, and the really well-qualified typist is a much-sought-after individual." Miss Mangan is a former pupil of McAdam's Commercial Training Institution, Edinburgh.

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An article with the title "How to Run a Women's Club," appeared in the Weekly Scotsman recently. The contribution is said to be "an object lesson for Scottish women," and was written by a London typist. The writer gave a very interesting account of the conception, inauguration, and conduct of the Enterprise Club. The article closed with the question "Why not in Scotland?" One might be inclined to answer:-"Because Scotland is not London." Enterprises which thrive and prosper in London would, most probably, be a distinct failure elsewhere. On another page of the same issue of the Weekly Scotsman, another correspondent related her experience of a Ladies' Club which was started in Edinburgh some years ago. The effort met with very small encouragement, and after struggling for a few years, died a natural death. The correspondent, who signs herself an ExMember, ought to know what she is writing about, and her experience might well be put in the balance with the opinion of the London lady typist. There can be no comparison, between, say, Edinburgh with its 300,000 inhabitants and London with its 5 million. In the Metropolis, where a large proportion of the workers are drawn from the provinces, there is a crying need for social amenities which may bring something like home life and friendliness to the lives of the workers, and there is, at the same time, the elements in which such an institution can grow. In Edinburgh, the girl typists for the most part are living in their own homes. Even if drawn from the country, it is not infrequent for them to be living with relatives or friends. The margin of cases which this description does not cover is indeed a small one, I feel certain. Even for this small number, however, some provision ought to be made, but whoever enters upon the work would find it difficult to achieve success. One thing essential would be that such a scheme should be founded on broad lines. To confine it to typists would be to doom it to certain failure.

REVIEWS.

Pitman's Shorthand Teacher's Hand-book. A Guide to the Art of Teaching Sir Isaac Pitman's System of Shorthand. Twentieth Century Edition. Crown 8vo, 120 pp., cloth, price is. 6d. Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., London, Bath and New York.

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In shorthand, as in most other subjects of instruction, there has been within the last ten years not only remarkable development but far-reaching changes in the conditions under which the larger amount of teaching is imparted. We refer, of course, to classes conducted under public educational bodies, but it is likewise a fact that great improvements in method and advances in efficiency have been made in the constantly growing facilities for shorthand tuition conducted under independent auspices, either in commercial training establishments or in secondary schools. These changes and developments furnish a sufficient reason for the production of a "Shorthand Teacher's Hand-book expressly written to cover the entire field of present day work in shorthand teaching, but two other considerations may be adduced in order to indicate that the work makes its appearance at an especially opportune time. The first of these is that the new Board of Education is now in full working order in England, and we know exactly on what lines shorthand teaching will be conducted by the local Education Committees which will very shortly enter on the duties conferred on them by Parliament. The second consideration is that before the autumn season commences all Sir Isaac Pitman's shorthand instruction books will be issued in Twentieth Century Editions. The new " Hand-book is, accordingly, designed to afford guidance to teachers in accordance with the new official regulations, and at the same time points out to them how the best use may be made of the Twentieth Century text-books. The "Hand-book" is, of course, by no means limited to information on evening school teaching; on the contrary, as we have already hinted, every kind of teaching secures attention, and the work is one of universal value and importance. The courses of lessons on the leading instruction books are not simply brief indications of the portions of the work which should be studied, but embody suggestive hints sufficient, in many instances, for expansion into a lesson or lecture. The "Notes of Lessons,' and chapter "Of Things the Teacher should Remember," embody much valuable experience. As an appendix the most comprehensive information is published regarding Examination Requirements," and under this heading the fullest particulars which have ever appeared in print are given regarding Civil Service requirements relative to shorthand. A further very useful function which the "Hand-book" will serve is that of a text-book for candidates for the various teachers' examinations. In order that the teacher may make the work especially his own, pages of ruled paper are supplied at the end of the " Hand-book" for MS. notes.

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The "Touch" Typewriting Manual, specially designed for use in Commercial Schools, Evening Classes, and for Self-Instruction, by Joseph T. Warren, Examiner to National Union of Typists, etc. Demy 8vo, 99 pp., quarter cloth, price is. 6d. Messrs G. Bell and Sons, York street, Covent garden, London, W.C.

Since we first introduced and explained what is termed the "touch" system of typewriting to teachers and students ten years ago, a good many manuals have been put forth inculcating the system, which appears to be finding growing favour with teachers. The latest addition to works of this class, "The Touch' Typewriting Manual," is by Mr J. T. Warren, a well-known instructor in the art in the North of England. His book is of a practical and useful character, and is designed for students using either the single key-board of the Remington or the double key-board of the Yost. Opening with some helpful general instructions on typewriting, the author proceeds to give a very full series of graded exercises, commencing with groups of three or four letters, and followed by an exercise for the left hand and

exercise for the right hand, exercises with double letters, and general exercises of a very varied character, in which commercial matter is well represented. Examples are furnished of letters in typewriter type, and there are facsimile rough drafts of business letters, to be reproduced in proper typewritten form. Completeness is given to the instruction by the introduction of facsimile key-boards for the Remington and Yost, marked for the four-finger method. A number of recent examination papers are reproduced at the end of the book. Mr Warren's work will prove very helpful to all who are mastering the art of typewriting.

THE VALUE OF SPECIAL TRAINING.

The Rev. Dr Price, the principal of Bexley College, Handsworth, is, we learn, not a lover of things or methods simply because they are old. He quite agrees with the Chambers of Commerce throughout the country who are emphatically denouncing the old world system of training for boys who have to fight the hard "battle of life" and earn their bread by trade to-day. Pinnock's Catechism, Goldsmith's England, and a little Latin and less arithmetic did for our grandfathers, but they fail utterly now. The Germans and Americans are giving their sons a special business training in their schools, and they are making this felt in the world's markets. Facts cannot be ignored. Education like machinery must be up-to-date and the best obtainable. It is simply cruel to send a boy to a school in which old methods survive and in which teachers drone out instruction to a crowd of pupils. Expert teaching, individual care, and only limited numbers are essential if boys are to go to business with a chance of success. Parents should watch the writing, test the spelling, see that daily instruction is given in commercial arithmetic, commercial geography, and letter writing. The boy's future depends very largely on his school. If the school is antiquated and the boy's precious time is being trifled away, he cannot too soon be removed. A smattering of the dead languages, and a neglect of those subjects absolutely necessary in business, mean that the pupil must begin his commercial education when he leaves school. Many a bright and promising lad has been discouraged and ruined because he has had to begin life with an education that has given him the last place in the fierce struggle. Book-keeping, shorthand, and a knowledge of business forms should be included in the education of every boy in a commercial country like England. If one is incapable, another immediately takes his place. The infinite importance then of selecting a teacher able and anxious to qualify his pupils for any position in life in which a good education is essential to success is apparent; and who can estimate the value and the importance of special fitness, if success is to be reached by the pupil in his future business career.

INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

SHEFFIELD.

The usual quarterly meeting in connection with the Sheffield District was held at the Vegetarian Restaurant, Compo lane, Sheffield, on 7th Feb. After tea, the chair was taken by the President (Mr G. Dawson), who extended a hearty welcome to new members. Mr S. Whiteley made special reference to the forthcoming annual Conference to be held in Sheffield, and reminded the district members of things which should be done in order to ensure a successful gathering. Miss B. M. Jenkinson, F.Inc.S.T., of Swinton, gave an admirable paper on Criticism

as an aid to Efficiency." Discussion was opened by Mr E. E. Brock (Doncaster), and was continued by Messrs Whiteley, Toplis, Davis, Summerfield, Frost, Dawson and Wood. A discussion took place regarding the April speed examination, and it was resolved that the General Executive be asked to alter the date to 27th March, in order to permit of students required to sit at the School Board examination on 2nd April, presenting themselves.

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