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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,

"

or

"

Book I."; or 20th Cent. Manual ' 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. 1-xxvi.; or " Shorthand Primer, Book II." Fee 2s. FIRST CLASS OR SPEED CERTIFICATE. Speed Certificates are granted for 60 words per minute and upwards. Fee Is. 6d. FULL CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY.-When a Second Class Certificate and a First Class Certificate for 80 words have been obtained, a Full Certificate is 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.

NOTICES.

Each Notice should be written on one side only of a separate piece of paper. Every Notice under the head of Correspondence must give full name and address.

Correspondents are requested to write their address clearly in ordinary longhand. If they wish to receive replies in Phonography, a star should be attached to the name; thus, John Smith.

Notices of all kinds must reach Bath at least eleven days before the date of the Journal for which they are intended.

Every communication addressed to the Editor of this Journal must be authenticated by the name and address of the writer.

Exercises Corrected Gratis (enclose stamped and addressed envelope) by
Burke Miss E. M., 1 Foxton villas, Richmond, Surrey
Cullen T. J., Coolowley, Grogan, Ballybrophy, Queen's Co.
Lennox J. W., 219 Holton road, Barry, Glam.

Lyndridge A. W., 48 Norfolk avenue, Southend-on-Sea

Correspondence, etc. 1d. per line of ten words.

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Lady desires to meet lady phonographer for mutual speed practice in Highgate. K., 50 Claremont rd., Highgate, London, N.

Phonographer wishes to meet another in same district for mutual speed practice. M., 35 Bethune rd., Stoke Newington, London.

Advertiser wishes to meet with another for mutual speed practice and dictation in this town. Pitt, 128 Grosvenor rd., Aldershot.

Paris.-A French lady, Parisian, diplomée, would like to give French lessons to an English phonographer living in Paris or in the neighbourhood, in exchange for advanced shorthand, or mutual speed practice either in French or in English. Pitman's system. Mademoiselle Pape, 19 Rue de Rccroy, Paris. [31] Correspondence invited, in Corresponding Style, Pitman's Shorthand. David Pountney, 4 Nicholas st., St Peter's rd., London, E. [32] Mr Lim Koon Tye, Singapore, Straits Settlements, begs to thank his numerous correspondents for their replies to his notice; some little time must necessarily elapse before he can send a proper acknowledgment to each and all.

Pictorial post cards.-Correspondence desired (longhand or shorthand). John E. Stokes (Beira and Mashonaland Railways), Umtali, Mashonaland, Rhodesia, Africa. [35]

Pictorial post cards, exchange desired, longhand or shorthand. Replies to all. J. Barrow, 116 Robinson st., Werneth, Oldham.

Harold

Correspondence desired with phonographers and stamp collectors in all parts of the world (except British Isles); prompt replies. Hepworth, 65 Westfield crescent, Westfield rd., Leeds.

Correspondence desired on pictorial post cards. Prompt replies to all. Longhand or shorthand. Miss Elsie Colbeck, c/o Prudential Office, 4 Library pl., Jersey, Channel Islands.

Correspondence desired on pictorial post cards. Prompt replies to all Longhand or shorthand. Miss Eva Bateman, 21 Charing Cross, St Heliers, Jersey, Channel Islands.

Pictorial post cards, unused, 44d (7d) doz. Halmshaw, North st., Heckmondwike.

Post cards, pictorial, exchanged (Tuck's only £2,000 competition). Prompt replies. Fred Bean, 164 Loughboro' Park, Brixton, London, S.W. Associations. id. per line of ten words.

Phonetic Shorthand Writers' Association (London District I.P.S.), The Arcadian Restaurant, 8 Queen st., Cheapside.-The principal Shorthand Association in the kingdom. Meetings held every Thursday evening from 7 to 10. Regular speed practice conducted at various rates by experienced phonographers. Lectures by well-known shorthand writers; discussions, etc. Speed examinations held periodically. Centre for Society of Arts shorthand examination and for Pitman's medal competitions. (Members sit at these examinations and at the I.P.S. Teachers' Exam. at reduced fees.) Shorthand library and other advantages. Fees, including speed practice, 10s 6d per annum or 38 per quarter. All phonographers (ladies or gentlemen) are eligible for membership. Prospectus, with full particulars, on application to Secretary, H. J. Cork, 2 Reedholm road, Stoke Newington, London, N.

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Typists' Section, I.P.S. (the N.U. of Typists is incorporated with this Section). Examinations for teachers and typists, lectures, demonstrations, discussions, employment bureau, advice on typewriting matters, etc. Annual subscription, 5s.; members of I.P.S., 35 6d. Rules, Examination Syllabus, Forms of Application, etc., from the Hon. Sec., Geo. Colebourn, F.I.P.S.. 151 Second ave., Manor Park, Essex. Examinations are held periodically. Copies of last papers is per set.

Evercirculators and Libraries. 1d. per line of ten words.

An evercirculator is a manuscript phonographic magazine, consisting of articles written by the individual members, one member acting as conduotor. The book passes round, and each round members contribute an article and remarks, or take part in the discussion. A leaflet containing further particulars forwarded from the Phonetic Institute, Bath, on receipt of id stamp. [3]

Evercirculator paper in three varieties, of superior quality, five quires Is 6d; headings and title-pages, 3d per doz.; covers, cloth Is., leather Is 6d. Samples for id. Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd. [x]

Mizpah and Ipsden Evercirculators. Two or three ladies and gentlemen wanted to fill up vacancies in these two evercirculators. Must be neat and willing contributors. Particulars stamp. F. G. W. Lester, 25 Andalus rd., Stockwell, London, S.W.

Army and Navy Evercirculator.-Now commencing, specially for soldier and sailor phonographers at home or abroad, but other ladies and gentlemen invited to join. General subjects, discussions, photography. Subscription, Is 6d per annum. Address, F. Crookes, The Hollies, Hazel Grove, Cheshire. 31] Educational Evercirculator.-Advertiser desires to form an evercirculator devoted to subjects of interest to elementary school teachers. Particulars stamp. Mr J. W. Thomas, 78 Commercial rd., Abercarne, Newport, Mon. 133] The best Library is the Telegraph, established ten years, circulating all the magazines, including Australian magazine; quarterly subscription, Is 3d; always vacancies, particulars stamp. Conductor, J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [33]

The 20th Century Commercial Library, over 160 books available for the use of members. Shorthand, typewriting, French, German, Spanish, and commercial books, together with copies of all English and foreign shorthand magazines. Subscription one penny per week. Splendid opportunity of studying large selections of works at a small cost. Full particulars for stamp. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, Š.E. [33] Second-hand Books, Shorthand or Phonetic, for Sale, or Exchange, or Wanted, id. per line of ten words; Miscellaneous Books, 3d. per line. Wanted, copies of Parody's Spanish Phonography, and the following vols. of the Phonetic Journal-1871, 1872, and 1886; Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vols. 3, 4, 6, and 7. Address, Isaac Pitman and Sons, 31 Union square, New York, U.S.A. [391

Wanted, Nos. 1 and 4 Phonetic Journal, vol. 62. B. Lancaster, 37 Sandringham st., Scarborough.

For sale, cheap.-Quantity shorthand magazines and periodicals; also shorthand literature; all clean and in good condition. Send d. stamp for list. Eccles, 39 Exeter rd., Nottingham.

For sale, Phonetic Journals, 1889, 1891, 1902, complete, good condition. Buyer pays carriage. What offers? T. Blackburn, Upper Bolton Brow, Sowerby Bridge.

52 nos. of Pitman's Phonetic Journal, unbound, 2s; also 60 Hobbies, 2s 3d, and a number of Hobbies fretwork desigus, 7 for 3d, post-free. C. Davies, 7 Lucas rd., Colchester.

Reporter, is Id; Handbook for Teachers, is id; Progressive Studies in Phonography, 6d; Teacher, 3d; Æsop's Fables, 3d; Reporting Exercises, 3d; all post-free. W. A. F., 13 Fairbank st., East rd., London, N.

For sale, Cassell's Popular Educator, 5 vols., half calf, bound, 6s; High Speed in Shorthand, 4d; Manual, 8d; Swiftograph (Abbott), is; Swifthand (Jones), 6d. Phono, 36 Columbus ravine, Scarborough.

Wanted, Pitman's Instructor (20th Century), or exchange Teacher, Manual, and new Script Teacher (3s). Trimming, The Retreat, Harrow rd., Dorking.

What offers? Bound, publisher's binding, McEwan's Phonographic Magazines, vols. 1 and 2; Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vols. 2, 4, and 5. Unbound, Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vols. 3, 21, and 22; Phonetic Journal, 1902; Reporters' Magazine, 1897: Reporters' Journal, 1898; 15 monthly magazines (various). New Testament in Phonography (1886), bound calf. Lord, 34 Eldroth rd., Halifax.

What offers? cash or exchange, for Phonetic Journals, 7th May, 1892, to 22nd June, 1895, 25th Nov., 1893, missing only; Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vol. 11, 12 nos., vols. 12, 13. and 14, complete, vol. 15, first 12 nos.; all unbound, good clean condition. Rees, 17 Mount pleasant, Chepstow.

5s 3d parcel miscellaneous phonographic literature, is id. Halmshaw, North st., Heckmondwike. 131]

Cheap for cash. Vols. 1 to 23 inclusive, Shorthand Weekly, four bound, excellent condition, but two nos. missing. J. Gunson, Tarporley. (311 Reading practice for the coming holidays, etc. 6s worth shorthand magazines in new condition, all different, post-free, is 6d, sent any part of the world for money order for 2s; splendid and unequalled value. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [37] For sale, few copies of Oliver McEwan's Verbatim Reporting, post-free Is Id. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S.E. [36]

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.-This Journal may be ordered through any Bookseller, Newsagent, or Railway Bokstall, or by post direct from the Publishers. The terms to all parts of the world are is. 8d. per quarter; 3s. 3d. per half year; or 6s. 6d. per year, payable in advance. Subscriptions may commence with any number. Monthly part, 5d., post-free 7d,; terms of subscription same as above.

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THE COMING ASSOCIATION SEASON.

In these summer days, when the delights of the open air entice men away from their homes and their offices, many an Association secretary is busy compiling, or endeavouring to compile, a program that shall prove irresistibly attractive to local phonographers during the long evenings of autumn and winter. There are past workers to be persuaded to resume their laborious tasks of preparing suitable matter for dictation week after week; there are possible lecturers to be induced to promise addresses on topics likely to be pleasing to the members; there are officers to be hunted up, and a thousand and one arrangements to be made, so that everything shall be in readiness to start the work of the Association on the opening night in a state of perfect efficiency. And there is the further business of making those arrangements known, of reminding a forgetful world of the existence and the objects and the methods of the Association, and filling those who have never joined it before with a burning desire to become connected with it at once.

Of this work, cheerfully undertaken without any hope of reward save that which takes the form of the satisfaction felt at seeing a successful result forthcoming, it must be said that it reflects great credit on the willing workers who undertake it. It is only by the active and zealous co-operation of a large number of such workers that the S.W.A's. which have played so important a part in the progress of Phonography, and have contributed so much towards the efficiency of individual phonographers, have been kept on foot. The labour

of the secretaries and of other workers has been somewhat reduced through the assistance that the Federation, with its various agencies, has been able to supply; but that labour is still considerable, and it is for the most part entirely gratuitous. That it merits the hearty support of phonographers is a proposition that will be seconded by all who have had an opportunity of ob serving the work of the Associations. We have said

many times before, and we do not hesitate to repeat it again, that it is worth the while of a young phonographer to unite himself with the nearest S.W.A. available to him, to attend its meetings regularly, and to give it all the help he can to carry on its operations in a satisfactory manner. At the same time, the officials of the Associations must never overlook the precise needs of their own particular locality. It is not necessary that all Associations should conform to exactly the same type, that they should all have exactly the same kind of program, that they should all confine themselves to exactly the same sort of work. None of them nowadays restrict their lectures and discussions to purely phonographic topics; in some of them that subject bulks largely, in others the place it occupies is very small. Variety is a good thing, so long as the particular variation is not out of keeping with the main purpose for which the Association exists. Committees and officers should encourage suggestions from their members, and should not be afraid to make new experiments. Every improvement was, in the first place, an experiment. And while suggestions are being tested in this way, the importance of keeping the name and the nature of the work of the Association well known through the local press and otherwise, so that those for whose benefit it exists shall not fail to remember that it exists and is there open for them to join, should never be forgotten. Personal influence helps considerably in these matters, and every occasion for a little talk with an outside phonographer on the value of the Association should be taken.

Something was said at the last Conference of the Federation at Sheffield on what were termed "Association failures." Enthusiastic Association workers feel that there ought not to be such things as Association failures. Why these occur could only be discovered by a careful study of each individual instance of failure. The causes may be summed up under two or three headings: mismanagement, lack of a sustained effort to secure publicity, apathy of those who would be benefited by joining. Amid these speculations, there is the satisfactory fact that a large number of Associations of old standing are carrying on their work with conspicuous success. Their example shows what can be done, and may serve as a guide to the officials of younger Associations, who may hope to rival and even to outdo the successes of their elders. There never was a time

when there existed such possibilities as now for the growth

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The prospectus has just reached us of the recently formed Rochdale and District S. W.A. (federated), of which Alderman J. R. Heape, J.P., is the Hon. President), the Rev. T. P. Spedding the Acting President, and Mr T. Elvyn Kershaw, 3 King street, South parade, Rochdale, the Hon. Secretary. The place of meeting is the Lecture Room, the Lyceum, Baillie street, and meetings are held every Friday evening from 7.30 to 9.30, with speed practice and discussion of outlines at every meeting. The Association is progressing very favourably, and has arranged for meetings and discussions up to the end of September.

TYPEWRITING NOTES.

The invention of another "pocket" typewriter is reported. This is stated to have been perfected by Mr W. T. Lloyd, of Granville, Ohio, and to embody all the features of a commercial typewriter.

The Ceylon press announces that Mr J. Crosby Rodrigo, FI.P.S., has been appointed by the Committee of the Typists' Section of the Incorporated Phonographic Society their local representative, and has been authorized to supervise all their typewriting examinations that may be held in Ceylon.

Miss Ethel Pearson, who for the past eight months has been on the staff of the Newcastle branch of the Oliver Typewriter Co., Ltd., secured the only first-class certificate in typewriting at the Society of Arts Newcastle centre, held under the auspices of the Newcastle-upon-Tyne School Board Evening Commercial and Technical Classes.

The summer examinations of the I.P.S. Typists' Section for teachers, typists, and shorthand typist clerks were held on the 18th July, centres being formed at London, Gloucester, Oxford, Bandon (co. Cork), and Wellington, N.Z. The next regular examination will be held about December, but arrangements can be made for the examination at any time or place of not less than five candidates.

There was considerable discussion at a recent meeting of the Lewes Town Council in regard to the proposed purchase of a typewriter. The question seems to have been raised whether the correspondence of the Council was so voluminous as to warrant the purchase of a machine. The proposal was ultimately passed on the understanding that the Council should contribute 18 towards the cost, the balance to be contributed apparently by the Town Clerk, who would have the use of the machine for private work.

This incident shows that the time has not yet come for the typewriter to be regarded as in itself a desirable thing, independently of the question whether there is or is not a large correspondence. Surely the main question, at all events in the case of an official body, is whether the machine will or will not do the work better than the pen. Even in a small business office this is an important point. The speed of the typewriter is, after all, not the only advantage which the machine has to offer as compared with the pen. The legibility of the work, its uniformity, its compactness, would give the machine a strong claim for a place in any office, even if the typewriter was no speedier in its performances than the pen.

This fact is coming to be tacitly recognised that the use of a typewriter is quite as necessary from the point of view of the reader as of the user. The shrewd business man knows that he has his customers' time and trouble to consider quite as much as his own. If the reasons determining the purchase of typewriters could be analyzed, they would be found to be quite as much concerned with the appearance of the work as with the speed at which typewriting is produced,

The London School Board, at its weekly meeting on 17th July, referred back to Committee a proposal that 113 typewriters should be bought and 31 exchanged, for the use of the Evening Continuation Schools. In the first instance, the Evening Schools Committee reported that they had been considering the supply of more machines. Having regard to the fact that the number of students who had qualified in shorthand, and who desired to learn typewriting, had considerably increased, and also to the fact that the present machines were fully used, and large numbers of pupils were unable to obtain the requisite instruction, the Committee thought that the 113 machines now recommended by the Inspectors as a minimum number should be obtained. The estimate for these amounted to £2,023. Last year a similar expenditure for 79 machines amounted to £857. The proposal that the machines should be bought came from the Rev. S. Headlam, Chairman of the Committee. Sir Charles Elliott, as an amendment, moved the reference back to the Committee. He characterized the proposal as most extravagant. The same view was taken by Sir Thomas BrookeHitching, who seconded the amendment. He maintained that it was not intended that the Board should give such instruction-that it was very difficult for people to secure girls for domestic service, and yet the Board were educating the class from which domestic servants were drawn in typewriting, instead of in cookery and household management. The matter was ultimately referred back to the Committee for further consideration.

The teaching of typewriting by the London School Board has, therefore, once again been set back for the time being, and a blow has been given to the cause of technical education. When the teaching of typewriting under the London School Board was first proposed, there was considerable opposition to the project. For some years, however, the typewriting classes have become more and more popular, and typewriting was becoming a really important subject. It is precisely owing to lack of attention in the past in our elementary schools that foreign clerks have threatened to displace British labour in British offices. Of course, typewriting is not the whole of technical education, but it is by no means an unimportant part of it in this day. Typewriting will certainly have to be fully recognised in the near future.

Woman for 8th July contained an article, entitled, "The Lady Shorthand-Typist," by Ethel Reily. The writer has every right to speak with confidence on this subject, for she was for some months in charge of an employment bureau for women. She does not speak encouragingly of typewriting without shorthand, though she states that the girl who undertakes typewriting at home on her own machine can, with a good connection, still hope to earn a fair income, though this market is now terribly overcrowded by rather incompetent outsiders, who will work for 6d. or 7d. a thousand words, and who apparently see no harm in underselling their fellow-workers." For the shorthand-typist, the prospects are summed up as follows: For beginners with shorthand and typewriting, there are a fair number of posts at 25s. per week. For good shorthand and typewriting, with a thorough practical knowledge of commercial German or French, or book-keeping, the salary is 30s. a week to commence, rising after a year or two of experience to £2 or even £3 a week.

SILVER COIN.-The Chancellor of the Exchequer, in reply to a question in the House of Commons, stated that of the £425,000 silver coin held by the Bank of England, £417,000 is Victorian and fit for circulation; the balance of £8,000 consists of new coin of the present reign. Silver coins of any denomination, and in any quantity desired, are issued to the general public on personal application at the head office of the Bank in exchange for gold or Bank of England notes, and at country branches of the Bank of England in exchange for gold or notes of the particular branch of the bank at which application is made. A further sum of £10,000 in sixpences of this year's date was issued to the Bank last month, and is available for issue.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION AT EDINBURGH.

Mr

In

A very successful conversazione was held in St Cuthbert's Hall, Edinburgh, recently, in connection with the annual distribution of prizes to the most successful pupils of Mr George M'Adam's Commercial Training Institution, Shandwick place. Over 300 of the day and evening pupils were present, as well as many of the old pupils and friends. The hall was beautifully decorated with flowers and palms, and an enjoyable musical program was rendered. M'Adam, principal of the institution, presided. He was supported on the platform by the Rev. John and Mrs Robertson, Leith; Mr and Mrs Denham, Mr and Mrs Bertram, Mr Leitch, Maitland Hotel; Mr D. Foulis, jun., and others. the course of a very interesting address, Mr M'Adam spoke of the great advantages in the present day of a thorough commercial training in shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, etc. In this connection it may be remarked that the pupils of the institution are increasing to such an extent as to render an extension of the premises in Shandwick place necessary. Between 300 and 400 pupils are daily taught in the school, under the personal supervision of Mr M Adam, assisted by Miss Swan, the lady superintendent, and a staff of twentythree fully qualified teachers. The large number of prizewinners amply testifies to the painstaking care and able tuition which is bestowed on each pupil. During the evening Mrs M'Adam was presented with a handsome bouquet, and Miss Goodall-on the occasion of her leaving-with a handsome gold bracelet by the staff.

INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

COUNCIL MEETING.

A Council meeting of the I.P.S. was held at the Arcadian, Queen street, Cheapside, London, E.C., on 16th July. The members present were Mr Catley (in the chair), Mrs Hoster, Misses Brown, Fergusson, and Washbourne, Messrs Abbey, Colebourn, Crouch, Davy, Drinkwater, Gill, Green, Holmes, Howitt, Lambert, and Whitehead. Officers, Messrs Cope and Harris (General Secretary).

Liverpool Conference.-It was announced that the date for the forthcoming Conference had been arranged for the 26th Sept, and that the place of meeting would be the St George's Hotel, Lime street. It was also reported that in the program to be issued early in August it will be found that arrangements have been made whereby the Lord Mayor of Liverpool will attend. the morning session to welcome the delegates, and that papers will be given by the Director of the School of Commerce, Liverpool University College, by Mr W. L. Battison (Glasgow), Mr F. J. Hallett (Taunton), and by Mrs Bean (Liverpool). In the list of chairmen and opening and other speakers will be included the names of many well-known phoncgraphers from various parts of the country.

In accordance with the articles of association of the Society, all nominations for the new Council must be received not later than the 15th August (article 36), and all notices of motion by the 1st August (article 41).

List of Fellows, Members, and Associates.-The Council further considered and arranged as to the form this list should take in the forthcoming number of the Society's Quarterly Journal.

Typists' Section.-A resolution by the Typists' Section in reference to the election of Fellows of the Society attached to this Section was adopted by the Council.

Election of Fellow.-The Council elected the undermentioned as a Fellow of the Society :

Harrison Walter D., 13 Stanhope street, Malvern,

Melbourne, Victoria. One other application was postponed for the attainment of further qualification.

Honorary Fellowship.-The Council conferred the Honorary Fellowship of the Society upon Mr G. Leslie Bannerman, barrister-at-law.

Financial and Miscellaneous.-Several accounts were passed for payment, and the Secretary was instructed to deal with a number of miscellaneous items on the agenda.

OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.

MR E. W. BILLINGHAM, F.Inc.S.T.

Mr Billingham is one of the rapidly increasing number of phonographers who devote the whole of their time to the business of instructing others in the arts of shorthand and typewriting, and who find in that occupation a remunerative and congenial sphere of work. His new school of shorthand and typewriting at Gymnasium Buildings, Abington street, Northampton, is fitted up in the modern style, and affords accommodation to a growing body of pupils.

He is a native of Northampton, and a member of an old family, which for generations past has taken an active part in the religious, political, and social life of that town and the neighbourhood. He was born in 1875, educated first at a private school, and afterwards at All Saints' Commercial School, commenced business life under his father, and so got a good insight into the bookselling, printing, and stationery trade. While thus engaged, he utilized his spare time in improving and extending his knowledge, not only attending classes at the local Technical School, but taking lessons under private teachers and from two or three ministers of the town. He was successful in winning several Science and Art certificates, and also theological certificates granted by the Sunday School Union.

Phonography came under his notice when he was but eleven years of age. He saw a friend making use of it, and asked many questions on the subject. He purchased a

Then came reporting work, especially in connection with local religious and temperance movements. Sketches of local Sunday Schools, in which Mr Billingham was always interested, were contributed to the Northamptonshire Nonconformist. In 1893 he decided to take up the subject of shorthand in theory and practice in a thorough manner, with the object of fitting himself to become a professional teacher of the art. For three months he gave up business entirely, and devoted his whole time to the study of the system. He placed himself under Messrs Lumley and Marks, and in July, 1895, sat at the I.P.S. examination. He sat once only, but obtained honours, and enjoys the distinction of being the first and only holder of the honours diploma in the county. In 1901 he was elected a Fellow of the I.S.S.T.

(From a photo by W. Illingworth, Northampton.)

"Teacher," but did not at that time take up the study very perseveringly. Later on, an officer of the church at which he was attending started a class in shorthand. The future teacher joined, but confesses that he was not a very satisfactory student. Again the subject was abandoned. Subsequently, however, a keener sense of its importance led to its being resumed, this time with more vigour and determination, rewarded in due course by receipt of Pitman's Elementary and Theory Certifi. cates. Then came a course of speed practice with a teacher in the town. Fitfully as the subject had been pursued for a long time, the knowledge acquired had been put to use, and had proved to be helpful in other branches of study that were occupying the learner's attention.

He had already commenced teaching in the year 1894, beginning with a small class of boys collected from the societies with which he was connected. The class flourished, and in a few months rooms were engaged at Waterloo College, in Holly road, Northampton. He was appointed shorthand master at the last named college. His engagements increased rapidly, examinations were started, a situation bureau was instituted, and typewriting was added as a subject of tuition. After a few years he found it desirable to secure more central premises. He accordingly moved to St Giles's street, and two years later found the accommodation there too small. He moved then to 54 Hazelwood road, which in its turn has recently had to be relinquished for the larger premises in which the school is now carried on.

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It was in 1895 that Mr Billingham started typewriting. He did so with one machine-a Caligraph. All the leading standard types of machine have since been added for tuition, hire, etc., and Mr Billingham has represented the Smith Premier Company in Northampton for the last five years. Personally, he has not only a thorough knowledge of the mechanism of the various "makes" of writing machine, but he is a skilful operator. He has produced in his time a large amount of that decorative artistic work in colours, which so surprises outsiders when they learn that it is the outcome of the ingenious manipulation of a mere typewriting machine.

Apart from his school, Mr Billingham has an extensive teaching connection. For nearly eight years he has been shorthand instructor to the Northampton School

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