Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB
[merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Gentlemen,-We are duly in receipt of your esteemed favour of the 7th inst., and note ❘ its contents. We have much pleasure in sending you our | catalogue, which you will find embraces most of this class of goods at present in use in this country, together with details of our export discounts for your guidance. Goods are delivered free on board steamer at Liverpool, London, or Southampton. Orders should be accompanied by remittance, or reference to some English bank or established mercantile house by whom payment could be made on presentation of bill of lading. You (1) will doubtless find many of the machines, etc., illustrated will be suitable for your trade, but in the event of | your requiring a cheaper line in some of the patterns, | we shall be very pleased to go fully into the matter, and quote you our bottom prices for any articles for which you will have a sale. While writing, we may mention that we should feel obliged if you would give us (if possible) a list of the names of the various irms in your line in Jamaica and adjacent | islands, as we are desirous of cultivating the trade with (2) the West Indies, and should like to send our catalogues | to the principal traders. We have some idea of being able eventually to send a representative to the colony. We | await the favour of your esteemed orders, and assuring you | of our best and careful attention, we are, yours truly, (250)

TYPEWRITING RETROSPECT, 1902.

It is pleasing to be able to record a distinct improvement in the typewriter trade during 1902. In spite of the condition of general trade, which can only be described as depressing, the typewriter business has forged ahead in a manner which is gratifying in the extreme. As far as the information at our disposal goes, all the well-known makers of typewriters can look back with pleasure on a good year's business. The Declaration of Peace which terminated the South African War certainly did much to restore public confidence, and the typewriter trade has benefited by it to no small degree. One of the most satisfactory points concerning the year's business has been the demand for typewriters, to be used for purposes for which they have not hitherto been employed. It seems as if the business world had become convinced of the practical utility of typewriters, and is, accordingly, disposed to make use of them wherever it is possible.

The Electric Blickensderfer typewriter has not yet put in an appearance on the English market. Neither has the Underwood opened here yet, although we believe its advent cannot be very much longer delayed.

The Ideal typewriter, a machine of German manufacture, has established itself in our midst, and has, we believe, met with a very fair amount of success. In construction it is very similar to the Underwood, with the exception that the type-bars do not pass through so large an arc on their travel towards the printing point. Another new-comer of unique construction is the Lambert, and among other more recent arrivals are the Commercial Visible and the Fox.

Regarding the older established typewriters there is little to be said, except to record that they are all making progress. The Bar-Lock Typewriter Co. has solved the problem of the pressing need for additional warehouse room, by moving its head office and warehouse to 198 Upper Thames street, while retaining the sale rooms in Queen Victoria street.

The Densmore and Caligraph typewriters parted company last year, and are now trading under separate organizations; the latter in Queen Victoria street, while the Densmore remains in Holborn Viaduct. The new model of the Densmore, which has recently been produced, contains many points of interest, and a new model has also been produced of the Yost, which embodies many valuable improvements. The new Remington billing machine, which has lately been placed on the market, is likely to attract a large amount of attention. As its name indicates, its chief use is for invoicing and tabulating, and it is already in large demand.

"Touch" typewriting seems to be coming to the front more than ever. It is evident that in these days of strenuous competition, when we hear reports of the labour market being over full, the typist who wishes to succeed can do no better than study this system, which undoubtedly opens an avenue of success to those who take it up.

Taken altogether, 1902 may be regarded as a highly satisfactory year, and business for 1903 seems to give promise of an even better state of things.

PARIS STENOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

The last meeting of the Paris Stenographic Society for the year 1902 was held in the Y.M.C.A., 160 rue Montmartre, on 17th Dec., when a very interesting paper was read in French by Mr Henri Ricci, entitled " Des qualités d'un bon sténographe." The chair was taken by Mr René Havette, Editor of La Revue Internationale de Sténographie." After a lively discussion in which Misses Maréchal and Wilson, and Messrs Neal, Frankle and Hall took part, supplemented by copious remarks by Mr Havette whose extensive acquaintance with stenographic matters throughout the world places him in an exceptional position to discuss this subject, the meeting terminated with votes of thanks. The Committee is glad to announce that the the British Chamber of Commerce has promised to grant certificates for the correct transcription of notes at an examination to be held during 1903, and all those who are desirous of possessing such certificate are invited to attend the meetings held for speed practice,

"DADE" PERPETUAL LEDGER.

An invention bearing the title of the "Dade" Perpetual Ledger, has just been introduced by Messrs Spicer Bros., Ltd., 19 New Bridge street, London, E.C. (who are the proprietors of the patents), and it appears likely from its admitted value and from the great interest attaching to it, that it will effect a revolution in the style of ledgers used in this country. The system has, moreover, the distinctive merit that it may be introduced without in the least interfering with existing methods of handling accounts, and that it can be used with modifications for a remarkable number of special forms of accounts in enterprises of various descriptions.

The disadvantages and limitations of the ordinary ledger, in the shape of a bound up volume, are sufficiently obvious to most bookkeepers, two of the most serious of these being the necessity for a periodical transfer of accounts to a new ledger, and the absolute impossibility of being able to allocate with any degree of correctness the exact number of folios which any particular account is likely to occupy while the ledger is in use. A reference to the index of an ordinary ledger often shows that a good many of the accounts have, in consequence of this uncertainty, had to be moved into two or three different places in the same volume. As contrasted with this, the distinctive feature of the "Dade" Perpetual Ledger system is that the position of an account never changes. The opening up of a new book and its index under the "Dade" system, when once done is done for all time, and there need be no trouble on the score of the number of folios which an account may eventually occupy, because the leaves of the account can be added to, to any extent necessary. Further, nothing but live" or current matter need be kept in the ledgers in actual use, a valuable arrangement in view of the frequent references which have to be made, and the importance of having as few ledgers in the counting house as practicable. Nothing is more tiresome in book-keeping than an excessive number of ledgers, a considerable portion of which are largely filled with "dead "' accounts.

་་

The "Dade" Perpetual Ledger consists of a pair of stout covers, made of heavy bevelled boards substantially bound, and enclosing by an ingenious and perfectly safe mechanism a number of single leaves, of specially manufactured paper, ruled and printed according to the requirements of any particular business. The binding mechanism consists of five steel posts, two fixed, two telescopic, and the fifth both telescopic and removable. The object of the telescopic posts, combined with the expanding back, is to permit of a greater or less quantity of leaves being carried, according to the number of current accounts it is considered desirable to work in one book. The fifth post operates in connection with a lock, and it is only when the locking-post is removed that it is possible to expand the cover, and insert or take out the leaves. These leaves are specially made with a view to convenience and durability. Each contains down the side nearest the back of the ledger five holes, four of which are slit out to the edge of the paper, but the centre hole, through which the locking-post passes, is not so slit, and by this agency the leaves are held firmly in position. Indexing leaves on project,

[blocks in formation]

As we have been informed by your representative that you are contemplating the erection of a new foundry on the plot of land adjacent to our works, we wish to state that such a building as was suggested to us will greatly interfere with the lighting of our premises. We regret that we should, in any way, appear to raise objections to your proposed building scheme, but as we are largely dependent on the windows on the south side of our works and the lighting would be exceedingly diminished in value by the erection of the high brick wall which you have in contemplation, we think that you will see some reason in our writing you on this matter.

Of course, as we have electricity installed throughout our works, we could substitute this light for the present day lighting, but as you know this would greatly increase our working expenses, besides not being so beneficial to our employees.

We should esteem it a great favour, therefore, if you could agree to some different plan for your new building, and so that the matter can be amicably arranged we should be glad if you could make some appointment to meet our Mr. Jones, who will be in Middlesbrough towards the end of the month.

Trusting to have your reply by return, and that the affair may be settled without any unfriendly proceedings between our respective firms, which we wish to avoid,

We are,

Yours faithfully,

ing leather tabs are provided, so that it is possible to turn in a moment to the ledger accounts under any particular letter of the alphabet, and as these can be placed in alphabetical order, any particular account can be found instantly. Should any accounts become "dead" so that they are only an incumbrance in the ledger, the system provides for the complete removal of these pages to what are known as Transfer Ledgers, constructed on exactly the same lines, but usually bound only in strong black canvas, as being suitable for storage.

The universal applicability of the principle of the "Dade" Perpetual Ledger to accounts of the most widely different description, is shown by the fact that the system has been adopted by bankers, merchants, manufacturers, public companies of all kinds, engineers and others.

Messrs Spicer Bros., Ltd., are also the proprietors of patents of the Order Blank and Invoice Duplicate System, the primary object of which is to dispense with order books and day books. The Order B'anks are designed so that all the work relating to any order shall be done from the original sheet sent in by the traveller, which thus becomes a permanent record from which postings are made direct to the ledger. In the matter of invoices the posting is done direct from the duplicate to the ledger, without the necessity of entering up in the day book. The system is used

by thousands of firms in America with complete success, and in large business enterprises it is obvious that it has many advantages over account books which can only be handled by a limited number of clerks. The Small Accounts Keeper, is another invention brought out under the same auspices. Its design is to provide an economical device for keeping accounts of a small and transient nature. By this system the book-keeping of the small tradesman, or of the professional man or teacher who keeps his own accounts, is reduced to the minimum of labour with the maximum of efficiency and completeness.

Messrs Spicer Bros., Ltd., will, we believe, be willing to furnish any book-keepers interested with illustrated particulars of their patents.

LEGAL TERMS, PHRASES, AND
ABBREVIATIONS

FOR TYPISTS, AND SHORTHAND AND OTHER
JUNIOR CLERKS.

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

Το

I. TERMS USED IN CONVEYANCING. Accumulation.-This term, often used by lawyers without context, refers to accumulation of a special kind. Sometimes a client in giving instructions for a settlement or a will, expresses a desire that the income of the property that has to be dealt with shall be accumulated for a certain period instead of being paid away or distributed. It is this kind of accumulation that is specially meant when the term is ordinarily employed. The term is an important one, for it has an entire Act of Parliament devoted to it. Once upon a time an ingenious gentleman, famous in the annals of English law as Mr Thelluson, attempted to tie up his large estate for an unconscionably long period so as to shut out all his children and grandchildren, and certainly some of his great grandchildren from receiving any benefit from it. accomplish this purpose he directed the income to accumulate for a length of time so considerable that it was felt to be contrary to public policy to allow any man to have so farreaching a power over the remote future. His remarkable will, therefore, led to a new statutory declaration of the law. The Act (sometimes called Thelluson's Act) that was passed in consequence (39 and 40 Geo. III. cap. 98) limits the power of a settlor or testator to direct accumulation of income. He may direct it to be accumulated for his own life or twenty-one years afterwards, or during the minority of any person living at his death. Nice questions arise occasionally as to whether in the special circumstances of a particular case, these limits have been exceeded, and as to how far and to what extent the directions set forth in the settlement or will are valid. A common direction to accumulate is that given in the case of a beneficiary who is under age, and whose entire income will be certainly or probably more than sufficient to provide all reasonable outlay for his maintenance and education until he attains his majority. Income directed to be accumulated is invested as it arises, the investments being in trustee securities or other securities authorized by the document containing the direction. The additional income produced by these investments is itself dealt with in the same manner, so that the fund accumulates "by way of compound interest."

Advancement.-Where property is settled by deed or will for the ultimate benefit of children or other persons who are, or who during some part of the time before they will actually receive their share of the settled property are likely to be under age, it is usual to give the trustees what is called "a power of Advancement." This means that the trustees are authorized to sell part of the estate up to the prescribed amount, or by some other means to raise money and apply it in advance—that is, before the time at which in the ordinary course it would become payable to the person entitled-and

to expend it for that person's benefit. This enables a trustee to pay a premium on apprenticing a child to a trade, or on articling him to learn a profession, or for some other purpose that will help him on in life. This is called Advancement, because part of the share is expended in advance. The amount so expended is, of course, deducted from the share when that becomes actually payable. Where there is some other person entitled to the income of the settled property during the minority of the child, it is customary to make the power exercisable only with the written consent of that person, as the effect of raising and expending part of the capital of the estate is necessarily to reduce the income. Occasionally the power given authorizes the trustee to raise the whole of the infant's share, or such part as he may think fit. But usually a limit is placed on the power. Generally speaking, not more than one-half of the share is permitted to be raised: sometimes the proportion is even smaller. The word is also sometimes used in legal documents in the more popular sense of progress or promotion in life, or as meaning helping one forward in life.

ADVANCEMENT CLAUSE IN SETTLEMENT.

And it is hereby declared that it shall be lawful for the trustees or trustee for the time being of these presents with the consent in writing of the said A. B. and C. D. during their joint lives or of the survivor of them during his or her life and after the death of both of them the said A. B. and C. D at the sole discretion of the said trustees or trustee to raise any part not exceeding one equal moiety of the then expectant or presumptive or vested share of any infant entitled under the trusts herein before declared and to pay or apply the same to or for his or her advancement or preferment in life or otherwise for the benefit of such infant as the said trustees or trustee shall in their discretion think fit.

ADVANCEMENT CLAUSE IN WILL.

And I declare and direct that my trustees may with the consent in writing of my said wife during her life or at their absolute discretion after her death raise from time to time any part or parts not exceeding altogether one equal moiety of the share to which any infant child of mine shall be presumptively or expectantly entitled of and in my estate and effects and apply the moneys so raised in or towards the advancement or preferment in life or otherwise for the benefit of such infant child in such manner as my trustees shall in their discretion think fit.

(To be continued. Commenced in No 1.)

OBITUARY.

MR CAMPBELL HARRIS JAMES.

We regret to learn of the death on 4th Dec. last, of Mr Campbell Harris James, a phonographer of great ability and of still greater promise. For some time past his health had been failing. In the hope of recovering, he went to live in Cornwall, staying at Penlayree, Perran Churchtown, where he died. He was highly respected in the locality, and a large gathering was present at his funeral at Perranuthnoe Church

town.

Mr Harris James was an intelligent and persevering shorthand worker. He was for some time a student at Pitman's Metropolitan School, and in 1899 won the bronze medal in the School's Verbatim Reporting Competition; in the same year he also carried off the bronze medal at the London Phonetic S.W.A. competition and took first-classes in shorthand in the Society of Arts and London Chamber of Commerce, the latter with distinction. Those who witnessed his achievements with Phonography have little doubt that but for the unfortunate breakdown in his health, he would before now have ranked among the little band of holders of speed certificates at 200 words a minute. He was a member of the London Phonetic S.W.A., and sat for a short time on its committee. During his residence in London he was one of the most regular attendants in the speed room that the Association keeps open for the use of rapid writers only, and he made many friends among his fellow-members. The news of his untimely death will be received with regret by many phonographers there and elsewhere.

CORRESPONDENCE.

SHORTHAND AND BIBLE STUDY.

Sir,-May I offer to those who write shorthand a suggestion that should prove helpful in Bible study. It is based upon an idea in an edition of the Bible which has a (necessarily limited) number of parallel passages fully printed in the margin to save time and interruption of thought involved in turning up references. This advantage may be largely extended by transcribing in shorthand (which would not take long) all the varied readings and parallel passages indicated by an ordinary reference Bible, in any chapter one desires to study, beginning each note with the alphabetic reference mark. Text, variations, and parallels may then be easily read together. As the shorthand sheets accumulate they may be numbered consecutively, corresponding numbers being placed at the heads of the chapters.

LEFT-HAND SHORTHAND WRITING.

C. B.

Sir, I notice that in the Journal of 27th Dec., the writer of an article on left-handed shorthand writers states that he is not aware of a phonographer who uses his left hand besides the writer of the specimen he gives. We have a member of our Association who has been unable to use his right hand since birth, but this has not prevented him from learning shorthand, and he is now able to write very legibly at 100 words a minute. The writer is but young, and he is looking forward to attaining a speed of 120 words a minute before long.

HERBERT HINDLE,

Sec. Accrington and District Š.W.A. (federated).

ASSISTANTS OF CUSTOMS EXAMINATION.

The result of the examination for Assistants of Customs has just been published. Seventy candidates out of close upon 900 have been declared successful, and the last of the gallant seventy obtained just 75 per cent. of maximum marks, while the first (who ran away from the rest) scored 85 per cent. all round. Below No. 70 the competition was keenest, for a candidate who scored 744 per cent, all round only obtained the 142nd place. Next examination for Assistants of Customs (age 18-21) probably in April.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

Before the Perth and District S.W.A. on 16th Dec., Mr Alex. Ross, Principal of the Perth Commercial School, read an able paper on "The Study of Shorthand." To the student who aspired to become a fast writer he would say not only "Man, know thyself," but also "Man, know thy textbook." There should be a thorough grasp of the fundamental principles of the subject studied. Regarding the attainment of speed, he strongly urged that there should be method in the doing of it. Method, by the employment of a well thoughtout and tried system, went further to lessen the work and ensure the success of the worker than the adoption of a random, go-as-you-please style. To the writer who would make his work easier he would earnestly say, "Get up your grammalogues and contractions." To insure legibility he recommended the insertion of initial vowel in all words except where such is indicated by the downward r or; the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of the list of distinguished words, and of the principles of position writing.

The meeting of the Oldham Shorthand Association on 17th Dec. at the Unity Hall, was well attended, to hear a short paper by Mr E. W. V. Ikin, entitled "Drama." Mr G. B. Thompson occupied the chair, and a lively discussion followed the paper, for and against theatre-going.

A meeting of about twenty shorthand writers was held recently at the Barnoldswick Technical School, Town Hall,

over which Mr A. Monks presided, when it was decided to form a S.W.A., with the object of having speed practices and lectures, etc., upon shorthand and kindred subjects. The session is to be inaugurated in the course of a few weeks, when the objects of the association will be fully explained. Mr E. Holden is the secretary, Mr E. Robinson, treasurer. and the committee consists of Messrs Monks, Windle, Emmott, Elsworth, Duckworth, Edmondson, and Wolfenden.

The committee having charge of the Gore Gold Medal Competition in connection with the Dublin Shorthand and Literary Association, after careful scrutiny of the papers submitted, have awarded the medal to Miss A. Spray, 19 Lower Sherrard street. The committee awarded to Miss Bertha Lee, whose papers were second in order of merit, a special silver medal on account of the excellence of her papers.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

BLACKBURN. ACADEMY OF SHORTHAND.-Principal, Mr W. Mellor, F.I.P.S. (Honours Diploma). Sub-Principal, Mr R. Eastwood, F.I.P.S., Fellows of the I.S.S.T. This Academy reopened for shorthand instruction at the Parish Church Schools, on Wednesday, 7th January. Hours, 7.30 to 9.30. Individual instruction in elementary, intermediate, advanced and reporting sections. The shorthand classes at the Technical School are held on Tuesday and Friday evenings. For terms of private tuition in shorthand and typewriting, and any further information, apply to Messrs Mellor and Eastwood, 32 Altom street, Blackburn.

LONDON. Victory Place Evening Continuation Classes, Rodney road, Walworth, S. E.-The classes which were attended with such excellent results during the first part of the new session re-opened on Monday, 5th Jan. for the following subjects:Shorthand (elementary, advanced and speed), typewriting, bookkeeping, French, etc. Pupils prepared for examinations of Society of Arts, National Union of Teachers, etc. All further information can be had on application to the responsible teacher, Mr J. T. Chell, at the school. LONDON. EXETER HALL, Strand, arc 185 Aidersgate street, Y.M.C.A.-The evening shorthand classes at these two centres are now commencing a new term, and intending students are invited to apply for prospectus giving full particulars and fees. There are no crowded classes, and every facility is offered for the acquisition of a thorough knowledge of Pitman's system. Departments:-Commercial, Civil Service, University Extension, Bankers' Institute, etc.

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.

[ocr errors]

OUTLINES. The outline about which Waratah inquires is qualities.-Killarney will find that the contracted phrases for next month and this month are not adopted in the new "Instructor,' but there would be no objection to a candidate using them in sitting for a speed certificate. The outline which should be employed for processionists is F. H. will find that we do not employ the outline he attributes to us for elsewhere; the form we use is Authorities differ as to the representation of the final consonant in words such as bunch, the Inventor of Phonography finally decided on chay.-Inquisitive is informed that the aspirate in the outline we employ for white can be indicated by the employment of the dot, thus -A. H. T. will discover the reason for the difference in outline if he compares quilt and quillet.

NERVOUSNESS AT A SPEED EXAMINATION.-In reference to recent answers on this subject, Mr H. Julius Lunt, secretary to the Manchester Physical-Health Culture Society, 37 York chambers, 27 Brazennose street, writes pointing out that physical exercise and out-of-door sports often have a great effect in removing nervousness. In fact, this is often produced merely by ignoring the fact that exercise, especially in the young, is a very essential part of every-day life if the body, and particularly the brain, is to be healthy and strong. Though by no means opposing the practice of study when work is done-being convinced that more of this would result in great benefit-yet he considers that much time commonly wasted would, if turned to account in the manner advocated, enable studies to be carried on with much more satisfaction. The question of diet is also of great importance in this connection, and trustworthy guidance should be obtained on the subject.

CIVIL SERVICE AND SHORTHAND.-E. R. H. inquires in what way candidates for the Civil Service would benefit by studying shorthand, whether shorthand is a specified subject of the Civil Service, and what posts are open to candidates who write a good speed.-Practically speaking, shorthand is not essential to Civil Service candidates, and is rarely employed in Government offices, but shorthand and book-keeping form conjointly an optional subject for the examination for Second Division Clerkships, and Clerkships in the Customs Outport Service. For this examination book-keeping or shorthand alone is useless. It is called optional in the examination for clerkships in the Irish Land Commission and in the High Court of Justice (Ireland), but no candidate can hope to pass without it. Shorthand writers are occasionally required in the Public Works Office, Ireland, and these must write a good speed, but examinations are extremely rare, and shorthand clerks employed on temporary Royal Commissions are usually appointed by the Chairman of such Commissions, and are, of course, subjected to no examination. The speed for ordinary Civil Service exams. (Second Division, etc.) has not yet exceeded (if it has ever reached) 120 words a minute, but it never falls much below 90. A good shorthand man should consider the London County Council examination ior Fourth Class Clerkships (about ten vacancies twice yearly) but only well educated fellows should attempt any competitive examinations.

The

CIVIL SERVICE REPLIES.-R. J. A. asks us ten questions regarding the examinations, books recommended, duties, etc. for (1) Clerkships in the Supreme Court of Judicature (Ireland); (2) Cadetships in the Royal Irish Constabulary; (3) Boatmen H.M. Customs. (1) Four or five appointments are usually made to clerkships in the Supreme Court of Judicature, Ireland, each year; next examination probably in May (there is no means of forecasting the date, however, or the number of vacancies). Use ordinary Civil Service text-books of copying MS., Pitman's English Composition and Indexing and Précis-Writing, Green and Tait for History, Low and Stopford Brooke for English, Pitman's Commercial Geography and Book-keeping Simplified. Latin is about London Inter. Arts standard, and the crux of the examination is the law subject, in which special coaching is simply essential. The optional subjects are Higher Mathematics, French, German and Shorthand, the last three about ist Class Society of Arts standard, the Higher Mathematics equal to London Inter. Arts. (2) About ten appointments to the R.I.C. cadetships are made each year, and candidates are nominated by the Lord Lieutenant. Any Irish Peer or M.P. could probably obtain a nomination, if he knew you to have a reasonable chance of success. An examination has just been held, and another may be expected in seven or eight months' time. Among the prescribed text-books are Stephen's Commentaries and Law of Evidence, Latin, and most of the Civil Service subjects prescribed for the Supreme Court. Use the same text-books and get proper tuition for whichever examination you select. The first step is obviously to ask your influential friends to secure the requisite nomination. (3) The duties of Boatmen in H.M. Customs consist in boarding and searching ships, remaining in charge of ships from say Gravesend to the Dock sheds, and until all cargo has been cleared through the Custom House. The bulk of the outdoor work formerly performed by Assistants of Customs is now done by Boatmen.

LETTER BOOK.-Killarney is informed that it is the almost invariable custom to keep press copies in the letter book of all letters sent out, whether they were transcribed from shorthand notes or not. An exact facsimile of the letter as actually sent out is more valuable for reference than the shorthand notes from which it was produced, but it is most essential that the original

notes should be carefully preserved in a style suitable for instant reference.

SOLUTIONS TO EXAMINATION PAPERS.-New Subscriber is informed that solutions to the principal parts of the London Chamber of Commerce Book-keeping paper for 1902, were published in our issues of 31st May and 7th, 14th and 21st June last year. We did not publish a solution of the Society of Arts paper.

ARITHMETIC v. ALGEBRA.-Paganini sends us the well worn problem as to the purchase of 100 animals for 100 pounds at three different prices, £5, £1 and 1s., and asks us to settle a dispute between him and a friend as to whether it is arithmetical or algebraical.-Our opinion is that Paganini and his friend are like the disputants over the colour of the chameleon, they "both are right and both are wrong." The question is no doubt capable of solution by arithmetical methods, but it is much more easily solved by algebra, at least so we think, and our opinion is confirmed by a mathematical expert.

46

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING.-L. L. is a young journalist who sometimes finds a difficulty in the production of descriptive reports for want of the needful synonymous terms. He asks us to recommend a book which would be helpful, and also a work on journalism generally.-Our correspondent should procure 'Everybody's Writing-Desk Book," published by Messrs Saxon and Co. at a popular price, in which, in addition to much valuable information on points of grammar and punctuation, there is an excellent list of nearly 15,000 synonyms and antonyms. For collections of words and phrases useful in descriptive reports of will all kinds, the "Reporter's Hand-Book and Vade Mecum be found of considerable value. A copy may be procured through the advertisers of second-hand shorthand books in our next page. For a work dealing practically and thoroughly with the every-day duties of the young reporter, our correspondent is recommended to obtain "Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism" by A. Kingston (price is. 6d.).

[ocr errors]

NOUNS OF NUMBER.-J. W. L. says that in correspondence he frequently has to use a verb with the noun company." Should this verb be singular or plural? he asks.-It is difficult to formulate a rule for universal application as to whether a verb in the singular or plural number should be used with " company," or whether a singular or plural pronoun should be employed as its equivalent. The simplest course in business correspondence is to treat " company" uniformly as a plural noun, for which a plural verb is required, and a plural pronoun should be used. Thus: "The Brick Company wish us to send them prices." This appears to us preferable to "The Brick Company wishes us to send it prices." When treating "company" as a singular noun, there is always a risk of occasionally dropping into an erroneous employment of " "' instead of they it" in connection with it. Whichever usage is decided on in the case of this and similar nouns of number, the correspondent should take particular care to follow it throughout an entire letter or other document.

"

FRENCH PRONOUNCING DICTIONARIES.—In reference to our answer to Constant Reader on 20th Dec., W. H. T. writes that Messrs Eyre and Spottiswoode publish an abridged French Dictionary with imitated pronunciation, It is one of what is known as the E. F. G. series, and the price is about is. 6d.-J. W. L. informs us that Messrs Ward, Lock and Co. publish a French Dictionary on the basis of Nugent, with pronunciation, price is. 6d. cloth.

FRENCH STUDY.-A. C. inquires for a book containing in classified form the French for various animals, plants, etc., with the English equivalents in parallel columns. He also desires conversational sentences in French.-The well-known school book "Le Petit Précepteur" (Hodder and Stoughton, is. 6d.) would meet our correspondent's requirements.

INDIAN COMMERCIAL STUDENTS AND EXAMINATIONS.-S. R. (Bombay) is informed that the operations of the Society of Arts are confined to the United Kingdom, and there are no centres in India where students can sit. Examinations in connection with the London Chamber of Commerce are, however, held by Indian Chambers, and it is possible that through this agency our correspondent could obtain an English certificate in book-keeping. He should make inquiries in Bombay.

HANDWRITING.-F. D. is careless in the formation of his looped letters, he should not loop small p.-W. C.'s handwriting

« AnteriorContinuar »