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S.W.A. FOR SHEFFIELD.

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Since the Joint Conference held at Sheffield at Whitsuntide, Mr D. Summerfield, F. Inc.S. T., has received the following letter from the Hon. Secretary of the Sheffield Typists' Association (Mr F. A. Smith): "At the monthly Committee Meeting of our Association, held on 12th June, the proposal to amalgamate with the proposed S.W.A. was favourably received, and I was instructed to communicate with you, with a view to obtaining full particulars as to the conditions of same. The Typists' Association have a room which is open every evening from 6 to 10 p.m. and Saturdays from 2 to 10 p.m., all the year round. The entrance fee is Is.. with a monthly subscription of 8d. Shorthand writers and typists who are desirous of helping to form a S.W.A., are requested to write to either Mr F. A. Smith, Sheffield Typists' Association, Prideaux Chambers, Change alley, Sheffield, or to Mr D. Summerfield, at 50 Charlotte road, Sheffield, enclosing a penny stamp, when a pamphlet giving information about the present Typists' Association will be sent, or an appointment made to show the room to intending members.

LEGAL REPORTS.

Reporters engaged at the Law Courts are often, the Journalist remarks, compelled to listen in amused silence to unworthy sneers at the journalistic profession. Sometimes they come from the Bar, at others from witnesses, and not infrequently from the Bench. The lofty refusal of some judges to even look at a newspaper report, for instance, is often attended by an unnecessary amount of contemptuous emphasis. The late Master of the Rolls (Lord Esher) would, if asked to look at anything of the kind, reply in what Scott called the " Big bow-wow style." 'Certainly not," he would remark. Lord Chief Justice Coleridge would be as courteously contemptuous, if not as vigorous in his refusal, and even Lord Chief Justice Russell, himself at one time a journalist, would say, "I am afraid not." The present Lord Chief Justice (Lord Alverstone) apparently has no such objections to looking at a newspaper report to see what it is worth. The other day, in the Divisional Court, counsel stated that there was no report of a case decided by that Court some time before, which he wished to quote as governing the one he was engaged in, in any of the Law Reports; but, he added, there appeared to be a very full account in a London daily paper. "Hand it up," at once remarked the Lord Chief Justice, and he carefully perused what was there found. In giving judgment, more over, he paid the reporter the compliment of saying that the report very accurately summarized what he had stated on the previous occasion, and he quoted the language used as part of his judgment.

S.W.A. FOR GRANTHAM.

Mr A. S. Reid, Harvonby road, Grantham, will be glad to hear from any phonographers willing to assist in the formation of a S.W.A. for Grantham.

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We are much obliged by your favour of yesterday, enclosing cheque value £17 11s. 6d. in settlement of first quarter's account: but we really cannot allow the 5% cash discount which you deduct, the account being actually three months overdue. Kindly therefore send a further remittance of 18s. 6d. when we shall be pleased to return the statement fully discharged. We think you will agree with

us, that it is unfair to expect cash discount and three months extra credit as well: we offer 5% discount for prompt payment, in lieu of credit, and if our customers wish to avail themselves of this offer, they certainly ought not to take the credit too.

However, rather than have any unpleasantness between your Company and ourselves, we are willing to accept half the balance, (namely 9s. 3d.) in settlement: but please note this special offer only applies to the present case and must not be taken as a precedent, and we beg respectfully to request you to kindly see that our terms of business are complied with on future occasions.

We take this opportunity of reminding you that the second quarter's account (which is enclosed herewith), is now due, and we shall be glad if you will kindly have same passed for payment, on or before the 10th inst., if you wish to avail yourselves of the full cash dis

count.

Yours faithfully,

PITMAN'S SHORTHAND IN AMERICA.

The phenomenal growth of the Isaac Pitman Shorthand since the issue of the Twentieth Century edition is evidenced, the New York School Journal says, by the large number of prominent schools now adopting this system. Next September the Brooklyn, N.Y., Commercial High School will introduce this method in place of the system previously taught. This institution was one of the first in the country to include shorthand in its curriculum, and has the distinction of having the largest stenographic classes of any high school in the United States, and is indorsed by eminent educators everywhere as the best. Other schools adopting the Isaac Pitman Phonography during the coming fall are: New York Evening High School for Men; Newark, N.J., High School; Hoboken, N J., High School; Jamaica, L.I., High School, etc. Last fall it was successfully introduced in the New York High School of Commerce and Girls' Technical High School. The "Instructor is used in the above institutions.

LETTER STAMPING DEVICE.-The latest application of the principle of the penny-in-the-slot is reported from Australia. In the post-offices of the Commonwealth, if time or opportunity does not permit the prompt purchase of a stamp, the person in a hurry will, in future, be able to drop his letter into one orifice of the machine and his penny into the other, and when this process is completed "One Penny Paid" will be found impressed on the envelope as an equivalent to the orthodox stamp,

PITMAN'S METROPOLITAN SCHOOL

AND THE PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS OF 1903. Once again the examiners of the Society of Arts, the London Chamber of Commerce, and the other public bodies, have been able to pay a handsome tribute to the efficacy of the methods adopted by this School in training for business life. The number of awards obtained by members of the Metropolitan School in connection with the examinations of the Society of Arts, London Chamber of Commerce, National Union of Teachers, and London Phonetic S.W.A., is very much larger than it has ever been before, while the prizes, as far as they have been announced, have been awarded in liberal proportion to the institution in Southampton row.

At the Society of Arts examinations a truly remarkable record of success has been achieved. In many respects the School takes first place in the kingdom, notwithstanding the fact that the number of centres has risen to 322, and the total number of papers examined reaches the enormous aggregate of 11,670. "P.M.S." awards include 91 first-class certificates (highest in the kingdom), eight prizes, tying for first place with one other centre; first place and first prize in German, in English, and in précis-writing; 30 first-class certificates in shorthand (the next best centre having 20), 14 "firsts" in German (no other centre taking more than 10), 10 "firsts" and medal in typewriting (no other centre having more than five), nine "firsts" in French (no other institution taking more than six). The total number of papers submitted was 342, and the high standard of excellence maintained throughout is demonstrated by the fact that over 97 per cent. passed, 91 first, 150 second, and only 91 thirdclass. Prizes of medals and money have been won in shorthand, typewriting, German, English, and précis-writing, and the returns here enumerated will compare very favourably with those of any other centre in the whole kingdom.

The London Chamber of Commerce pass lists have only just been completed, the prize list being not yet announced. The students of Pitman's Metropolitan School have taken 106 Senior certificates, more than half of these being with distinction. It may be recollected that the prize list of 1902 (only announced in May, 1903) showed this School to have taken first place in the kingdom in shorthand and in French, and to have won-in addition to several other prizes-for the fourth time in five years, the Travelling Scholarship of £25 offered by the Salters' Company "for proficiency in modern foreign languages." In shorthand this year the School has taken 40 Senior certificates, of which 27 are marked with distinction; no other centre has taken more than 18 shorthand certificates. In German the School has nine certificates, all with distinction, against the next best of four; in typewriting there are 15 certificates (the next best being eight).

At the National Union of Teachers' examinations over 100 certificates were gained, together with the first prize (silver medal) for typewriting, and the first and second prizes (silver and bronze medals) in German.

At the London Phonetic Shorthand Writers' Association's examination for the gold, silver, and bronze medals (150 words per minute for seven minutes), this School, for the sixth successive year, secured all the prizes.

ANTIQUITY OF METAL PENS.-Steel pens, or at all events metal pens, were known to the ancients. It was never proved, however, that the Romans really used metal pens until such a pen was found at Cologne, Germany, together with other antiquities of doubtless Roman origin, and deposited in the city museum. It consists of a hollow bronze tube of not quite the diameter of a lead pencil and about the same length, one end terminating in a pointed split end having the appearance of our steel pens; pen and holder are of one piece.

CIVIL SERVICE NOTES.

BY A CIVIL SERVANT.

The book of papers set to candidates for the post of Assistant Inspector of Factories, Home Office, in May, and the list of marks obtained have been published, and may be obtained from Messrs Eyre and Spottiswoode direct, or through any bookseller. The price is 6d net. Seventeen candidates were nominated, of whom eight failed to qualify—all in "Law relating to Workshops." Six appointments were made.

The names of the candidates successful at the examination held on the 12th and 13th May last for 30 appointments as Assistant of Excise, appeared in the London Gazette of 14th July, and a few notes from the list of marks may, perhaps, be interesting. The first man hails from Birmingham, and he secured 1,876 marks out of a possible 2,200, over eighty-five per cent., and it is noticeable also that one London man only, No. 2, is among the first four. In the total list of thirty, however, twelve London men are included, and the thirtieth candidate obtained 1,722 marks, or just over 78 per cent. The 101st, 201st, and 301st men obtained respectively 1,623, 1,540, and 1,475 marks, and there were, in all, 734 candidates more than 24 to each vacancy. Eighty-eight failed to qualify, i.e., to obtain 50 per cent. of maximum marks.

The sixth candidate, Mr S. H. Francis, obtained 495 (the second best mark in the examination) in English Composition and Précis-writing, being beaten in that subject by the first man only, who scored one more mark, 496. Mr Francis in November last won a First-class King's Scholarship, and was one of the three pupil teachers who tied for the top London place, which implies a special prize from the School Board for London. He has also matriculated at London University.

REVIEW.

The Public Examination Spelling Key. By W. Stewart Thomson, M.A. Fourth Edition. Revised and enlarged. Crown 8vo, 120 pp. Price Is. London: Simpkin, Marshall, Hamilton, Kent and Co., Ltd.

This new edition of Mr Stewart Thomson's spelling manual has been considerably enlarged and improved. For prospective candidates at examinations, whose spelling is weak, the work is extremely helpful. When it is remembered that the Civil Service Commissioners have reported that 76 per cent. of failures are due to bad spelling alone, it is obvious that there is need of special attention to correct orthography. And Mr Stewart Thomson's manual is especially helpful to candidates, because it is based on a list published by the Commissioners of all the words most usually misspelt at examinations for the Civil Service. To this list have been added many words which experience has shown the author are stumbling-blocks to candidates, while he has also carefully analyzed the examination tests and the books from which they are selected, for words likely to be misspelt. By the use of varieties of type, the value of the list is greatly enhanced. English spelling is admittedly inconsistent, but Mr Stewart Thomson has shown that it is not impossible to formulate a dozen rules, or more, indicative of the reasons or practice with regard to the spelling of particular classes of words; these rules are easily mastered, and will be found really helpful. The re-introduction of orthographical exercises "-in other words passages containing erroneous spelling-at Civil Service examinations is not overlooked, and a number of specimens of such exercises are given for working by the student, together with copious test exercises, exercises on the spelling rules, and dictation exercises.

DEATH OF A WELL-KNOWN PUBLISHER.-The death is announced of Mr Samuel William Partridge, one of the founders of the well-known firm, S. W. Partridge and Co., publishers, Paternoster row, London, at the advanced age of 92. The deceased was a man of wide culture, and a brilliant scholar, his works in blank verse having still a considerable salę.

THE VICTORIA INSTITUTE, TRINIDAD.

The annual meeting of the Victoria Institute, Trinidad, was held on 17th June, Professor Carmody presiding, supported by the Hon. R. H. McCarthy, the Hon. J. A. de Wolf (Surgeon-General), the Hon. R. G. Bushe (acting Auditor General), and others, when a deputation of the Trinidad Phonographic Society, headed by the President, presented a framed portrait of Sir Isaac Pitman, together with an autograph letter written in Phonography by the latter in 1878. Mr H D. Carruthers, in making the presentation, briefly explained the object of the gift, and asked that it should be given space on the walls of the Institute. Professor Carmody, on behalf of the Institute, thanked the deputation for the valuable gift, and assured them that it would occupy a most prominent place on the walls of the Institute, which he hoped it would long continue to ornament. The eleventh annual report of the Institute was presented and adopted. This showed that the past year had been one of conspicuous progress and success. At present there was no further accommodation for classes. Every evening of the week had its class, and sometimes there were two or three classes during the afternoon and evening. The classes which had been most conspicuously successful in point of numbers were dressmaking, shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, Spanish, art needlework, and drawing. The Board was convinced that there was no subject connected with the business of the Colony which was more in need of improvement than English composition, and it was some satisfaction to them to know that, after much perseverance and encouragement, the attendance had increased from 10 in the first term to 23 in the third term of 1902, although this was still a very small number, when compared with the many who were quite unable to draft an ordinary business letter. Shorthand, typewriting, book keeping all required knowledge of English composition to supplement their utility. A most generous offer of a permanent prize or bursary had been made by Messrs Smith Bros. of the "Bonanza" and accepted by the Board. The amount ($1,000) when invested would provide an annual sum of $50, and it is expected that this would assist in the pur uit of more advanced educational studies. The subjects for which this bursary would be awarded were Spanish, book-keeping, English composition, shorthand, and typewriting. Prizes similar to those given last year would be again awarded this year, but owing to the commercial value and utility of a good knowledge of the Spanish language, ore of the merchants interested, desiring to encourage the study, had offered prizes of $20 and $10 to the students who obtained the highest places in the morning examinations.

ORIGIN OF POST OFFICES.

Couriers for carrying royal or Government despatches are mentioned in histories of the earliest times. Royal posts existed in Assyria, Per:ia, Greece, and Rome. The name post office originated in the posts, or stations, at intervals along the roads of the Roman Empire, where couriers were kept in readiness to start on the instant. But such posts were not used for transmitting private letters. The first postal system for commercial and private correspondence appears to have been established between the Hanse Towns early in the Thirteenth century. London merchants established a postal communication of their own with France and other Continental countries as early as the Fifteenth century, and it is evident that, although the royal post of England, established in the Thirteenth century, was intended and long restricted to the transmission of Government despatches only, it had gradually become a vehicle for private correspondence In 1581 Thomas Randolph was appointed the " Chief Postmaster" for England, with authority to establish and supervise post houses and regulate the fees charged by postmen, but apparently without authority to receive and handle mail matter, which was left largely to the discretion of the postmen themselves. Not until the time of James I. of England was a postmaster for foreign parts appointed, and steps taken

by the Government to establish regular running posts, going day and night, for the transmission of letters for the general public. In 1635 such a mail was established to run weekly between London and Edinburgh, and soon eight other lines were instituted.-Cassell's Penny Magazine.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

On 5th June Mr W. G. Brenchley delivered a lecture to the members of the East London S.W.A. on "Positional Writing;" on the 26th Mr Harold Yorke read a paper on the "Hanseatic League and Modern Trusts;" and on 17th July Mr A. W. Lyndridge lectured on "The Diphthongs." A discussion followed each lecture, and the respective lecturers received votes of thanks. Phonographers living in the district are cordially invited to the lectures (which are given fortnightly). Particulars on application to the Hon. Sec., Mr L. S. Walker, 12 Ewing street, Bow, London, E.

At the examination of Abergavenny, Mon., Technical Shorthand Classes (teacher, Mr Gregory), the following results were obtained :-Advanced or Speed Section: out of two who sat, one a very persevering student—Mr Leigh Simons--obtained the Pitman certificate for 130 words. Intermediate Section: out of 13 who sat, four obtained the certificate. Elementary Section out of six who sat, five obtained the certificate.

The annual trip of the Derby Central S.W.A. took place on 11th July, when over 40 members and friends, together with the instructor, Mr T. W. Cowlishaw, F.I.P.S. (honours) journeyed to Rowsley. On reaching this place, the party proceeded through Alport to Youlgrave, where an excellent tea had been prepared at the Bull's Head Hotel, after which a most enjoyable ramble was made to Over Haddon. The party returned to Rowsley through the Lathkil Dale.

The results of the last Society of Arts shorthand examination, held at the Derby Central S.W.A's. centre are very satisfactory. Altogether six shorthand papers were sent up from this particular centre, and 100 per cent. of the members who entered for the second-class (110 words) certificates obtained them. The names of the successful candidates areE. Goodhead, W. Reader, A. Robinson, S. Sitdown, and J. Chadbourne.

The Committee of the Glossop Y.M.C.A. have decided to establish commercial classes for the ensuing winter session. Mr S. Fletcher has kindly consented to take the classes in book-keeping (elementary and advanced) and commercial arithmetic. The latter subject will be supplemented by commercial English or commercial correspondence if the students so desire. An effort is also being made to establish a shorthand class.

The results of the Society of Arts examination in shorthand recently held at the Municipal School of Science and Technology, Richmond terrace, Brighton, show that eighteen out of the nineteen candidates presented have been successful in passing. Miss C. E. Chesshire has secured the Society's certificate for 140 words. Three of the candidates have taken certificates at 110 words, and 14 at 80 words. The shorthand classes will re-open for the winter session on Monday, 4th September. The instructor is Mr V. W. E. Brooks, of 150 Ditchling road, Brighton, who will be pleased to supply any information with regard to the classes.

The following are the examination results achieved by the Northern Institute, Leeds: Society of Arts-Shorthand : two first-class (140 words), two second-class (110 words), 28 third-class (80 words); Book-keeping: three first-class, three second-class, five third-class; Typewriting: two first-class, four second-class. National Union of Teachers-Arithmetic three first-class, eight second-class; Shorthand: four first-class, three second-class; Typewriting: five first-class, five second-class. Incorporated Society of Shorthand Teach

ers-Shorthand: 62 speed certificates. Also successes in Bankers' Institute, Pharmaceutical Preliminary, Society of Accountants and Auditors, College of Preceptors, Leeds G.P.O., etc.

The summer examination in connection with the Hanley Shorthand and Typewriting School (Mr A. P. Basher, principal) was held on 8th and 10th July, when a good number sat, the examination being conducted by a Committee appointed from Bath. The Committee expressed their surprise at seeing so many candidates, and the interest with which they did their work. The accommodation and the advantages which the school held out to students, together with the excellent training given them by the principal and his staff, were also subjects of favourable comment. The school is open all the year round, and has three sessions; namely, morning, 9 30 to 12; afternoon, 2 to 5; and evening, 7 to 9 30. All modern commercial subjects are taught at the school, but special attention is given to shorthand and typewriting. Each student receives individual instruction. The school contains a convenient set of apartments, so as to provide separate rooms for the various subjects, and also special rooms for ladies and adults. Full particulars may be had on application.

All the candidates who sat for the Society of Arts shorthand examination at Pendleton Higher Grade Commercial Evening School (Mr J Berry, F.Inc S.T., and Mr T. Beswick, F. Inc. S. T., teachers) were successful, viz.: 140 words, G. W. Reed; 110 words, G. May; 80 words, C. N. Smethurst, J. E. Stott, J. Chappell, T. Hobson.

The closing meeting of the Scottish Phonographic Association (Edinburgh S.W.A) was held in the Oddfellows' Hall, Forrest road, Edinburgh, on 16th July, when the chair was occupied by Mr James Watt, F.F.A., W.S, the president. There was a large attendance. The secretary, Mr C. J. Rose, submitted a report on behalf of the Council, which showed that the session had been a very good one, the membership having been considerably increased, and the general affairs of the Association being in a very satisfactory condition. Special reference was made to the results of the Society of Arts examinations, which have just been announced. At the examination held under the auspices of the Association 20 candidates worked 23 papers, all of which have secured certificates. The 23 certificates awarded include three first-class for book-keeping, three first-class for typewriting, and seven first-class for shorthand-a very creditable performance. A number of elementary, theory, and speed certificates were afterwards presented to the successful candidates, and the meeting closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

The following are the results of the Society of Arts (London), Chamber of Commerce (local branch), and Pitman's speed certificate examinations held in connection with the Aberdeen School of Shorthand and Business Training, conducted by Mr C. M. Lawrence-Society of Arts-Shorthand-Second-class certificates-Daisy Burnett, Lily K. Gray, Edith Middleton, Agnes F. Mundie. Third-class certificates -Isabella M. Birnie, Annie W. Cadger, Mary E. Hay, Martha H. M'Gregor, Bella M. Mackie, Mary G. Paul. Book-keeping-First-class certificates-J. R. Morrison. Second-class certificates Robina Esson, Arabella W. Sinclair. Third-class certificates Maggie L. Hay, Lucy M. Macgillivray, Hattie Paterson, Georgina Summers. Typewriting-Second-class certificates-Millie Jones, Catherine Mann, Annie M. Middleton; Third-class certificates-J. Dawson, Isabel Dey, Helen Paterson, Jeannie Baffan, C. M. Thomson, Jeannie Urquhart. German-J. Rae (1). Chamber of Commerce-Senior shorthand-Pass-Daisy Junior Burnett (with distinction); pass-Agnes Mundie. Shorthand-B. Gray, L K. Gray, I. Thomson, R. A. Russell. Junior Typewriting-Martha Macgregor. The results of the senior examination in typewriting are not yet to hand. Pitman's Speed Certificates, 60 words-Margaret Neilson;

80 words-Maggie Knowles, Isabella B. Sheret, Maggie A. Stephen, Lizzie C. Wiseman; 90 words-Jeannie Dufton, Janet M. Henderson, Lottie Lawrence, Lottie M Currach, Jemima Mackenzie ; 100 words-Edith Cruickshank, Charlotte Johnstone; 110 words-Bella Birnie, W. G. Kean, Mary Paul, Rose Taylor; 120 words-Lilly Davidson; 130 word Annie W. Cadger. In connection with this school there are four examinations held for Pitman's Speed Certificates annually. The above is the result of the June

examination.

The Newcastle and District S.W A. annual picnic was held at Mitford on 11th July. One party went by train to Morpeth, and walked from there to Mitford. The rest cycled, and overtook the walkers on the last stage of the journey. The walk and the ride were very much enjoyed. After tea at Mitford, there was another very pleasant ramble. An intimation has been received that Mr T. W. Woodmass, of this S.W.A., has won the bronze medal at the recent Society of Arts examination. Mr T. M. Browne, 54 Grove street, Newcastle, and Mr W. H. Blades, 2 Cavendish terrace, Gateshead, have been elected Joint Hon. Secretaries of this S.W.A.

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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.

OUTLINES. In answer to Eileen, we would explain that short vowels are used in those words in which they are pronounced, and long vowels in those words in which they are sounded. If an ordinary pronouncing dictionary is consulted it will be seen that a similar vowel indication is shown to that which is observed in shorthand. In Phonography the generally observed methods of pronunciation are indicated.-As we have not preserved Magister's first letter, we regret that we are unable to give a further answer to his query on the double length principle. Rule 149 as printed in the latest edition of the Instructor and the Dictionary outlines will be found, we think, quite consistent.-The character on page 572, about which J. G. R. inquires, represents the phrase in regard to which; the longhand key was inaccurate.

PRONUNCIATION AND MEANING OF WORDS.-In reading Yembo finds himself in a difficulty as to the pronunciation and meaning of many words, and inquires whether there is any book which would be helpful to him.-There are various works which would extend our correspondent's knowledge of English words, but in most cases they would not help him with the pronunciation. If he is a phonographer, the reading of printed shorthand would prove most beneficial to him in improving his pronunciation. For both pronunciation and meaning a diligent study of a handy dictionary, such as the "Royal English Dictionary" (Nelson, is. net), may be recommended. For general improvement in English, the lessons in "Cassell's Popular Educator" can be recommended, or "Guide to English Composition," by Rev. J. H.

Bacon (Pitman, Is.). Our correspondent inquires for a LatinEnglish pronouncing dictionary; can any reader recommend one?

TYPISTS' TRADE UNION.-In reply to the inquiry on this subject in our issue of 11th July, H. W. B. writes: The Secretary of the Association of Shorthand Writers and Typists is Miss C. J. Preece, 10 St Leonard's mansions, St Leonard's terrace, Chelsea, London, S. W.

SPARE TIME WORK.-Worker asks where stencil work or any other spare time occupation can be obtained.-We assume that our correspondent is a typist, and if he owns a writing machine and duplicating apparatus he might, through the medium of a printed tariff or a newspaper advertisement, offer his services to those requiring them.

THE CIVIL SERVICE-HOW TO ENTER IT.-A. H. G. is nearly 15, lives at Gateshead-on-Tyne, and wishes us to advise him as to a Civil Service career.-He should prepare for either a Boy Clerkship (age 15 to 17) or a Provincial Learnership, General Post Office. There is a competition for 12 vacancies at Newcastle-onTyne on the 4th August, but for this examination A. H. G. is probably too young, or, if not, he is too late. The pay and prospects of Learners are given very fully on p. 536 of our issue for 4th July. The subjects are: English Composition (including Writing and Spelling); Arithmetic (first four rules, simple and compound, including English and Metrical Weights and Measures, Reduction, Vulgar and Decimal Fractions, and Geography general). We recommend as fully covering the ground Pitman's "Commercial Geography" (price 2s. 6d.), and Pitman's "Commercial Arithmetic " (price 2s. 6d.). For composition a good knowledge of English, constant practice in essay writing and efficient criticism of the result of this practice and of the candidate's handwriting practice are very desirable, and although some students pass Civil Service examinations from ordinary schools and some from private study alone, the vast majority find that oral or correspondence tuition renders hard work less irksome and less disappointing. Boy Clerks are employed chiefly in London, and examinations, usually for 300 vacancies, take place five or six times a year. The pay commences at 15s. per week, and the examination subjects after 1st Jan. next will be:-(1) Handwriting and Orthography; (2) Arithmetic (including Vulgar and Decimal Fractions); (3) English Composition, an ordinary essay and a passage, often historical, for paraphrase; (4) Copying Manuscript and any two of the following: (1) Geography; (2) English History; (3) Translation from Latin, French, or German; (4) Euclid, Books 1. and II., and Algebra to Simple Equations; (5) Chemistry and Physics.

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CUSTOMS AND EXCISE ASSISTANTS.-N. D. inquires for the subjects prescribed for these examinations, the probable date of the next competitions, and what books he should study.-For Assistant of Excise (age 19 22) the subjects are: Handwriting, English Composition, an ordinary essay, and a batch of official papers for Précis; Arithmetic to vulgar and decimal fractions and "tots"; Higher Arithmetic, including Mensuration, Square and Cube Root, etc.; Geography general. For Assistant of Customs (age 18-21) the subjects are those for Assistant of Excise, with Digesting Returns into Summaries and Copying Manuscript. The books are for Précis, Pitman's " Indexing and Precis Writing (price is 61.); Arithmetic, Pitman's Commercial Arithmetic (price 2s. 6d), and, perhaps, Haugh's Higher Arithmetic or the Tutorial Arithmetic " (Clive and Co., 3s. 6d.). For the other subjects we advise those who can to take the oral or correspondence courses provided by Pitman's Metropolitan School and similar institutions, which cater specially for Civil Service students. Nearly all the difficulties and nearly all the failures of the private student who is hard working are the result of doing things in the wrong way. The next examination for Assistants of Excise will probably take place the first week in November, but it is impossible to forecast the date of the next competition for Assistants of Customs. Our correspondent should, however, at once commence his preparation, if he has not already done so.

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from the insurance company on security of the policy. X. asks whether on his father's death, if his other property is insufficient to pay his debts, the creditors can claim the insurance money, and whether he (X.) can do anything to make himself entitled to it to the exclusion of the creditors.-Whatever amount might be payable in respect of the policy on the father's death, after providing for the loan made by the company and any interest owing upon it, would form part of the father's estate, and would have to be applied in payment of his debts, unless there proved to be sufficient money from other sources to pay these in full. X. might obviate this by purchasing the policy outright from his father-paying down a reasonable sum, taking upon himself the existing liability to the insurance company, and paying all future premiums on the policy. To do this effectually a proper assignment would be necessary, which should be prepared and carried through by a solicitor. The transaction should, of course, be a genuine one, which would bear every investigation in the event of its being questioned by a creditor of the father's estate.

COMMERCIAL FRENCH.-La Belle France will doubtless find Ragon's French Commercial Correspondence or Vogel's similar work suitable for average commercial work, or even for something more advanced. Ragon's has the advantage of being specially recommended by the London Chamber of Commerce, a fact to which our correspondent should give heed if there is any intention of undergoing the examination for the valued certificate of this important body. "Pitman's Business Terms, Phrases, and Abbreviations" may be consulted with much advantage in connection with either of the above, or with Carroué's Commercial Correspondence in French, which is considered the very best of its class. These books may be procured from D. Nutt and Co., Strand, London, or Messrs Hachette et Cie, Librarie Française, London.

BUSINESS CONTRACTIONS.-Anxious inquires for a book from which she could master business contractions.- Our correspondent should obtain "Pitman's Business Terms, Phrases and Abbreviations" (price 2s. 6d.), which contains a full description of all the terms and abbreviations used in commercial affairs.

TIMBER TRADE.-Oak Tree would like to hear of any textbooks, newspaper, or magazine dealing with this business, and as to the accounts connected therewith.

LEFT HANDED WRITER.-In reference to the question of Enquirer as to whether there is any honour or distinction specially open to left handed writers, H. F. Y. writes: "It may be of interest and service to your correspondent to know of the annual Imperial Competitions in Upright Penmanship for both hands, and of the Imperial Silver Challenge Shield Competition. Particulars of the competitions may be procured of Sampson Low, Marston and Co., Ltd., St Dunstan's House, London, E.C. These competitions are held in connection with Jackson's system of Upright Penmanship.

HANDWRITING.-J. G's. handwriting has all the elements from which a good legal hand could be developed, but down strokes should not be quite so heavy. He should give a loop to capital 7, otherwise it is impossible to distinguish the latter from capital I.— Tom writes a satisfactory commercial hand, the only defect we notice being that the upward does not go far enough above the line.-T. J. should make an effort to get out of the habit of writing with a backward slope without delay. A good vertical style might be developed by the use of Vere Foster's Upright Series, No. 9 copy book, but we should strongly advise lessons from a good writing master.-The second style which Nibs submits is the better of the two, but our correspondent's handwriting could be considerably improved.-A. B. C. writes a fairly good style and if care is taken to preserve regularity, it appears to us to be an average business hand; small d should have a longer stroke, and the flourish at the beginning of words should be avoided.G. H. J. S. writes a good hand; ball pointed pens conduce to a smooth and regular style.-F. W. and T. M. W. need instruction from a good writing master.-Joseph would need to develop a more round and regular hand in order to take up engrossing with success. He would do well to practise with the upright handwriting copy book recommended above.—With care in developing a somewhat rounder style, with careful joining of letters and regular formation of loops, Brading might improve his handwriting for legal purposes; the preliminary stroke before words is not desirable.-M. W. and Devonian should obtain lessons from a good teacher.-T. G. L. could improve his handwriting for business purposes by the use of Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series

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