NORTHERN TRADE PROTECTION SOCIETY, LTD. Gentlemen,-We are obliged by yours of yesterday's date, and await your further advice, as intimated. We note the results of your investigations in the | matter of trade marks, and with regard to the registrations | in 1887 to which you refer, we find that those were conducted by a former secretary to our | company who is not now with us, and we are | at a loss to understand why registrations should have been | secured by him in the piece goods class if our | interests are really sufficiently protected for the mark in question (1) in the woollen goods class. There may, of course, have been special reasons for this, as, for instance, the registration | in the woollen goods class in the case of piece goods partly manufactured from cotton and partly from wool, but where the predominating element is cotton. however, unable to understand how the measure of the predominating material is determined, whether by value or by weight, and think it is just possible that the registration was obtained so that our rights would be fully protected, and so that we might be on the safe side. Unfortunately, none of the (2) documents appear to have been preserved. Perhaps you will be good enough to consider the subject further in regard to this question of the accurate classification of any of our manufactures which are of this doubtful character in respect of registration, and fully advise us in due course. Yours faithfully, (250)

We are,

LEGAL TERMS, PHRASES, AND
ABBREVIATIONS

FOR TYPISTS, AND SHORTHAND AND OTHER

JUNIOR CLERKS.

BY THE AUTHOR OF "ELEMENTARY LAW FOR
SHORTHAND CLERKS AND TYPISTS."

I. TERMS USED IN CONVEYANCING (CONTINUED). Supplemental Deed.-This is one of the terms introduced into modern conveyancing by the Conveyancing and Law of Property Act, 1881. Section 53, Sub-Section I of that Act provides that "a deed expressed to be supplemental to a previous deed, or directed to be read as an annex thereto, shall as far as may be, be read and have effect as if the deed so expressed or directed were made by way of endorsement on the previous deed, or contained a full recital thereof.'

"

To understand the full meaning of this section it is necessary to compare an endorsed deed with an ordinary unendorsed deed. The endorsed deed is very short as a rule, and it is so because the deed on the back of which it is written is there to speak for itself. Nothing that is in that deed need be set out again in the endorsed deed, whereas if the deed were not by endorsement it could not, in most cases, be made complete in itself or intelligible without recitals of various kinds. An endorsed deed and the deed on which it is endorsed must be read together.

The object of the section set out above was to extend this advantage to other deeds not endorsed, and the practice has been extensively followed in late years of using supplemental deeds wherever possible. There is this possible disadvantage about the practice, that if the first deed should get lost, the supplemental deed is imperfect, because it is not entirely self-explanatory. To obviate this danger many firms have the successive deeds engrossed on parchment or paper of the same shape and size and stitch them together. In some cases a number of deeds are bound together to make a volume. A junior clerk who is given the draft of a supplemental deed for engrossment should, therefore, be careful to inquire the size and shape of the parchment or paper on which the engrossment is to be made.

In order that a deed may be supplemental it must be clearly expressed to be so. This is usually done by a statement immediately following the description of the partiessometimes by a recital. The important thing is to state that it is "supplemental to an indenture dated, etc. made between etc., being a conveyance of the hereditaments hereinafter described," or whatever may be the nature of the deed. The deed so referred to is styled "the principal indenture."

Voluntary Conveyance -A voluntary conveyance is any deed by which an owner of property makes that property over to some other person or persons when there is no valuable consideration for his doing so. Therefore a convey

ance on a sale, the seller receiving from the purchaser the agreed amount of the purchase money, or some equivalent which may take the form of a covenant to do certain things, is not a voluntary conveyance, there being a valuable consideration; and a marriage settlement is not a voluntary conveyance, marriage being a valuable considerationthough where it can be shown that the marriage and the settlement were both deliberately entered into for the purpose of defrauding creditors, the settlement may be liable to be set aside in the same manner as if it were a voluntary conveyance. The usual form that a voluntary conveyance takes is that of a deed of gift, the conveying party making over to his wife (after marriage), or to his children, or to some other relative, the whole or part of his property. In these instances there is no valuable consideration for the deed the person making the gift receives nothing in return either in money or in money's worth.

Obviously such documents could be used very extensively for the purposes of defrauding a man's legitimate creditors,

The law has, therefore, always looked upon them with great suspicion, but it has never gone the length of prohibiting them, and rights have grown up in third parties who have purchased from the grantees of voluntary conveyances, or become entitled in other ways under them. Subject to the provisions of the various statutes concerned, a voluntary conveyance does pass the property described in it from one person to another. Until very recent years, however, the law on the subject was very anomalous. An old statute passed in the reign of Queen Elizabeth remains in force-13 Elizabeth, Chap. 5-under which conveyances made for the purpose of defrauding creditors are void as against them, unless made for good consideration and bona fide to a person who did not at the time of the transaction have notice of the fraud. Later in the same reign another important Act was placed on the statute book which has never been repealed. By virtue of this Act-27 Elizabeth, Chapter 4— voluntary conveyances of any estate in lands or other hereditaments-including conveyances containing a clause enabling the conveying party to revoke them at will, were made void as against subsequent purchasers for money or other valuable consideration. This meant that a man who had made a voluntary conveyance of certain property in favour of some other person or persons, could afterwards defeat his own

The fourteenth District Conference will be held at the Technical School, Henley street, Stratford-on-Avon, on Saturday, 25th April. The conference will be of a social character throughout. The members of the Stratford S.W.A. have kindly offered to conduct the phonographers of the District round the sights of Stratford during the afternoon, and the various contingents will return to the Technical School for tea (Is. each) at 5 p.m. prompt. At 6 p.m. the President of the Stratford S. W. A., Miss Marie Corelli, will receive the conference at her residence, Mason Croft. At 7 p.m. a District Conference will be held at the Technical School, at which the annual election of officers for the Midland District will take place. A short musical evening, kindly arranged by the Stratford S.W.A., will complete the proceedings. Further information will be gladly given by the District Secretary, Mr J. Ramsden, jun., Haldon house, Waterloo road North, Wolverhampton.

same property to a purchaser and receiving a valuable consideration for it. İt mattered not that the purchaser might be aware of the previous voluntary conveyance: his title would prevail against everybody claiming under the voluntary

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF S.W.A's.

WEST LANCASHIRE DISTRICT CONFERENCE. On the invitation of the Wigan and District S.W.A., a conference in connection with the West Lancashire District of the National Federation of S. W.A's. was held in Wigan on 21st March. Over thirty delegates and members representing associations in the West Lancashire district were present, and were received at the Old Council Chamber, Rodney street. Afterwards a visit to the New Mining and Technical College was paid, and they were shown over the building by Mr Steele. On assembling at the Old Council Chamber, Mr E. S. Murch, of Liverpool, presided, and at the outset expressed his pleasure at being present at the first conference under the auspices of the Federation which had been held in Wigan. The Wigan association appeared to him to be a very active organization, and they could only hope that it was the forerunner of good work in the interest of the Federation. In Mr Haydock they had a very excellent officer, who rendered all the assistance in his power, and it was a tribute to the Wigan association that they had been able to gather. together in such large numbers that evening.

The election of officers was then proceeded with. Mr Murch was re-elected chairman, and also representative on the Executive of the Federation. Mr Haydock (Wigan) was re-elected secretary. Mr Haydock, in accepting office for another year, pointed out that these conferences were great aids towards the attainment of what the Federation was really formed for-to bring into closer connection people who were interested in regard to Phonography, and the furthering of members' education generally.

Mr R. B. Harrison, A.C. P., head master of the Central Schools, Ince, read a paper on "Education of To-day, and its Relationship to Commercial Enterprise." Mr Harrison showed the connection of education with our maintenance or otherwise of industrial supremacy. We must see to it that those who directed and controlled our great industries received a thoroughly good technical education, for we could not reasonably hope to compete with our commercial rivals unless our industries had at their head men trained in their business-men who knew full well the conditions of success, and who understood the business right through. Our schools and institutions must be armed with weapons at least equal to our commercial rivals-our children and youths trained to observe and think-we must have separate schools for separate industries-and all our boys and girls must be entitled to as much education as their powers and faculties would permit,

TEACHER'S DIPLOMA EXAMINATION.

The next examination for the shorthand teacher's diploma will be held on Saturday, 25th July, in London, and all such provincial centres as may be required. Full particulars of these examinations may be obtained on application to the Secretary to the Examining Board, Mr H. W. Harris, 100 Mattison road, Harringay, London, N. Sets of examination papers given at previous examinations may also be had from the Secretary to the Board, price 6d. each set. These papers are calculated to give intending candidates an excellent idea of the general scope of the written part of the examination.

LONDON.

At the Arcadian in Queen street, a number of members and others sat for the Society of Arts examination in shorthand (Grade II.) on Thursday, 2nd April, and in the other rooms occupied by the District, the ordinary speed practice took place. The annual meeting of the District will be held on 30th April, and all members are particularly requested to attend.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The Editor will be greatly obliged by receiving marked copies of any local journals that contain paragraphs or comments on subjects likely to be of interest to the readers of this Journal.

In connection with the East London S.W.A, Red House, 119 Commercial road, E., on 20th March, a lecture was delivered by Mr T. Bayes on "Phrenology in Relation to Phonography." A discussion followed the lecture, in which Messrs H. Stewart, F.I.P S. (chairman), Yorke, Steward, Walker, and others took part. East London phonographers are invited to the lectures, which are given fortnightly. Speed practice every Friday at different rates by experienced readers. The Secretary, Mr R. S. Walker, 12 Ewing st., Burdett road, Bow, E., will be pleased to furnish particulars to inquirers.

At the weekly meeting of the Dublin Shorthand and Literary Association held on 4th March, in their rooms, 4 Lower O'Connell street (Waverley Restaurant), Mr Isaac Molloy. M.A., solicitor, delivered an interesting lecture illustrated by limelight views, entitled From Cairo to Capetown." Mr A. E. O'Neill operated the lantern. The President (Mr P. J. McIvor) delivered an erudite lecture on "Education" at the meeting held on the 11th March, Dr E. Magennis, J. P., D.P.H., presiding. On the 18th March, an animated debate took place entitled "That the Irish language revival movement is worthy of our support." Mr A, Gerrard opened on the affirmative side, and was replied to by Mr J. McElroy on the negative. The other speakers on the affirmative were

Messrs Gallagher, O'Neill, O'Malley, and McMenamin, and on the negative Mr Hanway. The Chairman having summed up, the question was put to the meeting and decided in the affirmative by a large majority.

The second annual meeting of the Accrington and District S.W.A. (federated) was held in the Mechanics' Institution on 20th March. Mr Constantine, who presided, after a brief retrospect called upon the Secretary to read the annual report, which proved to be highly favourable. The Treasurer (Mr Whittaker) submitted the statement of accounts showing a small balance in hand. After much discussion it was decided to continue the meetings during the summer months, and the arrangements were left in the hands of the officers elected, viz :-President, Mr R I. Constantine; Vice-Presidents, Messrs A. Hallam, R. Lancaster, G. Eddie, W. Blundell; Treasurer, Mr T. Whittaker; Secretary, Mr H. Hindle; Assistant Secretary, Mr A. Robinson; Committee, Messrs J. Tasker, F. Holland, W. H Seed, W. Edwards, and J. H. Rushworth; Auditor, Mr R. Grisdale.

Good work is being done in shorthand teaching in the day and evening classes at the National Schools, Bramley, Leeds (Mr R. Gawthorp, head master). About thirty students sat recently for Pitman's Second-class (Theory) certificate.

The annual meeting of the students attending the commercial classes in Oakshaw Advanced Evening School, Paisley, at which the presentation of prizes and certificates took place, was held recently in the school. Mr R. Macfee, convener of the Board's Continuation Classes Committee, took the chair, and announced that there were 721 students on the roll, an increase of 151 on the previous year. The enrolments for commercial subjects showed more fluctuations than formerly, indicating perhaps the prevailing taste of the students. Typewriting, which was only added last year, had increased from 17 to 33. There were now six up-to-date machines in the school, and these were constantly in use for three, and sometimes four, nights a week. It was worthy of note also that the students in this class obtained this year more than a knowledge of type writing: they were also instructed in the general rules of business procedure, and the class, therefore, formed an excellent supplement to the book-keeping class. Shorthand had increased from 158 to 195, and book-keeping from 225 to 239. These two important subjects seemed the most popular in the school, and had increased year by year since the school was formed. Rather more than one-fourth of the whole commercial students were ladies. This was a significant fact. It showed that with increasing numbers ladies were silently and steadily educating themselves into walks of life that not long ago were unknown to them. Through the in trumentality of their head master, Mr Brown, who was continually planning what was best for the school, a handsome sum of money was obtained from a Paisley gentleman, which had enabled them to distribute a large number of book prizes, the prizes being given on the results of class examinations. Mr A. Macfarlane and Mr J. Taylor delivered encouraging addresses, and congratulated the School Board, the staff, and the pupils on the success of the classes. Diplomas, certificate, and prizes were then awarded.

The closing meeting of the present session of the Sunderland Shorthand and Literary Society (federated) was held at Coronation Chambers, on 25th March, Mr J. Campbell presiding. The general and financial reports were presented and passed. After paying all expenses, there was a small balance in hand. Votes of thanks were moved to Miss Ewart, who had so ably and energetically acted as secretary, and to the Press for giving notices of the meetings. The session had been a most successful one in every way.

The annual social in connection with the Sunderland Commercial S.W.A. (federated) was held on 25th March in the Co-operative Caté, Green street. Mr O. C. Wilmot (ViceChairman of the Association) presided over a large gathering

of members, past and present. Mr Wilmot observed that they had met that night, not only as a re-union of past students and members, but to show their appreciation of one who had devoted a great deal of energy and valuable time to the advancement of phonographic work generally, namely, Mr George E. Pearson. He gave a brief resumé of Mr Pearson's phonographic career from the time of his first lesson in the art, in January, 1889, until in 1901 (at the third attempt) he had the honour of possessing the "blue ribbon" of the shorthand world, the silver medal and certificate for 200 words per minute. They had decided to recognise the great help afforded by Mr Pearson to the Association, and the good feeling which existed between the members and that geutleman, by making him a presentation as a mark of esteem. He then called upon Mr Christal, the senior member of the S.W.A, who after a short congratulatory speech made the presentation, which took the form of a marble clock and pair of bronzes, together with a purse of gold. Mr G. W. Muir (North District Secretary of the National Federation of S.W.A's.), Mr F. Millican (Lecture Secretary of the Federation), and Mr T. Douglas (Sunderland) also spoke in eulogistic terms of Mr Pearson's abilities and good fellowship. Mr Pearson, who had a very enthusiastic reception, briefly responded on behalf of his wife and himself, and thanked them most heartily for the magnificent present Among those who contributed to the program of music, etc., were Miss Moore, Messrs J. Cowey, W. Wilmot, Master Best, J. Dobinson, and T. Douglas. A special word of praise is due to Miss Ord, who acted as Secretary of the Presentation Committee.

The annual meeting of the Liverpool S. W.A. (federated) was held at the Y.M.C.A, Mount Pleasant, on 30th March, Mr H. E. Blain presiding over a good attendance of members. The eighteenth annual report for the session 1902-3 was read and unanimously approved. It recorded the session as being one of the most successful in the history of the Association, the membership having increased to 75, and the average attendance on practice nights being over 30. The literary program had also been highly appreciated, a fact proved by the good attendance at the meetings, which averaged over 50. The Hon. Treasurer's statement of accounts was adopted, and showed a surplus on the year's working. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to the President, Mr Blain, to whose energy and activity in the interests of the Association much of its success was due, and the services of the other officers, as well as the conductors of reporting practice, also merited the encomiums passed. Special mention should be made of the long and faithful services of the Hon. Secretary, Mr John Graham, who did not seek re-election in consequence of other engagements. The following officers were elected for the ensuing year :-President, Mr H. E. Blain; VicePresident, Mr E. S. Murch; Hon. Secretary, Mr D. Beeby; and Hon. Treasurer, Mr A. E. Davies.

The needle manufacturing industry covers an area of about ten miles, of which the town of Redditch is an important centre, but the neighbouring villages of Astwood Bank, Studley, and Feckenham also form branches of the same industry. Mr H. Woodward, of Astwood Bank, the pioneer of Phonography in the needle district, has terminated another very successful winter session of classes, held at Astwood Bank, Studley, and Feckenham, under the Worcestershire and Warwickshire County Councils and Board of Education. The class at Astwood Bank admitted 49 pupils, and the average attendance was over 40 per lesson. At Studley the number of students was 33, and the average attendance 25, and at Feckenham 20, and the average attendance 18. Examination results were very satisfactory, and keen interest has been taken in the work at each of the classes. The managers of the schools at each class attended the closing meeting and complimented Mr Woodward and his assistant teachers upon the results attained, and pointed out to the students the importance in commercial life of a knowledge of Phonography.

At the weekly meeting of the Leicester and District S. W. A. (federated) held on 24th March, a paper was read by the secretary (Mr Eyre) entitled, "Three Great Novels and How to Read Them." The paper was written by Mr A. W. Paton, F.I.P.S., and gave the writer's thoughts about "David Copperfield," "John Halifax, Gentleman," and The Little Minister." Particulars of the association will be supplied to anyone making application to the secretary, Mr A. T. Eyre, 9 Ridley street, Leicester.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Teachers of Phonography and Secretaries of Shorthand Writers' Associations are invited to send us Announcements of Classes, Meetings, Lectures, Discussions, etc., for this column. Announcements are inserted free of charge.

BURNLEY. MITRE STREET SCHOOL.-A shorthand class is now being formed in the above school, for beginners, advanced theory, and speed students, by Mr Ernest Brooks. Every facility for the acquirement of speed. Terms and full particulars may be had on application at the school, or from the Principal, 91 Nairne street, Barnley.

CLECKHEATON.-Mr J. H. Bentley, F.Inc. S.T., Whitfield street, Cleckheaton, will continue to give lessons in shorthand and typewriting during the summer months, on Wednesday evenings from 6 30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. Intending pupils should apply for particulars of terms at the above address. One of Mr Bentley's pupils has recently obtained the I.S.S.T. speed certificate for 60 words per minute (with distinction) and five have obtained Pitman's Elementary Certificate.

LEICESTER.-Mr A. T. Eyre, 9 Ridley street, Leicester, diplomated teacher, etc., has vacancies for private pupils during the summer months Terms and particulars on application.

LIVERPOOL. NORTH Y.M.C.A., Foley street, Kirkdale.-As usual, shorthand classes in all stages will be held at this institution during the summer months. The session opened on Tuesday, 14th April, and will continue to the end of September. There will be a speed examination in June under the direction of the Incorporated Society of Shorthand Teachers. Fees for the term-Members of the Y.M.C A. and students of the past session's classes, 5s.; non-members, 10s. 6d. Teacher, Mr C. Thomas, F.Inc.Š.T.

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.

JOURNALISTIC OR SHORTHAND QUALIFICATION.-X. Y. Z., who is a solicitor's clerk, also a local correspondent for daily and weekly newspapers (and, we presume, a phonographer, although he does not say so), is desirous of becoming a member of some shorthand or journalistic body.-Our correspondent might become a member of the Incorporated Phonographic Society (he could obtain particulars from the General Secretary, Mr H. W. Harris, 100 Mattison road, Harringay, London, N.), or an associate of the Institute of Journalists, (particulars of which may be had from the Secretary, Mr H S. Cornish, Institute Building, Tudor street, Blackfriars, London, E.C.). He should be able to form his own opinion as to the particular society which would prove of most value to him.

TOUCH TYPEWRITING.-In answer to W. McL, we do not know of any general manual of typewriting in which the "touch system is explained as applied to the special key-board mentioned. Our correspondent should write to the manufacturers.

TYPEWRITING TABULAR AND DISPLAY WORK.-J. B. would do well to obtain "Pitman's Typewriter Manual" (price 3s.) and work through the annotated exercises. As the majority of these

are facsimiles of actual work, she will find them most helpful as a standard for self-improvement in typewriting.

TYPIST'S AVErage Speed.-E. D. will find that it is stated in "Pitman's Typewriter Manual" that the lowest limit of efficiency should be placed at from 30 to 35 words a minute in copying, and from 40 to 50 words a minute in writing original matter.

INCOME TAX RETURNS.-If our correspondent R. J. G. will refer to the form of return provided by the Income Tax Commissioners, he will find the items to which he alludes, estimated loss by doubtful debts, and depreciation of lease, are dealt with in our examination paper, No. 51, in accordance with the present practice.

"BOOK-KEEPINg Simplified," Exercise VIII.-Inquirer is informed that there are such things as unrealizable assets,"

and to this category the balance of the "Preliminary Expenses Account" in this Exercise belongs.

DEPARTMENTAL ACCOUNTS.-Interested will find that the method of apportioning such items as rent, interest on capital, etc., among the departments of a business is not always the same. A good way is to make it somewhat apportionate to the turnover of the departments respectively.

STUDY OF BOOK-KEEPING.-Bovril will find Pitman's "Bookkeeping Simplified" suitable for his purpose, but he would do well to obtain some instruction in the art. The Postal Department of Pitman's Metropolitan School would meet his needs. We have sent him a prospectus.

FINITE DIFFERENCES.-The accepted text-book upon the "calculation of finite differences" is Poole's. This, however, is, we believe, out of print. There is a chapter on the subject in Hall and Knight's Higher Algebra," and this will probably suffice for A. Č. J. S's. purpose.

LONDON SCHOOL BOARD CLERKSHIPS.-Edu asks for some particulars of the examination for London School Board clerkships, whether a nomination is required and where previous papers may be obtained.-On 28th March (page 247), we gave a full description of this examination, and if Edu will procure the regulations from the Secretary, whose address is quoted, he will obtain what further information he requires. No nomination is necessary, and the papers are probably published by Messrs P. S. King and Co.

INSPECTORS Of Weights and MEASURES.-Bluepits asks us seven questions on the subject of inspectors of weights and measures, beginning with "What are the duties of an inspector of weights and measures?" The reply is, almost too obviously for words, "to inspect weights and measures,'' and, further, we last week answered almost all his questions in reply to another correspondent, to which he should refer. We strongly advise Bluepits to improve himself, especially in English.

MALE SORTERS (18-21) AND SORTER TELEGRAPHISTS (16-18). -W. E. J. inquires for the date of the next male sorters' and the next sorter telegraphists' examination, and the pay and nature of the competition of the latter.-There may or may not be male sorters examinations in the future, but as soon as either examination is announced we shall publish the details. Particulars of the competition for sorter-telegraphist learner were published on 14th March (page 203), and the pay is from 8s. a week while learning, to a maximum of £160 per annum. Use "Pitman's Commercial Geography," and see Journal for 14th Feb. (page 128) for description of last examination.

DOCKYARD WRITERS.-C. E. asks how he can become a dockyard writer.-Unless he is a "hired writer" in a dockyard he cannot do so, and hired writers appear to be appointed by the superintendents of the various dockyards. He can only obtain the information he seeks by personal inquiry at a dockyard.

RAILWAY CLEARING HOUSE.-Inquirer asks us what is the maximum salary of a clerk in the Railway Clearing House.-The average clerk will probably not go beyond £150 a year.

SECOND CLASS CLERKSHIPS OFFICE OF WOODS.-L. T. asks for the requirements and age limits for the post of clerk H.M. Office of Woods (age 19-23). All candidates must have served

for three years as clerks in solicitors' offices. Obligatory subjects: handwriting; orthography; arithmetic (vulgar and decimal fractions); English composition; précis; digesting returns into summaries; law of real property, especially landlord and tenant; knowledge of conveyancing. Optional subjects: Translation Latin into English; geography (British Isles); History of England.

OFFICE OF WOODS EXAMINATION.-Cymro writes to know where he can obtain the papers set at the last Office of Woods examination. All previous Civil Service examination papers, which have been published and are not out of print, can be obtained from Eyre and Spottiswoode (through any bookseller). Cymro's handwriting, about which he inquires, is the legal style, which lacks proper loops and abounds in flourishes. It can be easily adapted to Civil Service style.

BOY CLERKSHIPS.-J. S. O. wishes us to inform him how much French is necessary for this examination, and what period of history is prescribed.-The French is only translation from French into English, but the average school French is worse than useless for any competitive examination, and the history is general, no special period being prescribed. As explained in the Journal of 7th Feb. (page 117), J. S. O. may select any two optional subjects out of six, and he should get different sets of examination papers and decide what subjects will suit him best.

APPOINTMENTS UNDER LONDON, ETC. BOROUGH COUNCILS AND CITY OF LONDON CLERICAL STAFF.-Provincial asks in what papers these appointments are generally advertised and whether nominations are necessary.-Vacancies under many of the London Borough Councils are sometimes advertised in the local papers and in Lloyd's and other weeklies, and in the Municipal Journal. City vacancies are as a rule notified in the City Press and the Citizen. Whether advertised or not, they are filled by the Councillors (usually the General Purposes Committee), and they seldom select for interview any but local men. Failing local men, however, candidates from other County Council offices would certainly be selected rather than candidates of no previous experience. The London County Council has, of course, a well organized scheme of examination-the only fair method of selection.

LIBEL.-W. H. H. asks nine questions which could only be answered fully in a tolerably long article on the law of libel. He must pardon us if we give him merely a general reply. Any written or printed statement which tends to injure the credit of another person, to damage his business, to render him ridiculous or contemptible in the eyes of others, or to make them regard him as unfit to be trusted or to be associated with, is libellous, even though it be true. Such a statement made by the actual writer of a letter addressed to the person whose character is "defamed," is not actionable. You are entitled to give a man "a piece of your mind." If the statement be "published "that is to say, communicated to a third person-it becomes actionable, unless the occasion is a privileged one. As to what is a privileged occasion there have been a multitude of decisions. Generally speaking, where the communication is made honestly and fairly, and without malice or exaggeration, to some person entitled to be supplied with the information, it is privileged. Thus, if a tailor whom I have employed has made clothes so badly that I am unable to wear them, and I am asked by an intending customer of the same tailor whether I have found him to be a competent man, and, in reply, I state the facts, the occasion is privileged. But if I issue a circular setting out the same facts, and send it to others who have not asked me for the information as a guidance to themselves, the communication is not privileged. Sending such a circular would be proof of a desire on my part to injure the tailor.

SOLICITOR'S PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION — M.N.U.T. — In reply to G. H., we do not know what is the lowest percentage of marks allowed by the examiners for a pass in the Preliminary Law examination.-The letters, "M.N.U.T.," mean "Member of the National Union of Teachers." They have also been used to signify "Member of the National Union of Typists," but as that Society is now merged in the I.P.S, the letters no longer bear that meaning.

LIGHTNING CALCULATOR.-Hotspur's inquiry has elicited another reply given below, though we are not sure whether it is what our correspondent requires. J. A. T. writes: "The Lightning series of Index of Discounts, etc., are published by Eason and Son, Ltd., Middle Abbey street, Dublin."

HANDWRITING.-With further practice, under a master if possible, J. H. might convert his writing into a good business style. -C. J. W. should obtain lessons, but if unable to do so, would do well to use the copy book recommended below.-B. R's. handwriting is unsuitable for the Civil Service; only a course of training could improve it.-D. J. D. would find a good model to which he could adapt his handwriting in the copy book named below. The subjects he mentions are the most useful that he could study.-The handwriting of G. H. is very well suited for a typewriting office, and for business generally.-W. C. L., R. E. G., Malcolm, J. D., W. Y. S., Colonel, and Anxious might greatly improve their handwriting by the use of Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series copy book, No. 19.-J. S. B. writes a satisfactory hand, but should avoid flourishes.-G. C. should write small m and n differently; at present they may be mis-read for u, etc. He might use the copy book mentioned above with advantage.

MISCELLANEOUS.-In reply to Phix, we believe that the Merritt typewriter was originally introduced in this country about 1890; for further information respecting it he should consult the catalogue and list of Taylor's Typewriter Co., Limited, 74 Chancery lane, London, W.C.-D. M. C. will find on the next page the announcements of conductors of evercirculators inviting members to join. He should write to those which seem to be suitable -If Bishop would sit at the I.P.S. diploma examination, it would be necessary for him to attend at the nearest centre. We cannot recommend a book on the subject mentioned.-We have forwarded W. E. H. P. reviews of the system he inquires about, which should convince him of the unreliability of what he terms the "extremely flowery pamphlet" which advocates it.-We do not know of any books dealing with the subjects R. J. asks about.-Star's teacher cannot act as attestor to his application for a Second-class Certificate.-F. C. E. will find the advertisements he requires in the Schoolmaster, (id. weekly). For acquiring a knowledge of Spanish without a teacher, Lewis should obtain "Pitman's Practical Spanish Grammar," (price is.), or Marlborough's "Spanish Self-Taught " (price is.).-J. G. is informed that there is an advantage in learning a language from a native teacher if possible, although excellent progress may be made under a good English teacher. Our correspondent would probably find that French is the most generally useful language to acquire. -Gwilly will find the work of a compositor described in the "Printer's Primer, Part 1," (price is.); the duties of a compositor engaged in a newspaper office are, of course, to put in type reports of various kinds and advertisements. We are unable to advise as to prospects, etc.-W. Y. S. should obtain Pitman's 'Primer of Book-keeping" (price is.).-B. F. B. can obtain any examination papers from Eyre and Spottiswoode. We only deal with inquiries as to shorthand outlines when some question of general interest is involved.-The system R. H. S. inquires about was first published in this country in 1882; it has gained but few adherents. Any of the concertina files used by commercial stationers could be used for the preservation of newspaper cuttings; the kind employed is a matter of personal preference. We consider a newspaper scrap book, with an alphabetical index, of which there are several varieties sold, the most suitable receptacle.

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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. l-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 i-sued, 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.