Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

FOLIO AND WORD COUNTER

FOR TYPEWRITERS.

Mr F. T. Gissing, 40 Chancery lane, London, W.C., contributes the following description of the word and folio counter for typewriting which he is bringing out: This apparatus consists of two small dials, one being graduated to register the number of folios, and the other to register the number of words less than a folio. Each dial is provided with a pointer to indicate the number of folios and words typed. Mechanism is provided so that the depression of the space bar shall actuate the counter by means of a vertical spindle. The mechanism consists of a ratchet wheel worked by a pawl pivoted on a lever crank which receives its motion from the vertical spindle attached to the space bar side of the typewriter. The spindle of the ratchet wheel is carried through the dial, and a pointer fixed thereon registers the number of words typed. On the same spindle a small pinion is fitted which gears into an intermediate wheel which has fitted to it another small pinion gearing into a third wheel, the spindle of which latter is carried through the dial face, and a pointer fixed on this spindle registers the number of folios typed. An arrangement is provided for preventing the registration of any word or words not to be counted. To effect this object, a cam is fitted underneath the pawl actuating the ratchet wheel, the spindle of the cam being fitted with a lever which can be moved through a part of a circle, thus lifting the pawl out of gear with the wheel and making the motion received from the space bar of no avail. The counters can be re-set at zero, after the completion of any work, by means of a watch-key. The standard size counter is made for registering up to 100 folios, and is continuous in its action. It re-sets itself each time it runs out the given number of folios. Thus, any number of folios may be counted, it being only necessary to notice each revolution made by the pointer on the folio dial. The dial registers 100 folios for each complete revolution.

The chief points in this counter are:-1. It is very simple and compact. It measures 2 in. long it in. wide x 3 in. thick. 2. It is easily fixed. It is only necessary to drill two small holes in the right hand vertical column of the machine. Or, if preferred, it can be fas tened on by two small thumb screws. 3. It counts folios as well as words, thus saving much time. 4. The amount of work done is recorded at sight on completion. 5. Is easily and quickly re-set after each batch of work is done. 6. Is easily thrown in or out of gear. 7. No extra pressure is put on the space bar, and it does not affect the touch of the keyboard.

SHORTHAND AND BOOK-
KEEPING.

In an address by Mr R. F. Rose to the Chicago branch of the National Association of Accountants and Book-keepers, the speaker observed: Shorthand is within easy reach of a book-keeper? Is it desirable that the bookkeeper should learn the art of shorthand? In other words, in grasping the star, is he raising himself? I think he is. It is a fact undisputed

[blocks in formation]

You will doubtless be fully cognisant of the depressed conaltion 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 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 11abilities, 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 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.

and indisputable that the more practical knowledge obtained by anyone, the most valuable will he be to himself and the more valuable will he be to his employer. I need not tell you that were everyone of you a practical shorthand writer, a good stenographer, your range of usefulne s would be widened and the more valuable would you become. That is a fact within your own knowledge, and it is not necessary for you to ask anyone to attend a meeting of this kind and make any such self-evident proposition. Not only is that true with the book-keeper, but it is true with any profession. Any man in any walk of life may well afford to have a practical knowledge of stenography. Can you think of any art which would be more valuable to the lawyer? To the preacher it is of the greatest value. But you know that to none is it more valuable than to yourself. The book-keeper with knowledge of shorthand is sought in the advertisements of every Sunday paper,

DUBLIN SHORTHAND AND LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

PROPOSED IRISH SHORTHAND INSTITUTE. The annual competitions for the Gore gold and silver medals in connection with the Dublin Shorthand and Literary Association took place on the 22nd April in the Rooms, 4 Lower O'Connell street, Mr P. J. McIvor, President, in the chair. A speed certificate examination under the Pitman rules also took place on the same evening. Six candidates competed for the gold medal and sixteen for the silver medal, while twelve candidates entered for speed certificates, including two medal candidates. The examining committee, after a careful scrutiny of the papers, awarded the gold medal to Mr W. Henry, a pupil of Mr W. Reid, and the silver medal to Miss Matthews, of Skerry's Academy. A special gold pen was awarded to Miss B. Lee, of Norton's School of Shorthand, for the excellence of her papers. The examining committee present were Messrs M. F. Boyle (who acted as reader), J. C. Mahoney, J. McElroy, P. J. Hanway, E. A. Gallagher (editor Farmers' Gazette), T. J. Keane (Vice-President), and M. T. O'Malley (hon. sec.). The papers submitted by the candidates for speed certificates were forwarded to the Phonetic Institute, Bath, for adjudication.

ambitious one, and he would watch its further development with interest. The President (Mr P. J. McIvor) suggested that certain well known shorthand writers in the city should be invited to act on the provisional committee. He would give the project all the support in his power. Mr T J. Keane (Vice-President) was strongly in favour of the scheme, and said if an energetic committee were got together the details might be easily arranged. The subject of issuing commercial certificates was a very important move. Mr Hanway cordially approved of the movement. Mr M. T. O'Malley said as the proposal made by Mr Wilson was an Institute for the shorthand writers of all Ireland, the support should be obtained of phonographers in Belfast and Cork. He fancied that a body formed on the lines of the Incorporated Phonographic Society would meet their requirements. He would do his best to make the project, known and wished it every success. The question of having an examination for the admission of members deserved their warmest support, while he could not believe that anyone would object to the issuing of commercial certificates. He was always under the impression that their speed practice was conducted on wrong lines. A student trained in the rapid writing of political speeches was quite at sea when confronted with an employer who rolled off a business letter full of matter of a technical character, and his speed immediately dwindled down to about one-half its normal rate.

Mr J. Moles, B L., proposed, and Mr Wilson seconded, that the matter be referred to the committee with power to add to their number, to report on (1) the legal steps necessary to inaugurate the Institute; (2) a definite scheme; (3) objects; (4) curriculum; (5) to make recommendations. The motion was carried unanimously, amidst applause, and the proceedings terminated.

The annual election of officers and committee took place on the 29th April with the following result:-Hon. Presidents: Capt. M. S. Woollett, Mr J. Gore, Mr H. Norton; President, Mr P. J. McIvor; Hon. Vice-Presidents, Mr J. Moles, B.L., Mr E. A. Gallagher, and Mr M. F. Boyle; Treasurer, Mr J. C. Mahoney; Hon. Sec, Mr M. T. O'Malley; Assistant Secretary, Mr J. Crampton; Keeper of the Situation Bureau, Mr G. A. Wilson; Librarian and Director of Reporting, Mr J. McElroy; Committee, Misses A. Gerrard, T. Maguire, McQuillan, and Messrs J. McElroy, P. J. Hanway. INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

and N. Grace.

Mr J. Moles, B.L., occupied the chair temporarily during the election of President, and Mr P. J. McIvor, on being declared re-elected, took his accustomed place at the head of the table amidst loud applause. He warmly thanked the members for having once more placed their confidence in him. The Secretary read his report, and the Treasurer presented his statement of accounts, which showed a substantial balance on hand. The report and statement of accounts were adopted on the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr G. A. Wilson. On the motion of Miss A. Gerrard, seconded by Mr Wilson, it was decided to allow the Hon. Secretary a bonus in recognition of his services during the past session.

Mr G. A. Wilson brought forward a proposal for the establishment of an Institute for Irish Shorthand Writers, with power to issue certificates of membership and to grant fellowships. He said he had promises of financial support from large employers of shorthand clerks in the city, and he felt sure the scheme would be a great success. The members of the Dublin Shorthand and Literary Association would form the nucleus of the Institute, and he recommended that the details be referred to the committee with power to add to their number. The Institute would have public offices and a paid secretary. The system of examination for admission of members would weed out the incompetent and the inefficient, and he believed that many eminent shorthand practitioners, who at present held aloof from them, would come in and join their ranks. They would issue certificates for proficiency in commercial subjects, the result of which would be the raising of the status of the commercial shorthand writer. They would issue diplomas to shorthand teachers, and would do their utmost to see that those who took upon themselves the responsibilities of imparting a knowledge of shorthand to others were fully equipped with the requisite knowledge of the subject themselves.

Mr J. C. Mahoney addressed the meeting on the subject of the financial aspect of the question and said the matter required very grave consideration. The proposal was a most

COUNCIL MEETING.

A Council meeting of the Incorporated Phonographic Society was held on 9th May at St Bride's Institute, Ludgate Circus, London, E.C. The members present were Mr Catley (in the chair), Miss Bone, Miss Washbourne, Messrs Colebourn, Green, Holmes, Lambert, Sharpe, and Whitehead. Officers in attendance, Messrs E. A. Cope, and H. W. Harris, General Secretary. Election of Fellows.-The following were elected Fellows: LONDON (G.S.).

Wilson Wilfrid E., Eversley villa, Heneage street, Grimsby.
LONDON (T.S.).

Bone Miss Harriet E., 5 Conley street, Greenwich, London, S.E.
TYPISTS' SECTION.

Hallett Henry H., Bridge house, Taunton.
Kirton C. H., 113 Powerscroft road, Clapton, London, N.E.

Fellowship Cards.-The Council directed that in future the cards of fellowship should bear upon them a notice to the effect that it must be distinctly understood that fellowship of the Society lapses entirely unless the annual subscription is punctually paid. Liverpool Conference, 1903.-Communications from the officials of the Liverpool District, in reference to the forthcoming Conference of the Society, to be held in Liverpool at the end of September, were laid before the Council, from which it appeared that papers from two well-known phonographers had already been promised, and that every effort was being put forth with a view to making the gathering one of the most successful in the history of the Society. A number of suggestions in connection with the program were brought forward by members of the Council, and the Secretary was directed to convey the same to the District Secretary, with a view to their consideration by the local committee.

Attendances of Council Members.-The attendances of members of the Council was presented, and the Secretary was instructed to communicate in due course with any member whose attendance had not been reasonably complete, with a view of ascertaining whether there were any special reasons accounting for the same. List of Fellows, Members, and Associates.-The Council resolved that the August number of the Quarterly Journal of this year shall contain a list of all the Fellows, Members, and Associates of the Society who are not in arrear with their subscriptions on the 15th August prox., and that teacher members of the Society bę

invited to send to their District Secretary information of the schools or institutions in which they are teaching shorthand or typewriting. LONDON.

The first Saturday afternoon ramble for the present season attracted a goodly attendance of members The neighbourhood explored was the country near Watford, and after tea an hour was pleasantly spent with music before the party strolled back towards the station. A steamer has been hired for the annual river trip, which will take place on Saturday, 27th June, and as the accommodation is limited, early application is desirable for tickets. This year, instead of travelling to Chertsey and back, the boat will convey the party to Windsor or Datchet, whence the return will be made by railway. Special tickets for the combined trip by river and train can be obtained only from the Secretary.

The District meetings will continue weekly throughout the summer. A supplemental program, which will include several lectures, is in preparation, and the Secretary will be happy to forward copies to applicants.

LONDON (T.S ).

The monthly meeting of the London District of the Teachers' Section was held on Saturday afternoon, 9th May, at the St Bride's Foundation Institute, Bride lane, E.C., Mr E. A. Cope in the chair. There was a large attendance of fellows,

members, and associates.

The following elections to the District were announced: Mr W. D. Harrison (Melbourne), and Miss Mabel Godfrey.

Two papers contributed by country members were then read by the Secretary. The first paper was by Mr H. E. Hall, of Leicester, and dealt with the subject of "Shorthand in Elementary Schools." Thousands of boys in the upper standards are taught shorthand along with their other work, yet the subject receives very inadequate treatment. The great majority of teachers in these schools, being trained to serve an apprenticeship, or passing through a training college, why should not shorthand be successfully taught? Unfortunately, shorthand was no part of the teacher's training, and it therefore too frequently happens that, busy in the pursuit of the subjects which will raise his professional status, he gains absolutely no knowledge of the one in which the I P.S. is interested. The general impression somehow held by those who know nothing of it, that shorthand offers no difficulty in acquirement, and the fact that public bodies generally act as though the smallest measure of preliminary knowledge were sufficient for the teacher to possess, tend to induce the feeling that it will be quite early enough to "look it up" when called upon to teach it. He (Mr Hall) had strong admiration for the versatility of the average certificated teacher: but what must happen when this subject is taught by one who scarcely dare write on the blackboard any words but those he had specially prepared for the lesson? After citing several instances of the kind that had come under his notice, the author of the paper proceeded to discuss the various methods of removing the weakness he had exposed, as, for instance, by increasing the enthusiasm of teachers for shorthand, the employment of expert visiting masters, etc.. and the place shorthand should occupy in the school curriculum.

The paper was highly commended in the course of the discussion that followed, in which Messrs W. J. Sharpe, G. W. Lambert, H. W. Hill, C. H. Kirton, S. C. Green, S. E. Tanner, and T. E. Catley took part.

The second paper was on " Phraseograms," and was contributed by Mr W. Yarnold, of Leicester. The author attempted the classification of the rules governing the formation of phraseograms, and advocated certain extensions of the principle. His paper was profusely illustrated, and at its close a hearty vote of thanks was directed to be transmitted to the writers of both papers.

CIVIL SERVICE EXAMINATIONS
ANNOUNCED.

JUNIOR APPOINTMENTS Royal Ordnance Factories (War Office) and Accounting Departments (Admiralty). Age 18-20. 11th June. Salary, £100-£350.

1st July.

CIVIL SERVICE OF INDIA. Age 22-24. 1st July. CLERKSHIPS (HOME C.S.), Class I. Age 22-24. EASTERN CADETS. Age 21-24. 1st July. ASSISTANT EXAMINERS, Patent Office. Age 20-25. 2nd July. Twenty-four vacancies. Salary, £150-£450.

ASSISTANT CLERKS (Abstractors) in Public Departments. 9th July. Salary, £55 to £150.

Applications (on forms previously obtained) must reach the Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Burlington gardens, London, W., on or before the date named above.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF S.W.A's.

MIDLAND DISTRICT CONFERENCE.

The fourteenth district conference was held at Stratford-onAvon on 25th April. The large gathering included visitors from Nottingham, Leicester, Coventry, Rugby, Birmingham, and Wolverhampton, together with a good number of Stratford phonographers. The conference was of a social character throughout. The visitors were met on arrival and taken to the Technical School, in Henley street. Here parties were formed and conducted round the various interesting sights of the town, the Stratford S.W.A. members acting as guides. Among places visited were the Birthplace of Shakspere, the Memorial Theatre, the Grammar School, etc. The parties returned to the Technical School for tea. After tea the conference visited Mason Croft, the beautiful residence of Miss Marie Corelli, who is President of the Stratford S.W.A. Miss Corelli received the visitors in the most cordial manner, and after the grounds had been visited, the company assembled in the house.

Miss Corelli, addressing those present, said that she had the most sincere respect and admiration for the constant study, patience, and unwearying energy of the professors and students of the art of shorthand. Their skill and quickness brought happy results to every author of books, by the saving of an enormous amount of time and trouble, while by giving the writer more time to think, it might be that the thoughts were of better nature and quality. She much regretted that there was no shorthand writing in the days of Shakspere. If there had been such, the immortal plays and poems would have been transcribed many times from the Immortal Poet's own dictation, and we should have been spared the cranky confusions of a Bacon theory. The professors and students of shorthand were more than useful to the civilized world of to-day- they were absolutely necessary to Parliamentary work, to the Press, and to authorship. They should-and she hoped they did-receive every encouragement from the world of letters.

On the proposition of Mr R. Meads, Nottingham (District Chairman), seconded by Mr J. Ramsden, Wolverhampton (District Secretary), a hearty vote of thanks was accorded to Miss Corelli for her reception and address.

The District Secretary announced that the Federation silver medal awarded to the winner of the highest speed certificate in connection with the Federation winter speed examinations, had been won for the Midland District by Mr W. J. Davis, of Coventry, and Miss Corelli heartily congratulated Mr Davis on his

success.

The conference then took leave of Miss Corelli and returned to the Technical School, where a musical evening, kindly arranged by the Stratford S. W.A. was very much enjoyed.

There were

MIDLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETING. A District Council meeting was held at Stratford. present Messrs R. Meads (District Chairman), and W. K. Scrivener (Nottingham); Mrs Oldacre, Miss Robson and Mr A. T. Eyre (Leicester); Mr Fletcher (Rugby); Miss Davis, Messrs Simmons and Cordingly (Stratford); Messrs Wyatt and Davis (Coventry); Messrs Hickman, Hammerton, and J. Ramsden, District Secretary (Wolverhampton).

The following were elected District officers for the ensuing year -President, Mr A. S. Wyatt (Coventry); Vice-President, Miss Annie Davis (Stratford); Secretary, Mr J. Ramsden, Jr. (Wolverhampton); District Representatives, Messrs J. Griffiths on Executive Council, and A. S. Wyatt (Coventry).

The next district conferences were arranged to be held at Rugby in November next, and at Coventry in March, 1904.

It was resolved to recommend to the National Executive Council that two prizes of one guinea should be offered in connection with the Federation speed examinations, one to the Association securing the largest number of certificates at the two winter examinations, and the other to the Association securing the largest percentage of certificates based on the number of members in the S.W.A., no Association to be awarded more than one of the prizes.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.

LONDON. 16 Wool Exchange, Basinghall street, E.C.Tuition is given at these offices in shorthand and typewriting daily, and for the convenience of those engaged during the day on alternate evenings from 7 till 9 p.m. In the typewriting department both the single and double key-boards are taught, and in the latter the Smith Premier machine is used exclusively. Full particulars post-free.

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.

At the recent Theory and Speed examinations held on 3rd April, in connection with the Incorporated Society of Shorthand Teachers, thirty-three candidates presented themselves for examination at Whiteley's Business College, 75 Jamaica street, Glasgow. Of these twenty-nine have been succe sful; one secured first prize in the theory, and nine candidates out of the fourteen who sat for the speed test gained distinction.

The first annual meeting of the Luton S W.A (federated) was held on 24th April. Mr Rimmer occupied the chair and there was a good attendance. The Secretary (Mr W. J. Warren) reported on the year's work, and congratulated the members on an excellent start. Twenty-nine members bad been enrolled, and nine speed certificates were gained at the December examination of the Federation. These were presented at this meeting, as well as a gold fountain pen offered by a vice-president, which was won by Miss Lines Most of the officers were re-elected, and a committee appointed to draw up a program for the next session.

A cricket club bas recently been formed in connection with the Northern Institute, 10 Park row, Leeds. A suitable field has been secured near Roundhay Park. The season has now commenced and the list of fixtures is complete. There are already a large number of members, and the Club promises to be a great success. Present and past pupils of the Institute are eligible for membership, and those wishing to join should communicate with the Secretary, Mr F. Bagshaw, Ash Grove, Hyde Park, Leeds, or Mr G. H. Hamilton, B A., at the Institute.

The annual distribution of prizes and certificates in connection with the continuation school held during the winter months at the Williton National Schoolroom, took place recently. Mr T. J. Gard is the head teacher of the school, and he is as isted by Messrs W. H. Chibbett (carving), and R. G. Upham (shorthand). The past session has been very satisfactory, both in results and attendance. Mr W. H. Farrar (the school correspondent) presented prizes and certificates to the following:-Certificates for regular attendance to twenty-one scholars, all of whom had their fees refunded; and special certificates for attendance were secured by six scholars Shorthand certificates were presented to C. Holcombe, E. Kille, T L Sparks, and D. Sparks, two being Pitman's Theory Certificates, and the other two, Elementary Certificates. Eleven books were awarded as prizes to various pupils for neatness of note books. Mr Farrar, in handing the awards to the successful pupils, said he was glad to see that there was no diminution in the success of the school. Pupils attended the school in order to supplement the knowledge gained at the day-school. They went there not to finish themselves off, but to learn how to learn. was glad to see that the attendance was keeping up so well, as it showed that the interest in the school had been main. tained. The average attendance during the past winter had been twenty-six, as compared with twenty-four the year before.

He

The presentation of certificates awarded to the students of the Rockhampton Technical College in the late examination held by the Brisbane Technical College took place on 16th March in the School of Arts. The Chairman of the Technical College Committee (Mr G. Potts) presided, and in dealing with the successes observed that shorthand had taken a prominent position from the inception of the institution. The report stated that the students had been well grounded in the fundamental principles of Phonography. When they got to the higher grades they would see how wise and

judicious the teaching in the elementary branch had been, and how eminently the teacher of shorthand (Mr Gillespie) had succeeded. In the Corresponding Style class the students had acquitted themselves with credit. Next they came to the reporting class. Of this it was said: "The papers throughout display great merit, and show that the pupils possess a sound, practical knowledge of the principles of Phonography." Eleven candidates went in for that subject and all passed. When one looked at the foundation laid the elementary work-and traced it up step by step, there was no wonder such results had been obtained in the highest grade.

At the weekly meeting of the Leicester and District S.W.A. (federated), held in the Smoke Room of the High Cross Coffee House on 28th April, Mr F G. Gould, a member of the Leicester School Board, read a paper on "Richard Jefferies," which was much appreciated by the members, while on 2nd May Mr Sandiford's paper entitled "The Funny Side of Phonography," was read by the President (Mr W. H. Lord), who added to its interest by appropriate blackboard illustrations. Intending members should communicate with the Hon. Sec, Mr A. T Eyre, 14 Hinckley road, Leicester.

All the candidates prepared by Mr Eyre (teacher's diploma), 14 Hinckley road, Leicester, for the recent I.S.S.T. students' examination, have passed, namely, L. Dennis, 8ó words, with distinction, S. Quinn, So words, A. Brown, 60 words, with distinction, L. Bill: on, theory with distinction, J. W. Exton, theory.

At the recent examination for the Pitman speed certificates at the Sheffield Central Higher School Evening Classes (Mr A. Davis, F.Inc S. T., instructor), the following students were successful:-J. C. Simon, 130 words per minute; Miss W M. Trustam, 120; E. Turner, S. Spicer, Miss E. Tyler, H. Hill, F. S. Smith, and Miss E. Wardle, 80. Councillor Tom Shaw, Mr R. Holmshaw, member of the Education Committee, and Mr E. Readman acted as superintendents, with Mr H. A. Fry as secretary. A most successful session of these classes has just been brought to a close with 120 students in attendance.

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.

[blocks in formation]

our correspondent should, with steady practice, be able to acquit himself with distinction at next year's examination.

SHORTHAND AND TYPEWRITING.-Learner has attained to a speed of 60 words per minute in class, and desires to know what course he should pursue in order to keep up his study in the summer, now that the class is closed.-He would do well to practise from dictation for speed with the matter given in this Journal and other shorthand works, revising his notes by the shorthand, and occasionally transcribing portions to test his accuracy. With regard to touch typewriting, he would need instruction from a good teacher. In typewriting examinations the speed tests consist of passages in ordinary print which have to be copied correctly. Considering our correspondent's age, he would do well to defer taking up the study of book-keeping till he is a little older.

GROCERS' BOOK-KEEPING.-In reply to Madge, there is nothing special in the book-keeping required for a grocer. Any tabulated form in use in trades where the stock is of a varied character would be suitable. Madge is near to Pitman's Metropolitan School, and she would do well to consult the head of the Bookkeeping Section there.

JOURNALIZING BILL TRANSACTIONS.-C. J. W. asks us rather an elementary question upon this subject. Where a bill is drawn upon one person in favour of another the drawee should be credited, bills receivable being debited, and the payee should be debited, the bills account being credited. In such a case the acceptance of the draft by the drawee is presumed.

ASSISTANT INSPECTORS OF FACTORIES.-M. J. M. is a junior clerk in the engineering department of the G.P.O., and asks whether he would improve his prospects by obtaining a nomination for Assistant Inspectors of Factories. Probably not, as an examination which must precede promotion in his own office likewise, intervenes between Assistant Inspectors and Inspectors of Factories. M. J. M. could probably easily secure a nomination to compete for a superior post in his own office: he should do so, and work hard and continuously until he has earned his step. There are no Civil Service posts obtainable without hard work nowadays, and the Factory Inspectors examination probably requires more work and more ability than any other nomination appointment. The hours of Factory Inspectors' Assistants are fairly regular, but there is some travelling and not much choice of districts. Redgrave's Factory Acts will probably cover all the ground of our correspondent's only extra subject.

INSPECTORSHIP of FactorIES.-P. S. asks whether it is possible for him to obtain an appointment as Inspector of Factories, and whether the nomination precedes the examination.-It does, and the educational test is a severe one which P. S. could not, at present, hope to pass, for his letter of inquiry contains five spelling errors. If he will take our advice he will, at once, take up the study of English, unless his mistakes are the results of carelessness-a less pardonable crime than ignorance.

MALE SORTER G.P.O.-G. R. asks whether he, a solicitor's clerk, eighteen years of age, would improve his position by becoming a Sorter G.P.O., and whether he could, if successful, be appointed in a provincial town. He could only enter by open competition the G.P.O. London as a sorter; the provincial vacancies are filled by limited competition among messengers and postmen. The pay of a sorter is from 18s. per week to a maximum of £160 per annum, and the usual pension regulations apply. G. R. must judge for himself whether he would improve his position by entering this service.

IRISH LAND COMMISSION THIRD CLASS CLERKS.-X. Y. Z. (who, by the way, writes us a somewhat untidy letter in lead pencil) asks for particulars concerning this examination.-It is quite possible that when the Irish Land Bill now before Parliament becomes law it will necessitate a number of new appointments to this office in the near future. Age limits 18 to 22. Open competition fee £4. Salary £80 to £150 and by promotion to first-class clerk with a maximum of £450. Subjects:Obligatory, 1, handwriting, orthography and copying MS.; 2, arithmetic; 3, English composition; 4, Précis-writing, including indexing and digesting returns: 5, book-keeping; 6, geography and English history; 7, law of real property; 8, translation from any two of the languages, Latin, French and German; 9, Euclid I.-IV., and Abgebra to binomials; 10, shorthand. Use Joshua Williams' " Principles of the Law of Real Property "

(18th edition), Pitman's Copy Book (if required), Pitman's Commercial Geography, 2s. 6d.; Indexing and Précis Writing, Is. 6d.; Commercial Arithmetic, 2s. 6d.; Book-keeping Simplified, 2s. 6d. Read any good history and cram Tait's "Analysis of Green," 3s. 6d. Pitman's "Shorthand Instructor," 3s. 6d. (Speed required about 100 words per minute), and any of Pitman's French and German readers.

INSURANCE CLERKSHIPS.-In reply to Anxious, it may be explained that examinations for insurance clerkships are not publicly announced after the manner of Civil Service examinations, nor are the papers set at previous examinations issued. But our correspondent could obtain information and coaching for any particular examination at Pitman's Metropolitan School.

ENTERING A LAWYER'S OFFICE.-P. W. G., who is about entering a lawyer's office for the first time as shorthand writer and typist, will probably find in Jones's" Solicitor's Clerk " (published by Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange, London, E.C., price 2s. 6d. net) a useful and helpful work to refer to in the course of his new duties.

HANDWRITING.-G. E. C., J. T. W., S. T., and Inquirer should obtain lessons in order to develop their hands into a good flowing style.-R. W. A. writes his downstrokes too heavily, and looped letters do not go high enough above the line; he should model his handwriting on Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series No 15.J. H. R. writes a satisfactory style, but should pay a little more attention to regularity-T. R. J's. handwriting is quite satisfactory for a legal office.-H. P's. first style of handwriting is far the best of the two.-W. H. W's. second style is the neatest, but he should make the downstrokes of the same thickness throughout. -W. A's. handwriting is well suited for book-keeping.—S. W. P's. style will do very well for general office work.-S. S. writes a good style, but downstrokes should be uniformly thick; he thickens capriciously, and sometimes in the wrong place.

on

MISCELLANEOUS.-S. A. C. will find the articles on "Elementary Law" in this Journal from 25th Aug., 1900, to 6th Dec., 1902; they are not published in book form, nor will the present series Legal Terms" be so issued. Back annual volumes of the Journal can always be obtained, price 6s. each.-Typewriter is advised that the word Leices-ter should preferably not be split on the typewriter; we have, however, indicated the only division which would be correct.-H. J. D. would be well advised to stay at school and work well in preparation for the law examination; our correspondent's English is not perfect, and his handwriting might be greatly improved with care. If he has not commenced shorthand, he should take up the study with "Pitman's Shorthand Instructor" (price 3s. 6d.).—We are afraid that we cannot give G. W. C. any useful advice on his prospects if he emigrated to the United States. His qualifications would certainly entitle him to success, but he would need to add to them practical ability in typewriting.-J. T. W. should start with "Pitman's French Course, Part I (price 6d.).-Mac is informed that Young Oxford is published monthly, price 3d, and may be obtained from the publisher, 22 Gloucester street, Oxford.-J. H. R. should obtain "Answers to Complete Commercial Arithmetic " (price is. 6d.).— A A. H. would need to be articled for some years for the employment of draughtsman; he is not too old if he has any special artistic ability, but we have no detailed information on the subject.H. J. will find full information concerning London County Council clerkships in last week's Journal.-H. G. would, we consider, find the Corporation service as good as a railway office in regard to future prospects; his handwriting is suitable, but inquiry should be made locally as to subjects of study.-Enquirer will find his difficulties with regard to punctuation solved in "Stops, or How to Punctuate" (Fisher Unwin, Is).-We consider that D. McC. would be competent to take a junior position as shorthand-typist. -In reply to Ń. S. C., we have to state that we are not acquainted at the present time with the addresses of any phonographers in Athens. The system E. W. O. inquires about is the best which is taught; whether it would be worth our correspondent's while to take it up is, of course, a question for him to decide.-A. M. is informed that the address of the Secretary of the Institute of Secretaries is 19 Birchin lane, Cornhill, London, E.C.-H. C. would probably find what he desired in the Hosiery Trades Journal, monthly 24d., published by J. H. Quilter, 11 Millstone lane, Leicester.-D. M. can obtain Esperanto publications from W. T. Stead, Mowbray House, Norfolk street, Strand, London, W.C.-In reply to J. E., the eradicator may be obtained direct from the address given.-Other inquiries shall be answered next week,

« AnteriorContinuar »