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MR J. G. ALGER ON FRENCH

ORATORS.

In an article in a recent number of the Fortnightly Review, Mr J. G. Alger gave some account of various French orators whom he heard, and many of whose speeches he reported. Gambetta, with his thundering voice and animated gesticulation, never looked prouder than when, as President of the Chamber, he passed on his way to his chair through a line of soldiers who, at a drummer's signal, presented arms. Jules Ferry, with his hard hitting, reminded one of Sir William Harcourt. Léon Say, with his persuasive accents; Freycinet, with his plausible wiliness; Buffet, with his delicate irony; Louis Blanc, with his effeminate appearance and mellifluous tones; Victor Hugo, with the gesticulations of a seer, are all passed under review by this stenographic observer and critic. He mentions that both Victor Hugo and Louis Blanc read their speeches-"a practice very common." Nothing however, as he remarks, strikes an Englishman as more grotesque than at the funeral of celebrities to see men pull out and read their manuscripts,

Of the great French pulpit orators he heard many. Among the number were Père Hyacinthe, whose eloquence he describes as "" thrilling," Père Didon, whose appeals from the pulpit for the reconciliation of Catholicism and modern thought elicited applause, till the Archbishop stopped the course; and the Protestant preachers Coquerel and Pressense. One curious experience he had was that of hearing the same sermon preached on two separate Sundays at two different chapels! He expresses it as his opinion that French pulpit eloquence has declined.

He suggests that the same thing is probably true of "professorial eloquence." He gives a vivid and picturesque description of Rénan lecturing at the Collège de France, and describes how Caro expounded pessimism. Then too there were the lectures by Mezieres on "The Pickwick Papers," which his father had translated from English, and by G. Guizot, a son of the eminent statesman, on "John Gilpin."

The story is told brightly, and suggests to the reader that the calling of a reporter is one that enables an observant man with a retentive memory to store up a valuable treasury of interesting recollections.

TIME SAVING DEVICES.-Dr Felix Regnault in an article in Le Correspondant Medical, entitled "The Economy of Time," tells authors what they may do to save their readers. He calls for clear and concise language, the avoidance of repetition, and the suppression of all that is useless. He advocates the simplification of spelling and the shortening of long words. He suggests that a number of frequently-recurring words should be abbreviated. For example, in an article on tuberculosis he would spell out that word once, and after wards indicate it by a "t." He would also print the more important ideas in bold type, so that the reader could seize the gist of the author's meaning at a glance. Every article should be preceded by a brief résumé, and the frequent use of diagrams is advocated.

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I beg to enclose a prospectus of the North of England Fire A3surance Company, and should much esteem the favor of a line from you as to whether you would be in a position to act as one of the Company's representatives. In such a case I shall be pleased to forward you the scale of fees and commissions allowed, (which I may mention is a very liberal one) together with any other information you may desire to have preliminary to arranging an agency appointment. Perhaps you may be aware that the "North of England" is one of the oldest and largest Companies in existence. It was established in the year 1801 with a fully subscribed capital of One and a half Millions Sterling The Company has assets of about Three Million Pounds, consisting of Government, real, and other first-class securities. As consequence policy holders have anplc and first-class security. They incur no liability whatever under the Company's contracts Claims of upwards of Fifteen Millions Sterling have been paid by the Company during its One hundred years' existence. The Company is represented in nearly all the large towns in the North of England, but Stockport is one of the exceptions. I shall be very pleased, therefore, if you will give the matter your favorable consideration. I could arrange for a personal interview at any time within the next fortnight which may be mutually convenient to us

I remain,

Yours faithfully.

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AMERICANISMS AND BRITICISMS.-Mr Brander Mathews thus defines these terms in Harper's Monthly: "An Americanism is a word or phrase or usage generally accepted in the United States, but not accepted in Great Britain and therefore not adopted into the English language-and a Briticism is a word or phrase or usage generally accepted in the British Isles, or even in the whole British Empire, but not accepted in the United States and therefore not adopted into the English language.' In America one does not meet a person "in" the street or "in' the train, but "on" the street or train, as the case may be. A "lift" is an "elevator," and a "keyless watch" is a 'stem-winder." In articles of dress, a "waistcoat " is always a vest," "boots" are "shoes," and what the Englishman is in the habit of calling "shoes" are "slippers." "Boots" to an American are "top boots." A "shop" is a "store," and a drapery establishment is a "dry goods store." "Braces' are called "suspenders," and "trousers 'pants." A cream jug" is a "cream pitcher," and the word " pitcher is always used to denote what is called a "jug" in England.

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FOUR MINOR SHORTHAND SYSTEMS.

BY ALEXANDER PATERSON, F.J.I. Some years ago a correspondent of an influential and widely circulated north of England newspaper, who professed to know what he was writing about, gravely informed it; readers that Fitman's Phonography owed its success to the fact that, during a long period after its appearance, it had been without a single competing rival! The present writer pointed out in reply that, at no time in the history of the stenographic art was the system-making industry so brisk as it was during the years succeeding 1837, and as there was no rejoinder, it may be assumed that the gentleman was convinced of his error.

Many of the systems produced within the past sixty years odd have been marked by no slight literary ability and great constructive ingenuity, but a good many have been of an exactly opposite character. The question which one is sometimes tempted to ask is not merely why they came in such a plight, but 'why they came at all." Crude in conception and clumsy in execution, they are lacking in well-nigh all the essentials of even a moderately good and workable system, while, as literary efforts, they fall far below mediocrity, and may be said to have literally dropped stillborn from the press. If turned to account at all it was never to any appreciable extent, and both the works and their authors have long since been forgotten.

Of such a character was Brumby's Stenography, of which a brief description recently appeared in these columns, and in the same category have to be placed four stenographic treatises, the authors of which are unknown to fame, now lying before me. They all belong to the first decade of what may be termed the Pitmanic era. Their respective titles are as under: Mackenzie's "Shorthand Made Easy," published about 1838; Leonard's "Shorthand for the People," ditto; Selwyn's "Phonography," 1847; and Snaith's "Elements of Universal Languages," also 1847. I believe I am correct in saying that none of these ever attained the dignity of a second edition. First in order comes Mackenzie's system, which was published at the unprecedentedly low price of twopence. The full title runs thus: "Shorthand Made Easy, so that in a short time Trials, Sermons, Lectures, and Speeches may be reported verbatim. With phrases as exercises to gain facility in the use of all the characters, by which perfection may be soon attained. Adapted either for self instruction or the use of students, colleges, or schools. By Eneas Mackenzie." Nothing is told us respecting the author beyond the fact that he was the compiler of a series of small educational treatises uniform in size and price, of which this was one. In the series were included Mavor's Spelling Book, Murray's School Grammar, Walkingham's Arithmetic, etc., the publisher being R. Hardwicke, 26 Duke street, Piccadilly, London. The Shorthand is a small tractate of sixteen pages, in paper covers stitched, and comprises letterpress and illustrations, the whole purporting to embody a complete presentation of the system. The work bears evidence of being a hastily put together compilation, made by one who was probably himself unfamiliar with shorthand, and knew little or nothing of stenographic requirements. The alphabet is, with the exception of a single letter, Moat's, but no staves or bars are provided, as in the elaborate work by that author, and their absence places the writer at a considerable disadvantage. In other respects there is nothing to distinguish the system from the ordinary stenographies of the period, save its relative inferiority to most of them. Lists are given of prefixes and terminations, with grammalogues for phrases of frequent occurrence, and a tolerably varied assortment of arbitraries. The rules are meagre and indefinite, and, from first to last, there is a total absence of the least semblance of originality. The illustrative shorthand specimens comprise the Lord's Prayer and Queen Victoria's first speech at the opening of Parliament, and the characters present a very confused cobwebby appearance, calculated to repel rather than attract those who might have otherwise felt inclined to study the system.

My copy of the work I purchased in a stationer's shop considerably over forty years ago, and I bave never seen another. Neither have I come across anyone who had mastered or even attempted to master the system.

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Leonard's Shorthand for the People" also appeared in 1838. The full title runs: Shorthand for the People: being a comprehensive system of Stenography, founded on a new principle, by which any person who can write may quickly learn the art without a master; and by which from four to five hours out of six may be saved in writing: containing ample instructions for the acquirement of this most useful and delightful art. By S. W. Leonard." It was published at Cheltenham for the author by John Lovesy, and sold by London booksellers, etc. The work was printed at Parsonage lane, Bath (a thoroughfare with the name of which phonographers in former times were tolerably familiar), by George Wood, a newspaper proprietor and editor who was, by the way, one of the first to give a favourable notice of Phonography. It comprised fifty pages of letterpress, with ten plates, and was published at three and sixpence. As a literary production this is in every way superior to the work previously named, and must have been the result of much thought and labour. The author says he "was first led to a consideration of the subject by having another work in contemplation, and feeling the want of a more rapid mode of committing to paper those evanescent ideas which are seldom so happily expressed as at the moment they are conceived. He often found that before the pen could trace the first sentence that moment had flown for ever. To remedy this evil the only resource was shorthand, but although system after system was explored, still the object was not attained. The same defect presented itself in every system that professed to be infallible. What was to be done? To write one was a work of some labour: still it seemed preferable to the work of acquiring facility in others; and also easy to avoid that which appeared objectionable in them. The determination was soon formed, the experiment was tried, and, as far as the author's own feeling is concerned, has been perfectly successful." The leading features of the system are thus summarized (1) The representation of every letter in the alphabet by one simple mark distinct from all the rest. (2) The total abolition of the very defective method of substituting one letter for another. Also that of giving several meanings to the same mark. And the utter extinction of all ambiguity arising from those methods. (3) The numerous rules and exceptions that encumber every other system, and draw so largely on the memory of the writer are entirely done away in this. (4) It is entirely independent of grammatical rules, or of any other science save that which all systems require. It is also independent of ruied lines. or any other aid beyond common writing. (5) All the compound characters are formed upon, and in connection with, the simple characters of the alphabet, and double letters, thus rendering the use of arbitraries unnecessary. (6) It depends less upon the memory than any other system extant, and is more easily acquired. As the alphabet is only phonetic in the sense that all the other alphabets of the period were phonetic—by the provision of separate forms for ch, sh, and th, c, q, and x being retained-one has some difficulty in comprehending the phrase "several meanings to the same mark," and there are other allusions and suggestions equally obscure. The author does not, in the first instance, hold out any hope of a high rate of speed being attained. A manuscript written in the character proposed will, he says, take less than one third of the time which it occupies in the common hand. An expert writer may make it less than one-fourth. Later, however, he hints at a speed equivalent to six times the ordinary longhand rate. The system, though unquestionably ingenious, is cumbrous and inelegant, but the primary drawback is the lack of legibility. The vowel signs are attached to the consonants, and three degrees of inclination being recognised for sloping letters, great care has to be observed in preserving the distinctions. Neatness and symmetry certainly cannot be said to constitute its leading distinctions.

(To be concluded.)

INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY. by dictating speeches, etc., at various rates from 60 words

LONDON.

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At the weekly meeting of the London Phonetic S.W.A. at the Arcadian, Queen street, E.C., on Thursday, 10th September, after the customary speed practice, the chair was taken by Mr F. J. French, and the subject of "The Liquor Traffic Reform was introduced by Mr S. A. Tanner. In the course of a thoughtful paper, Mr Tanner discussed the various proposals put forward from time to time with reference to the liquor traffic, and the recent legislation on the subject. He explained the methods adopted in Russia and Sweden, and the plans of the Public House Trust, which was spreading its operations in this country. short discussion followed, in which Messrs G. E. Hall, H. T. Bailey and the Chairman took part, and a hearty vote of thanks concluded the proceedings. The following is the program for the coming month:

Oct. 1.-Speed Practice, 7 to 9 p.m. Committee Meeting, 9 p.m. 8.-Impromptu Speeches by various Members.

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15.-" A (Shorthand) Pilgrim's Progress," Mr G. E. Hall.

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The annual general meeting of the Midland District will be held at the Pitman Hotel, Corporation street, Birmingham, on Saturday, 3rd October. Program:-4 o'clock, Annual General Meeting Annual Report; President's Address; Election of Officers. 5.30, Tea (is. per head). 7, Concert. The committee trust that all members of the Society will make an effort to be present on this occasion. Members are at liberty to introduce friends at the tea and concert. Ladies are specially invited. It will be an assistance if those intending to take tea will inform the Hon. Secretary, Mr W. Findley, Chingford, Chester road, near Birmingham, not later than 1st October.

LONDON AND THE PROVINCES.

The Editor will be greatly obliged by receiving marked copies of any local journals that contain paragraphs or comments on subjects likely to be of interest to the readers of this Journal.

The members of the Essex Evercirculator at present in London assembled at the International Fire Exhibition, Earl's Court, on 12th Sept. The party, which included Misses M. Wright and I. F. Law, were much impressed with all they saw. It is to be regretted that the conductor, Mr H. Wilman, was unable to be present.

The eleventh winter session of the Salford S.W.A. (federate') opens with a conversazione on Friday evening, 25th September, in the John Street Board School, Pendleton, which is the place of meeting. The following is the program for October:

Oct. 2.-Lantern Lecture, "The Fascination of Shorthand," Mr J. Berry. 9.-"Current Events: Lessons from the Evening Paper," Mr W. Foy.

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,, 16.-"The Mysteries of Current Speech," Capt. M. S. Woollett. ,, 23. Pickwick," Mr E. Helm.

,, 30.-"The Rights of the Poor," Mr G. Macartney.

The meetings commence at 7.30, and new members will be heartily welcomed. Speed practice is conducted at every meeting, and there is a shorthand library. The Hon. Secretary, Mr A. H. Gilbertson, 143 Rumford street, Chorltonon-Medlock, will be pleased to supply any information concerning the Association and to enrol new members.

The speed class held at Short's Coffee Tavern, High street, in connection with the Bristol S.W.A., was opened by Mr G. A. Beard, Secretary to the Birmingham S.W.A., on 8th Sept. Mr Beard, in his opening remarks, dealt with the advantages of being a member of such an organization, not only from an intellectual standpoint but also from the social side, and called attention to the Association in Birmingham, which had been established nearly 20 years and is largely appreciated by the phonographers in that district. In referring to the fact that that society had a membership of over 200, Mr Beard remarked that he saw no reason why the city of Bristol should not have an equally large membership, or possibly a larger one. He then formally opened the meeting

per minute upwards. At the close of the meeting the President, Mr A. J. Tonkin, proposed a vote of thanks to Mr Beard for his kindness in favouring the Association with his presence, and for the help he had so ably given. Mr G. T. Payne, in seconding the resolution, referred to the assistance he had at all times received from Mr Beard and from the officers of various other associations. Mr Beard, in responding, stated that it was his intention to be in Bristol at a not far distant date, when he would avail himself of the opportunity of paying the Association another visit. For the information of those who may desire to communicate with the Secretary, it may be added that Mr Payne's address is 13 Milsom street, Stapleton road, Bristol.

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS. ACCRINGTON AND DISTRICT S.W.A. (federated). opening meeting of the winter session of this Association will be held in the Mechanics' Institution on Friday, 2nd October, commencing at 8 o'clock. All phonographers are cordially invited to be present. Prospectus of the Association and copies of the program may be obtained on application to the Secretary, Mr H. Hindle, 200 Avenue parade, Accrington.

ACCRINGTON. MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.-Messrs Constantine, Hallam and Hindle re-opened their classes in shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping, and office routine at the Mechanics' Institution on Monday, 21st September. Hours, 7 to 10. Special facilities for advanced students. Further particulars may be obtained on application to 200 Avenue parade, Accrington. COVENTRY SW.A. (federated).-The opening meeting of the session will take place at the Priory Assembly Rooms, Priory row, on Friday, 2nd October, at 8 p.m., when a limelight lecture will be given, entitled, "Phonography and the Federation." Members will be enrolled and programs may also be obtained at the same time. A short musical program will be provided.

LEEDS. St Margaret's Schoolroom, Cardigan road.-Classes in shorthand (elementary and advanced) and business methods conducted every Monday evening at 8 by Mr J. Anderson, F.Inc.S.T., 67 Stanningley road, Armley, Leeds, and Mr S. L. Thomas, 34 Harold Grove, Burley Fields, Leeds.

LONDON, N.E., Northwold Road Evening Continuation School, Clapton.-Shorthand classes for girls are held at the above school, on Mondays and Wednesdays, 7.30 to 9-30, and commenced on 21st Sept. Elementary, 7.30 to 8.30; Advanced. 8.30 to 9 30. Instructress, Miss M. Seed-Roberts, M.I.P.S. Responsible teacher, Miss Dobell.

LONDON. Forest Gate, E.-Thorough shorthand tuition (private or class) given by Mr H. C. Nicholls, 97 Ridley rd. Terms on application.

LONDON. South-West Polytechnic, Manresa road, Chelsea, S. W. The shorthand and typewriting classes re-commenced on Monday, 21st September. In shorthand both individual tuition and class teaching are given to the theory pupils, and every facility afforded for the acquirement of speed to the more advanced pupils. In addition to the ordinary speed classes, a special one will be formed this session for phonographers writing above 120 words per minute. Full particulars can be obtained from the Secretary.

LONDON. The South London School, 304 Lordship lane, S.E. Principal, Mr E. J. H. Marsland (teacher's diploma).-Instruction in shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping and other commercial subjects is given daily (except Saturday) between 10 and 1, 2 and 5, and 7 and 10 p.m. Full particulars can be had on application to Mr Marsland as above.

LONDON. Evening Continuation School, Buckingham Gate, Westminster, now open for male and female students. -Shorthand, book-keeping, French, arithmetic, woodwork, etc. Pupils prepared for the Society of Arts, Chamber of Commerce, and N.U.T. examinations. Nominal fee for the session. Any further particulars can be had at the school.

NOTTINGHAM.-The Nottingham S.W.A. (federated) re-open their session on Wednesday, 7th October, at 7.45 p.m., at the Y.M.C.A. Rooms. Mansfield road. All phonographers (ladies and gentlemen) who are not already members are invited to attend any of the meetings. Further particulars from the Secretary, Mr T. F. L. Freck, 40 Stansfield street, Nottingham.

STOCKTON-ON-TEES TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.-Mr J. F. Fox, F.Inc.S.T. began his shorthand classes at this institution on 14th September. Those desiring to take up the course should at once give in their names.

TONBRIDGE. Shorthand and Typewriting Institute, 13 London road. Principal, Mr H. J. Pearson (teacher's diploma). -The winter term commences on the 29th September. Day and evening instruction in shorthand, typewriting, book-keeping and business routine. Preparation for all examinations. Individual instruction in all cases, and special attention devoted to business requirements. Prospectus, etc., on application.

TUNBRIDGE WELLS-Mr H. J. Pearson (teacher's diploma) will resume his classes in shorthand, book-keeping, etc., at Tunbridge Wells on 30th September. Private tuition given in these and other subjects. either day or evening, by arrangement. tending pupils are asked to send in their names at once. Special coaching for examinations, etc.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

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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.-Contractions should use the phrase for I-am-requested-to-state which appears in the ''Instructor (page 182); the other form no longer appears in Shorthand in the Office."

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SHORTHAND STUDENTS' QUERIES.-J. K., who is mastering shorthand, presumably without a teacher, finds himself in doubt as to the position of certain consonants with regard to the line; as he submits no examples, however, we are unable to give him a word of guidance. If he can obtain the assistance of a teacher, he would do well to have lessons.-Inquisitive should take up the study of the Reporter" (price 2s.), now that he has mastered the Manual," and can write at the rate mentioned.-Enthusiastic is informed that the percentage of mistakes allowed for Pitman's Certificates is Elementary five per cent., Theory one per cent., and Speed two per cent. With regard to the pronunciation of the word mentioned and similar words, we may say that the pronunciation we have shown seems to us the best and most general.

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IMPROVEMENT OF POSITION.-Every week several correspondents consult us on this subject, but it is hardly possible to furnish them with answers of any practical usefulness.-Zonas, who is evidently a very efficient business man, with practical knowledge of both commercial and legal work, and ability to manage, should be able to get a satisfactory position in this country. But if he is assured of an opening in Pretoria, he would do well to take it, provided that the salary offered were a considerable enhancement on salaries paid in this country. Some guidance on the arrangement which should be entered into on taking a position abroad were given last week, in answer to a shorthand-typist. Possibly Zonas might find it needful to secure another position in this country, and in that case he would do well to place himself in communication with one of the metropolitan employment agencies, whose announcements of free assistance appear from time to time in cur advertising pages.Goods Clerk, who desires a colonial appointment, should apply direct to the secretaries of some of the colonial government railways. We are unable to advise as to salaries; probably with our correspondent's long practical knowledge he would not be expected to pass an educational examination.-Paco should register his name at Pitman's Employment Bureau, for a foreign correspondent's or similar pcst. He could do so free of charge. His qualifications appear to be very good.--A. C. inquires about a position on the railway where promotion is sure. This, we are afraid, is more than any individual employer or public company will be ready to offer. Our correspondent may hear of openings for railway employment by addressing the secretaries of the companies. Ex-Soldier would do well to qualify himself for a superior position in his present occupation; he is probably doing better in the post he holds than he could expect to do as a junior clerk. If there are any special branches of study which would be useful to him in securing promotion, he should take them up.-If A. H. is satisfied as to the status and prospects of the professional gentleman who offers him the post he mentions, he would, we consider, find it to his advantage to accept the position under

articles. We do not think that Queenie would be likely to find so many openings for a shorthand writer and typist in the city she names as at more distinctly commercial centres. French may be learned as thoroughly in England as by residence in France. Our correspondent should write to the Secretary, Pitman's Metropolitan School, Southampton row, London, WC, for particulars of the grammatical and conversational instruction given there under native masters.

INSTITUTE OF SECRETARIES.-In reply to W. R. C. N., the examinations of this chartered body are in three stages. The preliminary is educațional, and embraces the same subjects as other professional preliminary examinations. Persons who have passed any equivalent examination are excused this on application to the Board of the Institute. The inter, and final examinations are professional, and include higher arithmetic, the principles of commercial and joint stock company law, précis-writing, the preparation of minutes and agenda papers, book-keeping and accounts, and a general knowledge of business methods. Copies of previous examination papers and all other particulars may be obtained on application to the Secretary, 19 Birchin lane, London, E.C. It is requisite that candidates for the ex mination have at least a prospect of holding the secretaryship or some similar position under a company.

BANK CLERKSHIPS.-S. G., who aspires to this position, must first obtain a nomination from a director of a bank, and is then required to pass a qualifying examination. The subjects are reading, writing from dictation, arithmetic, algebra, geography and history, and at least one modern language. The object is to secure that candidates have had a good general education. We cannot undertake to select any particular bank for our correspondent. In the high-class banks the salaries and conditions of service are pretty much the same. The age for entry is almost invariably 18 years.

POST OFFICE EMPLOYMENT.-E. L. S. asks for "particulars, etc., how to get into the Post Office."-There are at least a hundred different varieties of appointments under the control of H.M. Postmaster-General- the best known being clerks higher division, second division, assistant and boy, women and girls; sorters, male and female; learners, male and female; surveyors; paper keepers; inspectors; postmen; porters. Until we know more about E. L. S., viz, sex, age and educational qualifications, it is obviously impossible to tender any advice which is worth having.

ASSISTANT FACTORY INSPECTORS.-F. L. C. would like to know the qualifications required for Assistant Factory Inspectors, and whether previous papers are obtainable.-The nomination of the Home Secretary (obtainable by an M.P. through the Government Whips) is essential, and the age is 21 to 40. The examination subjects are: (1) spelling and handwriting (dictation given); (2) English composition (report or précis writing); (3) arithmetic (first four rules simple or compound); (4) a knowledge of the principal provisions of the law relating to workshops (including the Factory and Workshops Acts Consolidation Act). Previous papers may be procured from Eyre and Spottiswoɔde. They were set in 1900.

BOY CLERKSHIP -Anxious would like to know the subjects and lowest number of marks required to obtain a place in the Boy Clerks' examination.- Details have appeared in recent issues of this Journal. In the last published result 329 candidates were declared successful out of just under 600 competitors. On that occasion every candidate who secured at least 50 more than half maximum marks was successful, but such a low standard of proficiency is not likely to continue. The hours, seven daily, are fewer and the pay, 15s. weekly, is better than can be obtained at the age of 15 anywhere outside the Civil Service, so the State naturally wants, and will ultimately get, the pick of the boy labour market. Get the last published papers (7d. post-free), and if within the age limits (15-17), apply at once to enter the examination for about 300 Boy Clerks on 10th Nov. next. Your writing can easily be adapted to Civil Service requirements.

THIRD WRITER IN THE NAVY.- Brud asks whether there is any height limit for candidates for the post of Third Writer in the Navy. The ordinary regulations for height, weight, etc., applicable to the Navy generally, probably apply to Third Writers and Ship's Stewards, but precise information can be obtained from the Recruiting Department, Admiralty, London, S.W. A capital description of these posts appeared in this Journal for 29th Aug.

WRITERS IN H.M. NAVY AND SHIP'S STEWARDS.-In the article with this heading which appeared in our issue of 29th August there were two discrepancies which need correction: In the subjects of examination for Third Write, geography was omitted; and in the scale of pension, under "Three good conduct badges" should read "One good conduct medal," instead of "One good conduct badge."

FEMALE SORTERS.-E. H. has been for four years in a sub post office, and, being 22 years of age, asks whether she may deduct these four years and sit for the examination for Women Sorters where the higher limit is 18.-No, because deductions from age are only allowed to established civil servants, which the employees of a sub-postmaster are not, but even if they were E, H. would still be ineligible because she must have entered the sub-office after passing the maximum age limit, her 18th birthday. Is there a Government telephone system in your town? If so, why not apply through your head-postmaster for an appointment as telephone operator ?

CIVIL SERVICE VACANCIES (AGE 25-30) Anxious II. asks a very common question: Are there any Civil Service appointments open to candidates who are over 25 years of age?-Practically speaking, there are not. The last chance of entering the Civil Service, speaking broadly, without special qualifications, is the Assistants of Excise (an examination takes place in November), and this is closed to those who have reached their 22nd birthday. SECOND DIVISION CLERKSHIPS.-W. E. J. is 18 years old, has had the usual grammar school education, but left school four years ago. He intends to try for the Second Division examination.The usual grammar school education, as we understand it, is one which finishes after about three years' hard work with a Senior Oxford or Cambridge Local or London Matriculation, and the usual grammar school education, with six or nine months' Civil Service preparation, is the best possible guide to the examination for Second Division clerkships. Your writing, about which you inquire, is with care and practice capable of obtaining good marks, but it is, as yet, unformed and stiff, and you do not always join your letters. Get the last set of Second Division papers (about 8d. post-free), and send for the regulations for the ensuing examination to the Civil Service Commissioners, Burlington gardens, London, W. You can try for the Assistants of Customs until you are 20, and for the Assistants of Excise until 22 years of age.

CLERK OF THE WORKS -F. J. H. asks what qualifications are required for this branch of the public service.--The first requisite is the nomination of the First Commissioner of Works, obtainable through strong Parliamentary influence. The age limits are 25-40, and the subjects are: (1) English composition (writing a business letter or short essay on a technical subject); (2) drawing, theory and details of construction (architectural works); (3) quantities, taking out from drawings and measuring work; (4) estimates and specifications; (5) use and properties of materials; (6) sanitary science. There is an oral examination in subjects 5 and 6, and previous papers are not published. Certainly do not leave a certain situation for the bare possibility of passing an examination.

COLLIERY ACCOUNTS.-J. G. asks for a text-book dealing solely with colliery accounts.-So far as we know there is none, nor do we see any need for such a publication. The general principles of book-keeping are the same; text-books differ in explaining these principles more or less clearly, and commercial houses and public companies only modify the general principles and divide and subdivide their books to suit their particular needs.

PITMAN BACKING SHEET.-The backing sheet furnishes a guide for the centralization of headings and titles on a letter or foolscap sheet, as M. O. surmises.

HANDWRITING.-G. A. R.'s handwriting would not be considered suitable for the post office; she needs lessons from a good instructor.-Similar advice is given to Effigy and Anxious; it would be of no service to advise anything but personal instruction in these instances.-Lama wives a satisfactory hand, but it would be improved in appearance if care were taken to write the looped letters more regularly and not too large or long. -Nolo could improve her handwriting for business purposes by using 'Pitman's Commercial Copy and Exercise Book, No. 1,' price 6d.-J. T.'s handwriting would be improved if several letters, particularly m, n, s were more sharply formed; he would do we'l to take Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series, Nc. 19, copy

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book as a guide.-J. B. W. should use the same book as a model; he should loop g, y, etc., in the ordinary way, and should cultivate a style of writing a word without lifting the pen, and making very obvious fresh starts in the middle of a word.-P. M. does not observe a proper proportion in his handwriting; his small letters are too large, his capitals too small, while looped letters do not go far enough above the line. He should use the copy book recommended above.

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MISCELLANEOUS.-Baron and Sanus will find French the most generally useful foreign language to take up. They may begin the study with "Pitman's French Course, Part 1," (price 6d.) and "Key" (price is. 61.).-We have failed to discover the word of 27 letters which Percy Bourne submits in any dictionary.-A position such as F. B desires could only be secured through influence with the shipping companies -J. A. F. will find the ordinary grammars of comparatively little use to the student who desires to master the Latin language without a teacher. The explanatory lessons in "Cassell's Popular Educator are, however, well suited for our correspondent's purpose. Guidance is furnished in the lessors as to pronunciation.-Chips is informed that there is no probability of a hymn book being published in shorthand.-H. L. D. might with advantage substitute they for these in the second instance in the passage he submits.-We are unable to advise J. D.; he would do well to be guided by the advice of someone in position in the laboratory.-Doris will find the best method of holding the arm and hand for rapid writing described in the "Instructor," paragraph 228. He would, however, do well to go where he can obtain speed practice under experienced guidance, as at Pitman's Metropolitan School.-M. P. J. ("Psalm of Shorthand "). Declined with thanks.-A number of answers are crowded out.

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

SECOND CLASS OR THEORY CERTIFICATE, for a thorough knowledge of the 20th Cent "Manual"; or "Instructor," Chaps. i-xxvi.; or "Shorthand Primer, Book II." Fee 2s. FIRST CLASS OR SPEED CERTIFICATE. Speed certificates are granted for 60 words per minute and upwards. Fee 1s. 6d. FULL CERTIFICATE OF PROFICIENCY.-When a Second Class Certificate and a First Class Certificate for 80 words have been obtained, a Full Certificate is issued, certifying that the holder has a thorough theoretical and practical knowledge of Phonography. Fee Is.

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

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Exercises Corrected Gratis (enclose stamped and addressed envelope) by
Cope G. S, 111 Stroud Green rd., Tollington Park, London, N.
Cullen T. J., Coolowley, Grogan, Ballybrophy, Queen's Co.
Goldsmith R., 9 Trafalgar st., Lakenham, Norwich
Irving G. F., 80 Highbury New park, London, N.
Lyndridge A. W., 48 Norfolk avenue, Southend-on-Sea
MacNaulty P. E., Fern Lea, Bolton rd., Atherton, nr. Manchester
Rice H. D., Ark House School, Banbury

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