Imágenes de páginas
PDF
EPUB

LONDON

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE COMMERCIAL EXAMINATIONS.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION BY PRINCESS

CHRISTIAN.

A large company gathered on 20th May at the London Guildhall, where Princess Christian distributed the scholars' medals and prizes in connection with the thirteenth Junior and ninth Senior Examinations, promoted by the London Chamber of Commerce. Her Royal Highness was received by the Lord Mayor, who was accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Alderman and Sheriff Sir George Truscott and Lady Truscott, Sheriff Sir Thomas Brooke-Hitching and Lady Brooke-Hitching, Lord Brassey (the President of the Chamber), Sir Albert K. Rollit, M.P. (the Chairman of the Commercial Education Committee), the Colombian, Corean, Servian, and Bolivian Ministers, and a number of Members of Parliament.

The Lord Mayor, in asking her Royal Highness to distribute the awards, said there could not be two opinions as to the value of the educational work carried on by the London Chamber of Commerce. There were, unfortunately, thousands of young men who aspired to be clerks, but who possessed no qualification. Amid the present stress of competition it was absolutely necessary for those who would succeed in commercial life to learn the rudiments of a commercial education, which the Chamber of Commerce was thoroughly qualified to impart. The Lord Mayor, having referred to the fact that the students numbered 1,295, said the work was carried out in 92 centres, and that £10,622 was being spent in connection with the movement. The Chief Magistrate concluded by thanking her Royal Highness for graciously assisting the work of the Chamber by her presence that afternoon.

SO

Lord Brassey, as the President of the Chamber, also thanked the Princess for consenting to make the distribution.

Princess Christian then distributed the awards, which included a large number of money prizes, while prizes were awarded by the Italian and Spanish Chambers of Com

merce.

Sir Albert Rollit, in moving a vote of thanks to her Royal Highness, announced amid cheers that the Chamber of Commerce would found a scholarship bearing the name of the Princess. Sir Albert pointed out that the certificates gained by the students were recognised as a testimony to their fitness for the commercial work they undertook, and gained for them a higher remuneration than they could otherwise hope for. The lectures and classes were thronged to such an extent that they had had to engage larger rooms for the purpose. To make commerce what it should be nowadays it must be a learned profession, and unless we armed and equipped our people for battle in the markets of the world we should not long be able to retain the pre-eminence we enjoyed at present.

The motion having been seconded by Sir George Truscott, was adopted with enthusiasm. The proceedings closed with thanks to the donors of prizes and to the Lord Mayor for presiding.

[blocks in formation]

This is like many other things liable to be abused and then become a nuisance, but that is no reason why it should be absolute ly prohibited.

I have many such applications, some can be granted without difficulty and are acceded to, others can only be partially met, 1.e. on the outward journey, and there are some occasions when I have to give a downright refusal.

To secure accommodation on the return journey is always more difficult than at the starting point, and I often give a merely qualified promise in that respect, the guard doing what he can to get the return party together.

[blocks in formation]

HOLIDAY COURSES ON THE CONTINENT.-The Board of Education have just issued the revised list of nineteen holiday courses which will be held on the Continent at different times during the present year, but mostly in the summer months. Four of the courses are in Germany, three in Switzerland, one in Spain, and the rest in France. A course will also be held at Zurich in August. The paper issued by the Board of Education gives the date of each course, the fees, return fares from London, lowest cost of boarding, principal subjects of instruction, address of local secretary, and other details of importance to intending students. Copies of the paper can be obtained free on application to the Board of Education Library, St Stephen's House, Cannon row, Whiteḥall, London, S. W.

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.

A well-attended meeting of shorthand writers and others was held at the Monoux School, Walthamstow, on 19th May, when Mr T. E. Catley, F.I.P.S., gave an instructive lecture on "The Shorthand Writer, Past, Present, and Future." Mr T. W. Liddiard occupied the chair. The lecturer compared, in an interesting manner, the ways adopted for fast writing in the earlier periods with the present time. He pointed out that the shorthand writer of the past was an educated man, as verbatim reporting with old systems of shorthand was practically impossible, and the man had therefore to use his knowledge to present a satisfactory transcript of his notes. Much of the eloquence of orators in the past was believed to have been supplied largely by the reporter. As regarded the present day, to become a shorthand writer was not fraught with much difficulty, but for the shorthand writer to succeed it was necessary that his knowledge should be supplemented with a good education. The shorthand writer of the future would have to write a more correct style of shorthand, and to that end he urged writers to read one another's notes. To go behind the system was a bad policy, but if adhered to in every letter he still saw a bright and great future for Phonography. A hearty vote of thanks, on the proposition of Mr G. W. Lambert, seconded by Mr A. Keenan, was accorded the lecturer.

The following students of the Southampton School of Shorthand have obtained Pitman's certificates: TheoryMisses S. Colville and F. Greenwood, and Messrs A. Andrews, A. Fairchild, A. Hoskins, and J. Morris. Elementary-Mr W. J. White.

At a recent examination for Pitman's Shorthand Certificates in connection with Smethwick School of Shorthand, the following candidates_were_successful :—Elementary-E. Jones, E. E. Seccombe, T. A. Turner, W. Young. TheoryG. A. Bloomer, Edith Hancox, E. Jones, F. Rogers, and Florence Williams. One candidate (E. Jones) gained both the Elementary and Theory Certificates after only three months' study. There were no failures. The candidates are students of Mr R. B. Seccombe (teacher's diploma), 120 Windmill lane, Smethwick.

The annual meeting of the Derby Central S.W.A. was held in the Mechanics' Institute on 15th May, when there was a good attendance of members. The business transacted included the election of officers for the ensuing year. Mr T. W. Cowlishaw, F.IPS (honours), whose efforts have been so successful in the past, was again elected as instructor. Mr S. Sitdown, Darley Abbey, Derby, was re-elected Hon. Treasurer. Mr J. C. Chadbourne, 20 St. Giles rd., Derby, was elected Hon. Sec., to whom all communications respecting the Association should be addressed. The winter classes have been a decided success, and the summer session has just commenced, and is held in room No. 13 Mechanics' Institute. The committee will be very glad to see new members.

[blocks in formation]

INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

MIDLAND (T.S.).

Meetings of the Midland District will be held at the Pitman Hotel, Corporation street, Birmingham, on Saturday, 6th June. Program: 4 o'clock, paper by Mr E. P. Booth, entitled, "A Plea for Practical Elementary Education." 5.30, tea, which may be taken in the hotel at a charge of is. per head. 6.45, committee meeting, which all members of the committee are requested to attend. 7.30, paper by Mr S. Carter, entitled, The Future Position of Shorthand and Shorthand Teachers." Teachers of shorthand living in the Midlands and desiring information concerning the Society should write to the Hon. Sec., Mr W. Findley, Chingford, Chester road, Erdington, who will be pleased to answer any queries.

INC. SOCIETY OF SHORTHAND TEACHERS.

STUDENTS' EXAMINATION.

A Students' Examination has been arranged for Friday, 26th June, for Elementary, Theory and Speed tests. The Elementary examination is based on the first fifty-seven exercises of the "Teacher," the Theory on the "Manual," or first part of the "Instructor," and the Speed consists of 60 and 80 words tests for three minutes, 100 words and higher rates for five minutes. Full particulars with forms of application, which must be returned before Friday, 12th June, may be obtained from the General Secretary, Mr W. H. Jones, 8 Birch grove, Rusholme, Manchester. It should be noted that all previous years' examination tests in Elementary and Theory are sold, and are now out of print.

LONDON DISTRICT.

The next meeting of the District will be held on Saturday, 6th June, at the Queen's Temperance Hotel, 156 Aldersgate street, E.C. The proceedings will commence at 3.45, with a specimen lesson to an elementary class by Mr F. Booth, formerly ViceChairman of the Manchester District. Tea will be served at 5.15. price 9d. per head. At the evening session a paper on Position of the Shorthand Teacher and its Possibilities" will be given by Mr J. W. Ramshaw, of Clark's Civil Service College. All interested in shorthand teaching, whether members of the Society or not, are cordially invited.

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF S.W.A's.

NORTH DISTRICT.

The

At a meeting of the North District Council, held in the Church Institute, Newcastle-on-Tyne, on 23rd May, the district officers for 1903-4 were elected as undermentioned, viz. :-Chairman, Mr J. Brodie; Vice-Chairwoman, Miss M. F. Webster; Secretary, Mr G. W. Muir, 27 Redheugh Bridge road, Gateshead; Assistant Sec., Mr W. H. Blades, 2 Cavendish terrace, Gateshead; Representatives on Executive Council, Messrs F. Millican and G. W. Muir. A recommendation was adopted to the effect that the prizes in connection with the Federation Speed Examinations should be awarded only to those candidates who were members of affiliated Associations.

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.

BRIGHTON.-Mr Vernon W. E. Brooks (teacher's diploma), gives thorough theoretical and practical tuition in shorthand. Pupils instructed at their own homes if desired. For further information, address 150 Ditchling road, Brighton.

TONBRIDGE. Mr H. J. Pearson's School of Shorthand, Typewriting and Book-keeping, 13 London road and 132 High street. The summer term has now commenced, and new students may join at any time. Thorough practical and individual instruction in all subjects. Special evening classes for continuation students. Frequent examinations. Prospectus, terms, etc., free on application,

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.

SHORTHAND TEACHING.-A Scottish teacher, who has been very successful, is desirous of giving up his regular daily employment and devoting all his time to teaching. He wishes to know how he may obtain a position in an English day school as a shorthand teacher. -Except in shorthand schools, there are very few openings for a teacher giving shorthand lessons only in a particular day school. In such a school where outside help is obtained for shorthand instruction, a visiting master usually attends at the times required, once or twice weekly as the case may be. In a school where shorthand is taught by one of the masters, he takes his part in the regular teaching work of the school when not so engaged, and we assume that our correspondent would not be prepared to do this. He might obtain a post as teacher in a school of shorthand by becoming a candidate for the vacancies occasionally advertised in this Journal, or by application to the principals of some of the larger establishments which employ a number of teachers. For full information on everything connected with methods of teaching, both individually and in class, he should consult Pitman's Shorthand Teacher's Hand

book" (price is. 61).

[ocr errors]

SHORTHAND STUDY.-E. H. C. has mastered the "Teacher and "Manual," and desires to know what book he should now obtain in order to continue his study of the art.-Our correspondent would do well to exercise himself in writing in the Corresponding Style, until he is able to write with accuracy and some fluency. He may attain this proficiency by reading suitable shorthand books and by transcribing the ordinary type at the foot of the Corresponding Style passages in our pages, afterwards comparing his shorthand with the printed characters, and making the needful corrections. When he is satisfied with his proficiency in the Corresponding Style, he should procure and study" Pitman's Shorthand Reporter" (price 2s.).

EXAMINATION RESULTS.-It is altogether impossible to inform W A. C. F. when the results of the Society of Arts and London Chamber of Commerce shorthand examinations will be announced; there is no means of obtaining early information on the subject. Our correspondent must patiently await the official notifications. No information is published as to the percentage of mistakes allowed.

TYPEWRITING AND OTHER EXAMINATIONS -Maxomalley inquires whether there are any examinations held during the summe for typewriting certificates and diplomas; he also consults us as to a reliable primer.-There has been for some time a distinct want of typewriting and other commercial examinations held at different periods of the year to those of the three institutions whose examinations take place annually in the spring. In regard to typewriting. this want has been satisfactorily met, but there is still an opening for book-keeping, business training. etc., examinations, which might be held throughout the greater part of the year to suit the convenience of students who from time to time are anxious to obtain a certificate in a particular commercial subject, but cannot wait for the next spring examination. There are now typewriting examinations conducted at intervals throughout the year by the Typists' Section of the Incorporated Phonographic Society, and Maxomalley will find the results of such an examination notified in the present issue. Information regarding the next examination may be obtained from the Hon. Secretary, Mr G. Colebourn, 151 Second avenue, Manor Park, Essex. Our correspondent will find a suitable instruction book in "Pitman's Typewriter Manual " (price 3s.), which may be used with any machine.

CLOSING AND BALANCING ENTRIES.-L. T. cannot very well understand these terms.—Has he read the explanation of them in

Pitman's " Book-keeping Simplified"? The former applies to the entries made in the process of adjusting the various accounts connected with profit and loss, the latter is used when-which is very seldom-the balances of the accounts remaining open are passed through the journal.

INSURANCE OFFICE CLERKSHIPS.-Two correspondents, W. A. C. F. and Midlander, ask for information upon this subject. To the latter we should certainly say retain your situation in the office where you are already, and at the same time study for the examination of the Institute of Actuaries, so as to fit yourself for a superior position. The former will find it difficult to obtain a position in a first-class office without influence, a nomination by a director being a sine quâ non. An entrance examination, qualifying, and to some extent competitive, has to be passed. We do not know of any work which deals with professions and occupations generally.

UNDERWRITING SHARES.-In reply to R. J., the underwriter of shares guarantees to place a certain number with the public; of course, should he fail to do so, he must subscribe for them himself. For this service he is paid a commission. The underwriter is not necessarily a stockbroker.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS' EXAMINATIONS.-We have replied so frequently to questions similar to that of Want to Know, that we must ask our readers to note our reply or to place themselves in communication with Pitman's Metropolitan School, which will gladly furnish the information and arrange to provide necessary coaching. The preliminary examination embraces writing from dictation, arithmetic, algebra, the first four books of Euclid, history and geography, and two of a long list of optional subjects, one of which must be a language. The intermediate and final examinations are purely professional. It is necessary for a candidate to be articled to a chartered accountant in practice.

SECOND DIVISION CLERKSHIPS' EXAMINATION.-Candidate asks how many Second Division Clerks have been declared successful on the result of the last examination.-One hundred vacancies were announced, and as many names were published in due course, but owing to withdrawals, successes in the Assistant Surveyors of Taxes and elsewhere, failures in the medical test, etc., No. 105 has been taken on. No. 106 is now, and will probably remain, the first unsuccessful candidate.

CUSTOMS EXAMINATION.-J. E. B. inquires where and at what price he can obtain the book of papers set and the marks obtained at the last Customs examination. All Civil Service examination papers, if published, can be obtained from Eyre and Spottiswoode, East Harding street, London, E.C., or through any bookseller. Those for Assistants of Customs and for Second-class Clerk Port Service H.M. Customs-J. E. B. omits to indicate which—are published at 6d. each.

MALE LEARNERS' PROVINCIAL.-S. G., who has had an ordinary school education, desires our opinion whether he would have a fair chance of success at the next examination for Male Learners (Provincial) if he were to place himself under tuition until that date. Certainly he would, but he should already have commenced work and should continue, not merely until the next examination, but until he holds in his hand the official notification that he has been successful. Take a course of Pitman's Metropolitan School home study, or get other tuition by all means, but remember to do more rather than less of what you are given to do, for your success will depend chiefly upon your own consistent hard work.

SITUATION IN THE POST OFFICE.-Anxious asks what subjects he should study in order to get a situation in the Post Office?He must first of all decide what situation in the Post Office he desires to obtain, and for what post he is qualified by age and education, and then write us again giving us the fullest information on these points. He will find many Post Office appointments described in this Journal during the last six months.

FOURTH-CLASS CLERKS LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL.-J. R. M. is 20 years of age, well educated, but has done no study since leaving school to enter a solicitor's office. He asks would it be possible for him to compete-after hard work-with a fair prospect of success before reaching the age limit. He knows algebra, book-keeping, and drawing (shorthand 100 words a minute will be an obligatory subject), but is one optional subject short.There is no reason why he should not succeed, but he must work hard and should try his strength every year in three or four sub

jects at the Society of Arts examinations. His handwriting is clear and legible, and can easily be improved. We should suggest for his fourth string Economics and Local Government, Walker's Brief Text Book and Jenks's Local Government respectively.

BOY CLERKS' not BOY COPYISTS' EXAMINATION.-D. G. wishes to know what are the subjects for this examination, and how he can improve his handwriting -He does not state his age, an essential point, since the regulations after the 1st January next will be different. Until December next the subjects will be (1) handwriting and orthography; (2) arithmetic, including vulgar and decimal fractions; (3) English composition (essay and paraphrase), with any two of the following: (4) copying manuscript; (5) geography, general; (6) English history; (7) translation from Latin or French or German; (8) Euclid I. and II, and algebra up to simple equations; (9) the rudiments of chemistry and physics. After 1st Jan., 1904, all candidates will have to take the subjects numbered 1 to 4, and any two of those numbered 5 to 9.

LONDON COUNTY COUNCIL V. LONDON SCHOOL BOARD CLERKSHIPS.-V. H. A. puts a direct question as to which appointment is better. We prefer the Council, although from the point of view of salary there is little to choose. Neither body binds itself to accept the candidates highest on the list, but we regard the clauses in the London School Board regulations which prescribe that successful candidates be interviewed by the Chairmen and ViceChairmen of the Committees in whose departments there are vacancies, and that appointments be made as the result of these interviews, with disfavour. Algebra is an optional subject in both examinations, and our correspondent's handwriting is good, he need only exercise care throughout to secure high marks in it.

ASSISTANTS of Excise, SECOND DIVISION CLERKSHIPS AND ASSISTANTS OF CUSTOMS.-J. B. H. asks which is the best appointment, what are the salaries and what are the duties of each. Assistants of Excise rise from about £80 to £250 without further examination; Second Division Clerks from £70 to £350; Assistants of Customs from £70 to £220. All have prospects of promotion, or, as H.M. Treasury would say, "legitimate aspirations." For duties and fuller details our correspondent must consult books, such as the "Civil Service Year Book" and Cassell's "Guide to the Civil Service."

PENSIONERS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.-Exam. asks what Civil Service examinations are open to pensioners, and what are the prospects of employment.-All Civil Service examinations are open to them, and they can deduct from their actual age the whole time they have served, and received army or navy pay, but this is obviously no advantage whatever. There are, however, pensioners employed in the War Office and in H.M. Prisons as clerks, and Exam. ought, through the good offices of his commanding officer, to be able to obtain such a post. Pensioners are employed in every Government Office as office keepers and messengers, and very extensively in the Post Office (Exam. should inquire at his local Head Office, Portsmouth, or of the Secretary, Appointment Branch G.P.O., London), but a clerkship ought to be within his grasp.

SHORT SIGHT IN THE CIVIL SERVICE.-G. W. K. asks whether successful candidates will be rejected at the medical examination on the ground of short sight. The Commissioners say "no," and among disqualifications their memorandum states as one "blindness or defective vision, except a moderate degree of short sight." But candidates for the Customs Out-door service must not be short-sighted.

LEGAL WORK.-Lex asks for an opinion on the suitability of his handwriting for a legal office, and enquires as to a book on conveyancing.-With a little improvement his handwriting may become a good legal hand. The writing should slope rather less; the long letters p, t, d, h, y. g, etc., should be made shorter than in our correspondent's letter, where they are written unusually long; and greater pains should be taken to keep the writing perfectly straight along each line, and to keep the lines at equal distances apart. A good plan is to place under the note or letter paper a sheet with straight lines ruled rather thickly at equal distances apart, and to guide the line of writing with this assistance until it can be dispensed with. Jones's "Solicitor's Clerk" (E. Wilson, Royal Exchange, London, 2s. 6d. net) may help our correspondent. But books giving a complete insight into the law and practice of conveyancing are expensive.

Heirs,

LEGAL TERMS.-Wanted inquires the meaning of executors, administrators and assigns," Heirs, executors, administrators or assigns," and "Executors, administrators or assigns," and asks us to explain the difference between a judgment, default, and ordinary summons in the County Court.-The heir is the person to whom real estate passes on the death of the owner without leaving a will. An executor is a person appointed by a will or by a codicil to a will, to get in and distribute the property of the deceased. An administrator is a person-usually one of the next-of-kin-who obtains from the Probate Division a grant of letters of administration to the estate of a deceased person who has died without leaving a will. An assign is a person to whom an assignment is made-sometimes called an assignee. A judgment summons is a summons issued against a defendant after judgment has been obtained against him in an action, where he has failed to satisfy the judgment creditor by payment of the whole of the judgment debt and costs. The summons requires the judgment debtor to attend at the court at a specified day and hour to be examined as to his means of paying the debt, and to show cause why he should not be committed to prison for having made default in payment. An "ordinary sum"in the County Court calls upon the defendant to attend on a specified day on which the question whether he owes the debt or not will be tried. A default summons" informs him that unless he gives notice within eight days after personal service of the summons on him that it is his intention to defend, the plaintiff may proceed to judgment and execution. The latter summons can only be issued in certain cases It is called a "default summons" because judgment will go by default if the notice to defend is not given.

mons

BECOMING A Barrister.-Anxious, at present a clerk in a solicitor's office, where he sees very little future prospects," desires to become a barrister, but is of small means. He asks various questions on the subject. Poor men have succeeded at the Bar, but there is probably no calling in which the poor man is at so great a disadvantage. If, however, our correspondent is bent on proceeding to the Bar he can do so without being "articled." He will have to pass a Preliminary Examination in English, in Latin, and in English history, to enter his name as a student at one of the Inns of Court, to keep his terms there-that is to say, to dine in the hall of his Inn for a certain number of times during twelve successive law terms; to pass two further examinations, one in Roman law, and one in English law. Assuming that he is successful and gets "called," he will have to take chambers and wait for business. It is usual, but not compulsory, to read with an experienced counsel who expects a large fee for the privilege. In this way an insight into actual work is gained that cannot be otherwise acquired, and briefs fall in the way of the young barrister that would not otherwise come to him. Our correspondent can do as many other solicitors' clerks have done-work himself into a good position in a large office in one of the branches of the profession, get his employer to "give him his articles"-that is to say, to waive a premium-and passing his examinations become a solicitor, receiving a salary all the time. Probably this would be better than seeking admission at the Bar. His other questions we will reply to next week.

POOR LAW WORKS.-In answer to E. J. M's. inquiry, Glen's books relating to the Poor Law are published by Knight and Son, 4 La Belle Sauvage yard, Ludgate Hill, London, E.C. "Glen's Poor Law Orders" is published at 42s. A discount of 20 per cent. is allowed for cash.

EMPLOYMENT IN A SOLICitor's Office.-G. S. W., who has been engaged for four years as a shorthand clerk in an architect's office, writes shorthand at 100 words per minute, and is a proficient typist, desires to enter a solicitor's office. He is 21 years of age. There is no reason why he should experience much difficulty in getting an engagement in a solicitor's office, but until he has acquired a speed of at least 120 words per minute, and has gained a practical acquaintance with the peculiarities of legal work, he must be content with a comparatively small salary. He

should answer suitable advertisements.

CHANGE OF NAME.-B. L. asks (1) whether a person may change his Christian name; (2) if so what would be the probable expense; (3) what steps it would be necessary to take; and (4) whether it is absolutely necessary to advertise the alteration.-An Englishman is entitled to change his name if he so desires without any formality. But he runs a risk in doing so, because in the event of his becoming entitled to property, or on any other occasion in which it may be necessary to prove that he is the person originally registered in another name, it may be difficult or expensive to establish his identity. Some people content themselves

by announcing their change of name by advertisement, a course that is always desirable. Where it is adopted a copy of the paper -containing the advertisement should be carefully preserved. But the most satisfactory method is to execute a deed poll declaring under seal the intention to change one's name. This deed, executed in the presence of witnesses, one of whom makes a declaration proving execution, is enrolled at the central office of the Supreme Court, and is advertised in the London Gazette, and a paper circulating in the district in which the person lives. The change of name then becomes a matter of record, and can be proved without difficulty at any time. Including solicitor's charges, stamps, enrolment fees and costs of advertisements, this method involves an expenditure of about £10.

CONVEYANCING COSTS.-Wanted has observed a good deal of difference in the wording of solicitors' costs, and asks for two good examples of the wording of accounts as against vendor and purchaser, the charges being those made by scale under Schedule I. Part I. of the General Order issued under the Solicitors' Remuneration Act, 1881.-There is, of course, no prescribed wording for such bills, and every solicitor frames them in his own way. But in the instances mentioned the following are good forms actually in use in the profession, and they can be recommended because they express the nature of the work charged for and show enough particulars to enable their accuracy to be readily checked. (I.) Mr A. B. (the client)

[blocks in formation]

UP

QUALIFICATIONS FOR SOLICITOR'S CLerk-Keeping SPEED.-Incertus puts several queries on these subjects.-The qualifications necessary in one who desires to become a solicitor's clerk are a good knowledge of the English language, a good, clear plain, fluent handwriting, and a fair degree of skill in writing shorthand and making a neat and rapid transcript. A knowledge of typewriting is a help. A solicitor's clerk is a law clerk, and the terms generally mean the same thing. Sometimes the latter term is employed to designate a barrister's clerk, though that use of it is not common. It is by practice in a solicitor's office and by studying the books in use there that the best knowledge of conveyancing and of the methods of writing out deeds and preparing abstracts, etc., is acquired. In a few large centres of population classes are conducted in conveyancing, but they are not numerous. When once a certain high speed has been obtained with shorthand, it is a good thing to take half-an-hour's practice every day at that speed if it is desired to keep it up. If so much time cannot be spared, even ten minutes' practice daily will be useful. We cannot say that all reporters and other shortband writers, whose note-taking is occasional, adopt this plan, but it would be a good thing for them if they did.

ACQUIREMENT OF FRENCH.-Burton-on-Stather wishes to learn to speak French, but is not able to avail himself of the services of a tutor.- If our correspondent obtains Hugo's "French Conversation Simplified "(price 38.) and makes himself thoroughly master of its contents, he will find that he has acquired the desired skill, and that his pronunciation will be intelligible to those who speak the language.

[ocr errors]

| PITMAN'S POCKET DICTIONARY.-Wanted addresses a number of questions to us relative to this work, most of which are answered by the following extract from the Preface: 'Regular changes in the forms of words are not indicated, but every irregular form is carefully shown. It is an almost universal rule that verbs ending in e omit that letter when ing is added to form the present participle, as abase, abasing, and form the past participle thus, abased, These regular participial endings are not shown,

but the exceptions are all specified. All instances in which the last consonant is doubled in adding ing and ed are shown thus, Appal (ling, led), indicating that the spelling of the present and past participles of appal, is appalling and appalled respectively. Irregular plural forms of nouns are noted; also the comparatives and superlatives of adjectives which are not formed in the ordinary way. Various spellings of the same word sanctioned by custom are shown." The work contains a list of "Abbreviations in General Use," but not the other information which Wanted inquires about.

NEWSPAPER CorrespondeNT.-Broomfield is desirous of obtaining employment as a newspaper correspondent in his spare time, after filling a clerical position during the day; he has a shorthand speed of 120 words a minute.-Appointments as correspondents are, as a rule, only obtainable in rural parts in which newspapers have no resident representatives, or where such representatives need assistance when dealing with sports and similar fixtures. If our correspondent is acquainted with any of the members of the staffs of the local papers, he could readily ascertain what prospects there are of such work being obtainable in his locality. There is, of course, a disadvantage about "spare time" newspaper work, namely, that the aspirant for it cannot attend meetings and other public proceedings held in the day time, and for this reason newspaper conductors prefer, wherever possible, to have their own resident representative devoting his whole time to the work. For full information on newspaper work generally Broomfield should consult "Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism" (price is. 6d.).

PRIVATE SECRETARY.-E. A. is anxious to secure a position as private secretary, for which his qualifications appear fairly good. He also inquires how he might obtain such a position. -Vacancies for private secretaries are rarely advertised, and are generally obtained through personal recommendation. A usual commencing salary is £150 a year, often with certain privileges as to board and lodging in addition. The duties of the position are fully treated in How to Become a Private Secretary" (T. Fisher Unwin, price is).

HANDWRITING.-Fodla should write his small letters of even and regular size and in correct alignment; a course of practice with a double line copy book, such as Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series No. 12, would be best calculated to improve our correspondent's very irregular style.-The same copy book would suit Ambitious One, who might with advantage cultivate a more regular style.-Oxo's handwriting is not suitable for Civil Service or commercial requirements; he needs more instruction at school or class; application for the appointments mentioned should be made to the Secretary of the London and N.W. Railway, Euston station, London, N.W.-Taylor's handwriting is satisfactory; we have no information on the other point.-W. R. W. might develop his handwriting into a good legal style by the use of Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series No. 19; the same book can be recommended to J. M., F. B., and Jan; to the last named as a model for improved capitals.-The handwriting of Ambitious and G. H. is quite satisfactory for business purposes.-Constant Reader would do well to have lessons in business handwriting; if this is impracticable, he might make use of copy book No. 19, recommended above.

MISCELLANEOUS.-We have not sufficient acquaintance with coal mining to answer the queries of Manager.-R. is informed that Pitman's Shorthand Teacher's Certificate is accepted by all British Education Committees as a qualification for teaching shorthand to students who are expected to earn grants, and it is also generally recognised in India. Full information relative to the examination may be obtained from the Phonetic Institute, Bath. If D. R. attains to practical proficiency in shorthand and book-keeping, she would undoubtedly have acquired good wage earning accomplishments; her handwriting would be satisfactory for book-keeping. A course of study at Pitman's Metropolitan School would be invaluable to our correspondent.-H. S. would find that a diligent study of "Mason's Shorter English Grammar " (G. Bell and Sons, 3s. 6d.) and thorough grasp of the principles inculcated, would enable him to write English which would be above suspicion.—We are unable to recommend any special work to Wanted on calisthenics.-The points raised by H. W. H. shall have our consideration; it is, unfortunately, not practicable to publish the names of certificate holders.-For the improvement of his spelling W. A. C. should work through "Morrell's Spelling" (Cassell, price 6d.).-G. T. L. is informed that "Elementary Law" is not procurable in book form; he will find the articles in this Journal for 1900-1-2,

« AnteriorContinuar »