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Gentlemen,-You will doubtless be fully cognizant | of the depressed condition of trade with South America, owing to the unsettled state of political affairs in that part of the world. It is absolutely impossible at present for | manufacturers to obtain orders, effect sales, or even to raise money upon the large stocks that they now hold in | the various trading centres. As you are aware, our best | customer was Bolivia, now the very centre of the internecine | struggle, and you can therefore understand how greatly this affects | our business relations generally. For several months past, foreseeing this (1) upheaval, we have restricted our operations, and endeavoured to collect | the amounts due to us from our consignees. These endeavours, we regret to say, have proved almost futile, and we are now under the painful necessity of informing our creditors | that we are unable to meet all our obligations. We herewith forward a full statement of our assets and liabilities, | from which you will see that our financial troubles are of recent origin, due to the cause above mentioned, and not to matters within our own control. We trust, however, || after allowing a margin of 30 per cent. for bad (2) debts, there will be sufficient to pay all our creditors | in full. Should the unfortunate political disturbances now existing be brought to a speedy end, our debtors will, we doubt | not, be able to resume their payments as soon as they are able to dispose of their goods. Yours faithfully, (250)

LONDON PHONETIC S.W.A.

THIRTY-FIRST ANNUAL MEETING.

The thirty-first annual meeting of this Association was held on Thursday evening. 30th April, at the Arcadian, Queen street, London, E.C, Mr E. A. Cope in the chair.

The report of the committee stated that the total number of members now on the books is 295, that number including 63 Fellows of the I.P.S., of which the Association is the London District (General Section). The Thursday evening meetings had been continued regularly throughout the year, and the usual speed examinations had been held. Seventy-three certificates had been granted as against sixty-eight in the previous year. These were made up as follows:-1 at 180, 3 at 150, 2 at 140, 4 at 120, 2 at 110, 19 at 100, 2 at 90, 31 at 80, I at 70, and 8 at 60 words a minute. Candidates had submitted themselves on several occasions during the year for tests at 200 words a minute and upwards, but had not in any instance been successful. The annual competition for the Sir Isaac Pitman medals, open to nonprofessional writers, was held on 8th May, 1902. Sixteen candidates handed in papers, and the medals had been awarded to Mr H. S Godfrey (gold), Miss M. Kinnaird (silver), Mr G. W. Parfitt (bronze). The Association had been for the ninth time a centre for the Society of Arts examination in shorthand, and had held competitions for excellence in commercial shorthand writing in March last. After setting out the list of lectures delivered during the year and expressing the thanks of the committee to the lecturers, the report referred to the social side of the Association's operations. The Saturday afternoon rambles had been well attended, the annual river trip in June was completely successful, the social evening on 15th Nov. proved an enjoyable occasion, and the annual soirée was attended by about 300 members and friends. The library continued to be well patronized, the number of books borrowed having been 240 as against 219 in the previous year. The London Phonetic Magazine had been continued, four numbers having been produced since the last annual meeting. These numbers contained five of the principal lectures given before the Association, and were widely appreciated. The Association had been officially represented at the Annual Conference of the I.P.S. at Birmingham in September last, and had taken part in the Joint Conference in March. It was satisfactory to be able to record that the Association had now been in existence for a continuous period of upwards of thirty years, it having been formed in Dec., 1872. The committee felt it to be a matter for satisfaction that a society of such a character should have been kept together for so long a space of time, and should have lived to reach its present flourishing condition. In conclusion, the committee wished to express its best thanks to the members, both ladies and gentlemen, who, by assisting in the various branches of the Association's work, had contributed so largely to the success of its proceedings.

The accounts showed that notwithstanding a considerably increased expenditure, the balance to the credit of the Association, after making provision for all outstanding liabilities, including the capitation payment to the I.P.S. was substantially the same as that in hand on 31st March, 1902.

On the motion of the Chairman, "seconded by Mr F. J. French, and supported by Mr H. J. Reeder, the report and accounts as presented were unanimously adopted.

Officers for the ensuing year were then elected as follows:

President, Mr E. A. Cope; Vice-Presidents, Sir W. R. Gowers, M.D., F.R S., Dr E. B. Gray, Messrs Alfred Pitman, J. Herbert Ford, T. E. Catley, Wm. Crouch, E. Danell, F. J. French, J. E McLachlan, G W. Lambert, F. St John Parker, J. Pirie, M.A., and W. W. Wright. Committee, Misses Dora Brown, M. Fergusson, and E. H. Fletcher, Messrs W. J Abbey, H. T. Bailey, O D. Davis, T G Davy, S. J. Drinkwater, C. B. Boitel-Gill, G. E. Hall, H. Ponsford, W. F. Smart, W. D. Stevens, C. E. Thomas. Treasurer, Mr E. A. Cope. Secretary, Mr H. J. Cork, 2 Reedholm road, Stoke Newington, London, N.

The appointment of a librarian was delegated to the new committee.

Votes of thanks to the auditors and to the chairman concluded the proceedings.

SHORTHAND "EFFICIENCY."

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Mr W. L. Battison, of Glasgow, who was in Aberdeen recently, visited the Aberdeen School of Shorthand (Mr Lawrence's), and addressed a large gathering of the Day and Evening Classes. Comparing shorthand writers of fifteen or twenty years ago with the shorthand writers of to-day, Mr Battison said that twenty years ago Pitman's Phonography was learned for the love of the system, and he believed that better writers were turned out then than now. Shorthand writers of to-day were content if they could manage to get down the matter dictated, never thinking of improvement beyond the immediate requirements of the particular office or work in which they were engaged. Shorthand writers ought to learn the art for the art's sake. They had heard much about "efficiency from the political speaker, but he did not know a word that had more importance when applied to shorthand. If they were not efficient writers they did not know the subject. He (Mr Battison) had seen shorthand writers in offices who did not know how they were to get through their notes, with the result that they sometimes made very stupid and what might have proved very serious mistakes, which would have cost their employers a large sum of money, had they not been discovered. He pleaded for efficiency and thoroughness in the writing of shorthand. In learning the system, it was not enough to be content with going once through the exercises, but they should go through them till proficient. Many simply went over the exercises as exercises, and forgot the underlying principle. In olden days they had not the helps that the pupils of the present day had. In one sense the want of teachers, he believed, did good; students had to find out things for themselves. Nowadays if they kept their wits about them they ought to learn the subject without a doubt, and learn it properly. Mr Battison drew attention to the various helps which existed in the present day, and strongly urged students never to write shorthand with a pencil, but to always use a pen. Mr Battison complimented Mr Lawrence on the growing success of his School, and wished the principal and pupils all success. He received a hearty vote of thanks for his encouraging address.

INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

MANCHESTER DISTRICT.

As the date for the quarterly meeting falls on Whit Saturday, the meeting will be held on Saturday, 13th June, at the Marsden Café, Marsden street, Manchester, commencing at 4 o'clock. Tea will be served at 5.30 o'clock. Among the items of the agenda are the following: Model Lesson on the -tion hook, by Mr N. E. Rostron (Rochdale), discussion opened by Mr T. Beswick (Manchester). Chairman's address by Mr W. Crookes (Hazel Grove). A paper on the Society of Arts, Lancashire and Cheshire Union of Institutes, and the I.S. S.T. theory and speed examinations will be given by Mr J. W. Brooks (Sale), discussion opened by Messrs G. Bletcher and J. Berry (Manchester); Conference notes, etc. A hearty invitation is given to all shorthand teachers in Manchester and neighbouring towns. Further information may be obtained from the Sec., Mr J. Smith, 81 Denton's Green lane, St Helens.

LIVERPOOL DISTRICT.

The annual meeting of the Liverpool district was held at the Osborne Café, Lord street, on 2nd May, Mr D. Eaves presiding. The following officers were elected: Chairman, Mr D. Beeby; Vice-Chairman, Mr G. Birtwhistle; Secretary, Mr C. Thomas, 29 Russell street; Treasurer, Mr G. E. Griffiths. Tea and an entertainment followed.

B.S.A. HANDBOOK.-The Birmingham Small Arms Co., Ltd., Small Arms Factory, Small Heath, Birmingham, are sending out, under the above title, an attractively prepared descriptive brochure, fully illustrated, of the Company's Cycle Fittings, and also a similar booklet "About the B.S.A. Spring Frame." Any of our readers may obtain a copy by şending a post card to the Company.

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Sir, I observe in your issue of 2nd May an article "The Girl Champion Typist " quoted from the New York Times, in which what is claimed as an extraordinary and unique record is published. On going over the work, I find that the average for the day's operation is only 417 words a minute. I think it is not too much to claim that a very large number of typists throughout the country can be brought forward who could easily beat this so-called record, and recently in connection with our own copying office here we had a very heavy piece of work in the shape of an extract from the Report of the Valuation Court giving the basis for the valuation of machinery, taken from the files of the Dundee Advertiser forty years ago. I timed one of our operators, who used the New Century machine, and who was, however, of course, being read to by another for a continuous period of five hours, and the total of over 20,000 words worked out at an average of 70 words a minute. Even making allowance for the fact that the operator was being read to, I think that this should decidedly take precedence as a record over the American claim. When recorded results are brought to be tested by averages, it is surprising what a difference this sometimes makes. A. W. PATON.

Dundee.

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.

The East London S.W.A. was favoured by Mr W. G. Brenchley (Sec. London District National Federation S.W.A's.) with an address on 24th April, in which he strongly urged the Association to become affiliated. There was a record attendance. The members freely discussed the address, and it was unanimously resolved to act upon Mr Brenchley's advice. Mr Brenchley was elected a member of the Association. The meetings will be continued throughout the

summer.

In the shorthand speed examinations of the Incorporated Society of Shorthand Teachers, sixty-two students of the Northern Institute, 10 Park row, Leeds, sat for examination, and every student passed. Forty-four of the passes were with distinction. One student of the Institute secured the prize offered by the Society for the best paper in the kingdom at eighty words per minute. The successful candidates included the following: 120 words per minute, with distinction -T. L. Nunn, W. E. Weaver; pass-E. A. Elsey, O. Stephenson. 100 words, with distinction-Maria Sharp; pass-Elsie G. Fletcher, Hannah Wilkinson. 80 words, with distinction-Maud Riley (prize for the best paper in the kingdom), and twenty-three other students; pass—six students. 60 words, with distinction-eighteen students; passseven students.

The classes at Watville Road Evening School, Handsworth, have now closed after a very successful session. Shorthand has been one of the most popular subjects taught, and the work has been most sati factory. An examination has been held at which all the candidates were successful. The classes have been conducted by Mr Harold Marklew, M I.P.S., of Dudley road, Birmingham, who is now organizing continuation classes.

In connection with the Guildford Technical Classes under the Surrey County Council twenty-one pupils of Mr Shirley's shorthand class have successfully passed the examination in Pitman's Phonography, and gained certificates, viz., two firsts, II seconds, eight third-class.

The results of the recent examination in shorthand of the students of the Rowley Regis Technical Instruction Committee classes (Mr J. Parry, teacher) are very satisfactory, there being only two failures, while the passes equalled 89 per cent. Speed certificates were gained by Joseph Dawe and Ernest Hancox, a Theory certificate by Joseph Coley, and there were eleven Elementary certificates won. class has been well attended throughout, and a summer class has been organized by Mr Parry, in order that students may continue the study of the art.

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There was a good attendance of phonographers at the weekly meeting of the Sunderland Commercial S.W. A., John street, on 22nd April. Mr Geo. E. Pearson presided, and Mr O. C. Wilmot occupied the vice-chair. After speed practice and a discussion on the English Language," the Chairman gave an address on the work of the session. The average attendance at a meeting was 20, the lowest was 16, and the largest attendance at a meeting was 60. In regard to examinations, their record could not be surpassed in the district. Three youths, 16 years of age respectively, had gained certificates for 150 words per minute. The Association had been recognised by the National Federation, through whose lecture exchange the Commercial S. WA ranked one of the most prominent, five addresses having been given by its members. Short addresses followed by the Vice-chairman and Mr F. W. H. Reed, and the gathering was a very successful one.

The annual business meeting of the Salford S W.A. (federated) was held on 1st May in the John Street School. The account, which showed a small balance in hand, were passed, and the following officers elected for the session 1903-4 as under: Patrons, The Mayor of Salford, Sir W. H. Bailey, Mr F. Platt-Higgins, M. P., Mr J. G. Groves, M P., Mr Lees Knowles, M.P.; President, Mr J. Berry; Vice-Presidents, Messrs O. Duthie, B A. J. H. Jones, G. McCartney, J. Miller, W. Foy, J. A. Wilson; Hon. Secretary and Treasurer, Mr A. H. Gilbertson; Hon. Librarian, Mr Key; Hon. Auditors, Messrs J. Chappell and Smethurst; Committee, Misses Pearson, Potter, Taffs, C. Andrews, Messrs G. E. Drinkall, F. Horrobin, G. W. Reed, G. F. Richardson. Delegates to the Federation Council, Messrs J. Berry, A. H. Gilbertson, W. Foy, and F. Horrobin. Hon. Reporters, Messrs F. Horrobin and G. W. Reed Speed Practice Conductors, Messrs J. Chappell, W. Foy, A. H Gilbertson, and W. Smethurst.

The anual prize distribution in connection with the Ipswich Evening Continuation Commercial and cther Classes was held in the fine central hall of the Higher Elementary School, Mr Walton Turner (Chairman of the Board) presiding. The prizes were distributed by the Bishop Suffragan of Leicester. The report presented showed that the total number of individual students last ses ion was 1,010; the class entries were—continuation classes 712, commercial and other classes 857. Shorthand, with 228, stood third in order of popularity; commercial correspondence and office routine (with the use of the typewriter). 83; French, 81; bookkeeping, 75. As in former years, a certain number of students were granted the privilege of entering the examinations of the Society of Arts and Pitman's shorthand examinations, and eleven had gained Pitman certificates.

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.

BIRMINGHAM.-Shorthand continuation classes (elementary and advanced) are being organized at Watville Road Schools (Handsworth). Individual tuition if desired. Full particulars to be obtained from Mr Harold Marklew, M.I.P.S. (teacher's diploma), 393 and 395 Dudley road, Birmingham.

LIVERPOOL. Birtwhistle's School of Shorthand and Typewriting (Empire Typewriter Depôt), 7 South John street, Liverpool (formerly 45a Dale street). Mr G. Birtwhistle, Inc.S.S.T. and I P.S. diplomas, principal.-The winter session has just closed, and new students may join at any time. Hours 9.30 to 5, and on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays the school is open till 9 p.m. All instruction is personal, every student being taken individually. All students are assisted in procuring appointments. Evening tuition from 6 p.m. Leading makes of typewriters used. For terms, etc., apply to the Principal.

MANCHESTER. Birtwhistle's School of Shorthand, Typewriting, and Business Training, 94 Market street.-Instruction is given daily up to 5 p.m in shorthand, typewriting and office work. All instruction is strictly personal, there being no classes. A special feature is the practical training, for an inclusive fee, of young ladies and youths, to qualify for positions as shorthand writers and typists. All students are assisted in procuring appointments. For full particulars, terms, etc., apply to the Principal, Mr G. Birtwhistle (I. P.S. and Inc. S S.T. diplomas, etc.). MANCHESTER. LOWER MOSLEY STREET SCHOOLS S.W.A. -The following is the program for the summer session of this Association, Hon. Sec., Mr L. Kett, 11 Reynell road, Levenshulme. Speed practice will be given on these dates from 7.30 to 8 30 p.m. Library open before commencement of speed practice. Lectures commence immediately after close of speed practice. May 22.-Concert.

June 12.- The Emigration Question," Mr L. Kett.
26. Short essays. June 27.-Picnic.
July 3-"S," Mr J. Hawley.

17.- John Bunyan," Mr J. Shaw, junr. 24. Readings from F. S. Gilbert, etc. Aug. 21.-Short essays.

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Sept. 4.-"Hamlet," Mr S. G. Renshaw. Sept. 5.-Picnic.

SLIGO-Mr E. J. Crctty (registered teacher of Pitman's Shorthand), 32 High street, has opened a school for shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, and general business training. Individual tuition only.

TIPPERARY.-Mr J. J. Newell (holder of Pitman's 1st Class Speed Certificate and Society of Arts) has opened classes at No. 7 James street, in the following subjects: Shorthand, typewriting, commercial arithmetic and office routine, composition, grammar, and geography. Special preparation for Civil Service examinations. Individual instruction. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Terms (moderate) on application.

YSTRADGYNLAIS (SWANSEA VALLEY).-Mr W. Marshall, A.Inc.S.T., has a few vacancies for pupils in shorthand and typewriting. Private tuition given at own or pupil's residence. All candidates successful at the recent I.S S.T. students' examination, one gaining distinction. Speed classes twice weekly. For further particulars address Glantawe, Ystradgynlais, near Swansea.

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. Correspon lents can be answered under initials or a pseudonym, whichever they prefer, but their names and addresses must be forwarded as a guarantee of good faith. All letters of inquiry should be addressed EDITOR, PITMAN'S PHONETIC JOURNAL, PHONETIC INSTITUTE, BATH.

OUTLINES, ETC.-Quixote is informed that the rules governing the position of the diphthong u are "Instructor," par. 51, which directs that it should be in third position and always at the end of a stroke, and par. 57, which directs as to position when a diphthong and vowel come between two strokes. But there is no hard and fast regulation directing that shall be written either after the first or before the second consonant, and the position is dictated by convenience in writing.-Self-taught must master the system more completely before sending exercises for correction. The word library is written according to the proper pronunciation li'-bra-re; if the pronunciation suggested is common it is erroneous. The word criterion should be vocalized thus

H. J. T. is referred to par. 70d for the rule governing the outline for scientific.-S. A. T. sends some inquiries about the aspirate. Upward his employed for the outline house because that form is adopted for the logogram representing the word in Reporting Grammalogues. It is also employed in some other words in

which has occurs, in accordance with rule 119, although rule 121 usually applies in such cases. A study of the whole of the rules for the representation of the aspirate will, we think, show that they are not designed to be so absolute and inelastic as they appear to have been considered at the discussion our correspondent mentions. The Dictionary forms for hawser and hussar must surely commend themselves to the common sense of phonographers. We strike the downward h in hawser and get an easily written outline; we employ the upward h in hussar and secure an intelligibly vocalized outline. There is the additional advantage of differentiation of outlines, which prevents clashing-a contingency always possible when the same unvocalized outline represents two words of the same part of speech.

LEARNING CONTRACTIONS.-H. S. inquires the best way of learning the contractions and phraseograms -With regard to the contractions, the best plan which can be followed is to write the longhand words under each other down the left-hand edge of a sheet of ruled exercise paper, filling in the appropriate shorthand contraction beside each. The student should then continue to write over the list of shorthand forms till the paper is filled, by which time, if he has a fairly good memory, he should be able to employ them with facility, and can test his knowledge by writing the exercises on the contractions, etc. A similar plan may be pursued with regard to the phraseograms, but it is more important to grasp the principles on which phrases are constructed than to attempt to memorize the examples.

MILITARY SHORTHAND WRITER.-Sergeant, who is serving abroad and has a good teaching qualification, inquires as to the likelihood of his obtaining a clerical or teaching appointment when he leaves the service.-If our correspondent's shorthand qualifications-as attested by certificate-reach 100 words, he would be eligible for a shorthand clerkship, provided that he had a good knowledge of typewriting, and with his unusually good Army certificates we consider that he would be able to secure a suitable position in civil life, though it is possible that a course at a commercial training school would be a desirable preliminary. But it is probable, we think, that our correspondent might hear of openings more suited to his present acquirements through

service sources.

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TYPEWRITING AND LITHOGRAPHY.-New Typist asks several questions which appear to indicate that he is a little mixed with regard to typewriting and lithography. As his questions are typed, we assume that he, in common with most of our readers, is familiar with the process of typewriting. Lithography is an entirely different matter: it is the art of printing from a design formed of a greasy ink upon the smooth surface of a stone. design or writing, or whatever it is proposed shall be lithographed, is executed on a special transfer paper with a special ink, and when this design has been transferred to the stone, copies can be printed from it. A typewriting transfer may be produced by the use of a special lithographic ribbon, but the method is rarely adopted, because better copies of typewritten matter can be produced more quickly by the various mimeograph processes. A typist, therefore, need not trouble himself about the lithographic method. In answer to a further question, we may add that the general demand for efficient shorthand writers and typists continues good.

SECOND CLASS CLERKSHIPS OFFICE OF WOODS.-H. R. B. asks for particulars of these clerkships. We gave all the examination subjects in the Journal of 18th April (p. 318), to which our correspondent should refer. The papers set at the examination in Sept., 1900, can be obtained from Eyre and Spottiswoode, or any bookseller, price 6d. No further information is obtainable.— F. K. (Dundee) writes for the age limits, subjects, and centres of examination. He should refer to the answer quoted above. The examination is held in London. Scots law includes the "mode of conducting proceedings under the law as to feu duties, casualties, teinds, and salmon and other sea fishings."-Ambitious inquires as to the scope of the papers, whether the examination is comparatively stiff," what books we recommend, where candidates are stationed, and whether lameness is a bar. He should obtain the papers set in Sept. 1900, and see the scope of the examination for himself. This test, like all Civil Service competitions, is stiff because only the men who head the list are appointed. As to books, Ambitious should consult the head of his office, or place himself under the law tutors of Pitman's Metropolitan School. The clerks are stationed at H.M. Office of Works, London. On the subject of lameness, the Commissioners regard as a disqualification "the existence of any serious con

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genital or acquired defect, or malformation, especially in head, feet, or hands. Paralysis, weakness, considerable lameness, impaired motion, or contraction of the upper or lower extremities from whatever cause."

ASSISTANTS OF EXCISE EXAMINATION.-Paragon, who is studying for this examination, is fearful of wasting effort, and asks should he work right through Gill's Geography, or study only the most important parts?-He must know every word of the most up-to-date text-book of commercial and economic geography he can find, and be able to draw maps of any country or portion of a country. He needs to study English, whether he enters for Civil Service examinations or not.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL FOURTH CLASS CLERKSHIPS.F. J. W. inquires for the subjects set for clerkships under the London County Council, when the examinations are held, and to whom he should apply?-The examinations are held "from time to time when there are vacancies," and there will probably be another about the end of July. The papers set last March can be obtained from Messrs P. S. King, Gt. Smith street, Westminster, price 4d, and the subjects are:-Obligatory: Handwriting, orthography, English composition, arithmetic, compound addition (copy and cast five compound addition-nineteen lines, six figures in the pounds-in half-an-hour), geography, shorthand or book-keeping. Optional: At least two and not more than four of the following: Book-keeping or shorthand; Latin; French; German (translation from and into, and grammar in each case), drawing, geometrical or model and perspective; theoretical mechanics; inorganic chemistry; economics and local government.

Telephone GIRL.-J. N. S. intends to be a telephone girl in the G.P.O., and asks what subjects she should study.-As these telephone operators are, at present, appointed entirely by nomination, and are selected from servants of the Post Office or the Telephone Companies, no subjects have been prescribed and no examination has been held. The fee is Is., the lower limit of height is 5 ft., and the age limit is 17 to 19 years with an extension (unfixed) for all who entered the Post Office or a Telephone Company while under 19. When an examination scheme is necessary, it will probably be the same as that for Post Office Learners, with the addition of "reading aloud."

Post Office Male Learner, DUBLIN.-Optimist asks: "Can a student of ordinary ability pass by studying hard at the subjects for a few months?"-Decidedly; nothing but solid hard work and persistent care. Coaching is, however, necessary in our correspondent's case. The Dublin competition is severe, viz.: 115 candidates (97 qualified), to 14 vacancies in Feb., 1903.

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BOY CLERKSHIPS.-Verax asks what is the next step above these, what books should he use, and would his handwriting pass?"-As Boy Clerks are not established officers, there is no step above them to which they proceed by promotion. They must pass the examination for Assistant Clerks, the Second Division, Assistants of Excise or of Customs, Male Sorters, or, failing one of these, leave the service on attaining the age of 20. Pitman's Copy Books, Commercial Arithmetic, 2s. 6d., Commercial Geography, 2s. 6d., English Composition, Is. 6d., Pitman's French Course, Is. 6d., Pitman's German Course, 8d., and Pitman's English History, Is. 6d. (according to the subjects he requires), are ample for our correspondent's purpose. His style of writing needs alteration, the loops generally and some letters are improperly formed. His words "will my handwriting pass?" are meaningless in Civil Service language; his aim must be to secure, if possible, 400 out of a maximum of 400 in the handwriting subject.

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is able to write shorthand at 90 to 100 words a minute, desires to improve his position and asks for advice on several points.Having a general knowledge of the ordinary routine of a legal office, he should work hard to increase his capacity as a shorthand writer. When he can write 130 to 140 words a minute, he will find no difficulty in getting a situation in the office of a large firm of solicitors in one of the large provincial towns. He may even be able to get a London appointment, although the competition for such appointments in the metropolis is severe. In a large office he will be attached to one department-Chancery, conveyancing, or common law and should avail himself of the opportunity to get a full knowledge of all the details of the work of that department with a view to obtaining a position A man with that knowledge is a specialist, and can command a better salary than a man with merely a general knowledge of all departments. No department can be said to be substantially different from any of the others in point of salary. At present our correspondent would hardly get in London or a large town more than 30s. per week, or in the country more than £1. He should remember that the cost of living is very much higher in London than elsewhere.

BOOK ON CONVEYANCING.-Sikes inquires for a cheap work on conveyancing, to cost about 3s.—We do not know of any book on the subject at that price. Second-hand copies of standard works can sometimes be obtained. Sikes should 'write to any one of the following London law booksellers for their catalogue of second-hand law books: Stevens and Sons, Ltd., Chancery lane; Reeves and Son, Chancery lane; Kelly Law Book Company, Carey street, London, W.C. The book to be of practical value should be one published as recently as possible-say within the last ten years or so. Sikes asks also as to his handwriting. If he will make his upstrokes a little thinner, his penmanship will serve for a legal office. Apparently he needs more practice to write with fluency.

BILLS OF EXCHANGE -C. J. W. asks the meaning of the expression" dishonour by non-acceptance," and puts several other questions with reference to bills of exchange. When a bill is properly presented to the person upon whom it is drawn, for acceptance by him, and is not accepted within the customary time -which, generally speaking, is twenty-four hours-it is said to be dishonoured by non-acceptance. When the person who presents it for acceptance is not the drawer, he has an immediate right, by reason of non-acceptance, to recover the amount of the bill from the drawer or from any subsequent endorser. The term applies to inland as well as to foreign bills of exchange. Acceptance is not necessary, as our correspondent suggests, to constitute a document a bill of exchange within the meaning of the Bills of Exchange Act 1882. That Act defines a bill of exchange as "an unconditional order in writing addressed by one person to another, signed by the person giving it "-that is the drawer-" requiring the person to whom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a fixed or determinable future time, a sum certain in money to or to the order of a specified person, or to bearer." A bill drawn at sight does not require acceptance before being presented for payment. But a person on whom a bill is drawn does not become liable on it until he has accepted it-unless the bill be in effect a cheque, and the person on whom it is drawn be a banker with sufficient funds in hand belonging to the drawer to enable him to pay the amount. His other question shall be answered next week.

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JOURNALISM.-J. L. is qualifying as a journalist with the help of "Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism," and has set out on the task of learning every word in the dictionary, by repeatedly copying it out, which he conceives to be rec mmended in that work. We need hardly say that this is not the "intelligent study recommended in the "Guide." When engaged in exercises in composition he should avail himself of the help of a good dictionary with a view to using the correct word in the right place; a book of synonyms such as will be found in "Everybody's Writing Desk Book" (Saxon and Co., price is.) may also be consulted with advantage.-W. G., who is also qualifying for journalistic work, wishes to know how he may turn his ability in note-taking to practical account. Unless he could obtain an appointment as correspondent for a local paper, and could devote the needful time to the discharge of the duties, we do not think that he would be likely to find profitable employment. But journalism is full of unexpected developments, and if on some occasion he were able to supply a newspaper with an important item of news in the absence of the customary representative, he might suddenly find that he had got his foot firmly fixed on the bottom rung of the journalistic ladder.

HANDWRITING.-Bruce could best develop her handwriting into a useful upright style; but she should avoid the backward slope.-Subscriber should obtain some writing lessons in order to acquire a good style so essential in business.-F. C. T. would do well to pay some attention to the improvement of his capital letters; he should endeavour to write a more even size.-K. S. N., F. T., Waterloo, Scribo, and O. S. might improve their handwriting by the use of Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series No. 19 copy book.-J. D. P's. handwriting is satisfactory.-A. M. G. Deeds instruction from a writing master.-By careful practice Leonard might develop a very good style; he should use No. 19 recommended above.-V. C. R. should be more careful in dotting her i's; some of the down loops are too large; by a little care and further practice from suitable models, she will develop a good upright hand.-Madge should form her letters more carefully, and avoid exaggerated loops and flourishes.

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MISCELLANEOUS -We believe that the appliance D. A. inquires about is as good as can be obtained. He is too old to enter any of the Civil Service examinations with advantage.Beta should get up speed by a course of practice at Pitman's Metropolitan School.-We do not know of any other books beyond those T. R. K. has which contain fingered exercises in typewriting -J. C. would find that the study of "Pitman's Manual of Business Training" (price 2s. 6d), would greatly improve his general commercial knowledge; we are unable to advise on the other point.-H. G, who writes a good hand, inquires whether we consider that it would be better for him to enter the Post Office or a railway office. A great deal must depend on his education and opportunities. If these would not admit of his passing the examinations necessary for advancement in the Civil Service, a railway clerkship would prove an excellent opening. We should advise J. G. to gain all the experience he can in his present place, and at the same time look out for a better position.-There is no work published dealing with the correspondence of the special trade F. T. inquires about. He would, however, find a manual of general correspondence such "Pitman's Commercial Correspondence and Commercial English," price 2s. 6d., of permanent usefulness to him in any trade. We cannot recommend any work of special value to Forwarding. His inquiry is, however, of too general a character to answer at all definitely.-Murio would do well to use "Pitman's Primer of Book-keeping" (price is), the "Key" (Is), and set of four Ideal MS. books (8d.), in the acquirement of book-keeping. He should use Pitman's Shorthand Instructor" (Twentieth Century Edition) for the acquirement of shorthand.-Pendennis is referred to last week's issue for information on the prospects of clerks in insurance offices.-The sentence J. H. W. submits is correct, but of the suitability of the wording we cannot form an opinion without having the context before us.-W. T. will find what he requires in the German section of Hugo's French Journal Vol. IX. (price is. 6d.).—As Erica is a student at Pitman's Metropolitan School, she would do well to personally consult the VicePrincipal on her prospects for the Civil Service or other occupation. Labourer should obtain the "Phonographic Teacher" and "Key to Teacher" (price 6d. each)-Madge would be very ill advised to abandon shorthand for the useless method to which she directs attention; her remaining questions shall be answered next week.-A large number of answers are unavoidably held over.

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PITMAN'S SHORTHAND CERTIFICATES. The following Certificates are issued :— THIRD CLASS OR ELEMENTARY CERTIFICATE, for thorough know. ledge of the " Phonographic Teacher":"Shorthand Primer, Book I."; or 20th Cent. Manual" or "Instructor," as far as Chap. xvii. Fee 6d. Every student after having worked through the "Teacher" is recommended to test his knowledge by applying for this Certificate.

SECOND CLASS OR THEORY CERTIFICATE, for a thorough knowledge of the 20th Cent. "Manual"; or "Instructor," Chaps. i-xxvi.; or "Shorthand Primer, Book II." Fee 25. FIRST CLASS OR SPEED CERTIFICATE. Speed Certificates are granted for 60 words per minute and upwards. Fee is. 6d. FULL CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY.-When a Second Class Certificate and a First Class Certificate for 80 words have been obtained, a Full Certificate is issued, certifying that the holder has a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of Phonography. Fee Is.

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

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