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Pictorial post cards. Exchange desired in good views with residents in all parts of the world. Correspondence in longhand or shorthand. Prompt replies to all. Address Ernest E. Empett, Chatham. Readers abroad please insert England in the address. (50) Pictorial post card correspondence desired from any person writing either English or French (longhand) in any part of the world. Replies sent to all. John H. Chapman, Customs, Westport, N.Z. [49

Fred Bean will exchange Foreign and Colonial pictorial post cards. Shorthand, French, longhand. Prompt replies. 164 Loughboro' park, Brixton, London, S. W., England.

Correspondence desired on pictorial post cards; longhand and shorthand. Good views only. Prompt replies to all. W. Kay, 1 Eastbank st., Southport. (1) Pictorial post card correspondence desired from all parts of the world, either sex, in French, German, Italian, and Spanish. Address letters Richard Frost, 36 Hatfield st., Paddington, Liverpool. [51]

Picture post cards exchanged, coloured views preferred; longhand. Address H. Tollit, 83 Cholmondeley st., Widnes. [50] Wanted, Foreign and Colonial correspondents to exchange pictorial post cards. Local views preferred. Thos. L. Guna, 15 Milton rd., Edge lane, Liverpool.

Pictorial post cards exchanged. Longhand or shorthand. State subjects desired. Mabel Hiscox, 91 Talfourd rd., Peckham, London, S.E. [49] Colonial readers interested in view cards, shorthand, stamps, or books, send name and address, enclosing two d stamps, for picture post card and reply. Arthur Gill,* Shrubbery st., Kidderminster, England. (50] Pictorial post cards exchanged. Miss Lander, Wendron st, Helston, Cornwall.

Pictorial post cards exchanged. Miss Stibbs, Godolphin rd., Helston, Cornwall.

Pictorial fost cards, exchange desired in shorthand, foreign views preferred. Guarantee replies to all. E. Robson, Redgate, Wolsingham, Darlington, England.

Associations. 1d. 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 3s 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 periodically in June and December, and at other times by arrangement, for teachers and typists. Lectures, demonstrations, discussions, employment bureau, advice on typewriting matters, etc. Annual subscription, 5s; members of I.P.S., 3s 6d; employees and students, 2s 6d. Rules, revised examination syllabus, forms of applicaion, etc., post-free from Hon. Sec., Geo. Colebourn, F.I.P.S., 151 Second ave., Manor park, London, E. [7]

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 conductor. 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. [x] 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 & Sons, Ltd. [x] Wanted few young men abroad to join Greater Britain Evercirculator. Particulars enclose stamp. Holmes, Ardconnel. Grantown on-Spey, [49] Evercirculator King Edward the Seventh, 1903. Menbers wanted, good phonographers, high class; particulars stamp. S. H. Hare,* 4 Roger's pl., Lowtown, Pudsey.

Scotland.

Join The Phonetic-Pictorial Postcard Evercirculator. Prizes given. Membership, is 6d. Address P.P.P. E., 16 Nairn st., Crookes, Sheffield. Phonographers desiring evercirculator connections write for information, enclosing stamp, to H. Leake, 10 Richmond st., Sheffield.

Those wishing to improve their speed in shorthand should join the Kelvingrove Shorthand Circulating Library. Circulating all the best magazines, Australian, etc., only is 3d quarterly. All particulars, David Cook,* 157 Kent rd., Glasgow, W. [50)

Rambler Library circulates all shorthand papers, subscription is 3d per quarter, or 4s 6d per year. Gripton's School, High st., West Bromwich.

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The Telegraph Shorthand Magazine Library, and 20th Century Commercial Library; all new members during the month of December will be presented with a new shorthand book, post-free; particulars for one penny stamp. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [52] Reading practice. The best library is the Telegraph, established eleven years, circulating all the magazines; quarterly subscription, is 3d; always vacancies. The 20th Century Commercial Library, over 200 books available for use of members. Shorthand, typewriting, French, German, Spanish, and commercial books, together with copies of all English and American shorthand magazines. Subscription one penny per week. Splendid opportunity of studying large selection of works at small cost.

Full particulars of either library for penny stamp. Lady and gentlemen members throughout the kingdom. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S.E. [1] Second-hand Books, Shorthand or Phonetic, for Sale, or Exchange, or Wanted, 1d. per line of ten words; Miscellaneous Books, 3d. per line. Announcements relating to private sales only can be admitted in this column; traders' advertisements must be inserted in our advertising pages.

Reading practice for the forthcoming examinations, 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, S.E. [49] For sale, coples of Oliver McEwan's Verbatim Reporting, post-free Is Id. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S.E. [49] Do you require shorthand books or magazínes? Write to J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London, S.E., with penny stamp for full list. Thousands of books and magazines for sale. [49]

Lightning Business Phraseograms, by Oliver McEwan, published at 3s 6d; few copies for sale, is 6d each post-free any part of the world. J. H. Simmons, 2 Rokeby rd., Brockley, London. [50] [49]

For sale, a large number of American shorthand magazines and books; list stamp. A. Eyre, 14 Hinckley rd.. Leicester.

For sale, all kinds second-hand educational books, half-price. State wants, S. F. Gilbert, 13 Fairbank st., London, N.

For sale, Tom Brown's Schooldays, is; and Book of Common Prayer, Is, in Phonography; Phonetic Journals, vol. 62, to present date, and g odd nos. of vol. 60, 3s. All clean and in good condition. A. Springham, 11 Bell's hill, Bishops Stortford, Herts.

Wanted, copies of nos. 1, 2, 5 and 7 of Pitman's Phonetic Journal for 1903. Double price and postage given. Address post card Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd., Bath.

Pitman's Shorthand Weekly, vol. 1 (bound, half roan), vol. 18 (unbound), Pitman's Phonetic Journal, vol. 60, nos. 1 to 49. What cash offers, together or separate? Jones, 106 Town rd., Lower Edmonton, London, N.

For sale, perfect condition, Cassell's Popular Educator, 7s 6d; Pitman's Commercial Correspondence and Commercial English, is 6d; Pitman's Commercial Geography, is 6d; Legal Phrase Book, 3d; Æsop's Fables, 3d; Phonographic Phrase Book, 6d; Reporting Exercises, 3d. K., 29 Worcester st., Gloucester. [49

For sale, High Speed in Shorthand, 6d; Mission of Margaret, 3d; Teacher, 4d; 1st Reading Lessons, 4d; also, offers wanted for Phonetic Journals (old). Miss M. J. Russell, Irondale, Coatbridge.

Wanted, 20th Century Shorthand Dictionary, cheap. Heaton, Woodville, Burton-on-Trent.

Wanted to purchase, or on loan, the issues of the Phonetic Journal from the 23rd November, 1901, to 22nd August, 1903 (inclusive). State price or terms, McNamara, 60 Caythorpe st., Moss Side, Manchester. (49) For sale, Bible in Phonography (15s edition); Complete Commercial Arithmetic; Manual of Business Training (3rd edition); Commercial Law of England. Perfect condition, as new. Offers to G. R. Glover, 65 Marshall st., West Smethwick, Birmingham,

Wanted, Spanish Phonography (Pitman's), good condition. Communicate, stating lowest price, H. E. Harvey, 21 St Leonard's rd., Ealing, W. For sale, a large number of American shorthand magazines and books; list stamp. A. Eyre, 14 Hinckley rd., Leicester.

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For sale, Shorthand Dictionary, 20th Century Edition (unbound), quite new. 2s 10d post-free. S. Phelps, 157 High st., Southampton. Shorthand magazines, all kinds and dates, at nominal prices. For full particulars apply R. E. Beard, Hon. Sec. Birmingham Shorthand Writers' Association, 18 Charlotte st., Birmingham.

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For sale, Reporters' Journals, 1902, and 1903 to October, unbound, clean; 45 carriage paid. Frank Collard North st., Strood, Rochester. For sale, Neptune Fountain Pen, nearly new, 2s 6d post-free; also model engine. Full particulars for id stamp. Harry Whittaker, Kay Houses, Sabden, Blackburn.

Wanted, Phonetic Journal, unbound, for 1902. Send lowest price to G. F. Johnson, 316 Edge lane, Droylsden, nr. Manchester. Will exchange for bound shorthand literature the following:-57 English and Welsh baritone solos and 7 duetts, in good condition. Offers invited. Owens, Terrace rd., Portmadoc.

To Yost Typists.-A Yost pad for sale (No. 4), slightly used, price 4s. Money returned if unsatisfactory. C W. Heaton, Woodville, Burton-onTrent.

For sale, Phonographic Monthly, first 7 vols. (5 nos missing); also about 15s worth old shorthand magazines, including Phonetic Journals, Shorthand Weeklies, and Nankivell's, Ford's, and McEwan's publications; the lot 6s, post-free G. Stevenson, 3 Egerton rd., Greenwich, London.

SUBSCRIPTION RATES.-This Journal may be ordered through any Bookseller, Newsagent, or Railway Bookstall, or by post direct from the Publishers. The terms to all parts of the world are rs. 8d. per quarter; 35. 3d. per half year; or 6s. 6d. per year, payable in advance. Subscriptions may commence with any number. Monthly parts, 5d., post-free 7d.; terms of subscription same as above.

TO SHORTHAND Learners.-Students commencing the study of Pitman's Shorthand are recommended to obtain the "Phonographic Teacher," td.; "Key," 6d.; and "Progressive Studies," Is.; or "Pitman's Shorthand Instructor," 3s. 6d. These Books can be obtained of all Booksellers, or from the Publishers. Students desiring a teacher may be put in communication with one on sending a penny stamp to Sir Isaac Pitman & Sons, Ltd., Phonetic Institute, Bath.

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SKILL AND KNOWLEDGE.

Most of our problems are two sided, and when our gaze has been fixed steadily or for a long time on one aspect of a trutb, we are in danger of forgetting that there are other aspects equally important. The para. dox maker finds in this circumstance his opportunity, and he is apt to startle us suddenly with a daring proposition that contradicts or denies the aspect that we have been mistaking for the entire truth. The paradox maker renders us a useful service, so long as we do not allow him to loosen our hold of the little bit of truth that we already possess. When, for instance, in a generation like our own, familiar with perpetual exhortations to get more and more knowledge, with endless eulogies on the value and importance and necessity of knowledge, a critic comes along and tells us emphatically that we want not more but less knowledge, we shall do well to listen-but to listen critically-to such message as he may have to convey. For, notwithstanding some of our mentors, it is possible to be clogged with knowledge, possible to have too much of this one good thing. Skill is as important as knowledge itself, and the art of applying one's knowledge, of putting it to use in life, is indispensable. Even a little knowledge skilfully employed tells more in business and in social life than a vast amount of unused and unusable information.

Mrs Belloc-Lowndes, in a paper reported in this Journal a few weeks ago, remarked that it is a real danger to the journalist to be too thorough. Journalism is concerned almost entirely with the surface of things, and a light touch and the gift of putting a subject in an interesting light for the moment is in her

opinion more valuable than positively encyclopædic knowledge. There is a truth here that is too much overlooked in these days. Cramming, whether for examinations or for other purposes, is not the best, the most satisfactory method of acquiring knowledge. Yet in many occupations and on many occasions the kind of knowledge that can be gained quickly and in sufficient quantity for the purpose of the moment is invaluable at the time. And the capacity to "pick up" miscellaneous knowledge is wanted in many professions. The lawyer has to make himself acquainted with the details of almost every business at one time or other: without that ability he could not present his case properly in court. His knowledge is, of course, superficial and temporary: but it is sufficient for the time and for the purpose. The accountant has to get an insight into the special methods of many businesses in order to get through the work of his profession. His know. ledge, outside the range of accountancy, may be superficial, but that constitutes no objection. It would not enable him to start in business in any of those occupations in which he is engaged to prepare or to audit the accounts. It is not for that purpose that he has acquired it, but it is necessary and valuable nevertheless. And the journalist, toc, required as he is to write at almost a minute's notice on any subject that may happen to "crop up," must necessarily make use of an enormous mass of merely "superficial " knowledge.

The one condition on which he can justify his superficial and hastily-acquired knowledge, is that he has acquired previously the right skill to apply it. It is not only the journalist whose business is with the surface of things. The artist sees the outsides of things. To him, a man sitting for a portrait, or a landscape open to view, is primarily a colour scheme. It is the surface that he has to reproduce, and the more finished his skill in reproducing it, the more satisfactory will be the result. In a minor but yet in a very important sense, the same thing is true of the shorthand writer and the typist. Knowledge is useful tc him in the proportion in which he is able to apply it for the purposes of his calling. He needs a large vocabulary; he needs a good general knowledge of the meaning of words, and in these days he needs a good knowledge of the meaning of technical terms. But the essential thing is that he shall possess the necessary skill that will enable him to apply that knowledge. He need not attempt to achieve a thorough mastery of every department of knowledge with which his chosen vocation will require him to deal: that would be to waste energy. All knowledge is good in some sense, but for the work of life technical skill, the capacity to do some one thing as well as it possibly can be done, is of even more importance.

The usual instalment of " Legal Terms, Phrases, and Abbreviations " is held over.

Mr George Moorhouse, F. Inc.S.T, desires phonographers to note that his address is now Dale street, Ossett, R SO., Yorks., where he has commodious premises for teaching.

By an oversight the name of Mr E. J. Crotty, Sligo Standard School 32 High street, Sligo, was omitted from the list of holders of Pitman's Shorthand Teacher's Certificate in "Pitman's Shorthand and Typewriting Year Book and Diary for 1904 "

Mr S. H. Godfrey, a member of the London Phonetic S.W.A., has been successful in obtaining a speed certificate at 200 words per minute after an examination conducted at the Arcadian in Queen street, Cheapside, under the Pitman Speed Certificate regulations. As is usually the case with candidates for high speed certificates, Mr Godfrey sat on several previous occasions for a certificate at this speed, but was not fortunate enough to secure it.

A correspondent writes to point out that an excellent rubber stamp may be produced from the shorthand stereo Correspondence in Pitman's Phonography if desired." This information may prove useful to many phonographers who desire to impress the sentence on their correspondence, etc., when for any reason they do not themselves have their letter headings printed. Of course a superior impression is obtained whenever it is possible to have the stereo printed as part of the letter beiding.

Those inquirer who have written to us from time to time on the subject, are requested to note that the series of papers on "Elementary Law for Shorthand Clerks and Typists," which appeared at intervals in this Journal from 1900 to 1902, has been collected and revised, with a view to early publication in the form of a handy volume at a popular price. The series now appearing in the Journal entitled Legal Terms, Phrases, and Abbreviations" will also be published in volume form

"

A novel development of the instalment system has (says the City Press) been introduced for the benefit of its junior clerks by one of the leading London banks. It has given a **warrant of appointment" to a tailor, a hosier, and a bootmaker of standing, and the members of the staff are placed on especially favourable terms. Moreover, the bill is sent in to the head office, and settled with the full discount by the bank; the staff then paying off a certain proportion month by month. The advantages of the system will be generally appreciated.

"Esperanto" appears to be " 'taking on" rapidly with metropolitan phonographers. When Mr J C. O'Connor announced at a recent meeting of the Lordon Phonetic SW.A his desire to form a class to be composed exclusively of phonographers for the study of the new "auxiliary language," he bardly anticipated that the suggestion would be so extensively adopted as it has proved to have been. The class was arranged to hold its first meeting on Monday, 16th Nov., in a room kindly lent for the purpose at the Cusack Institute. On his arrival Mr O'Connor found himself confronted by about 80 eager phonographers, to whom he gave an introductory address explaining the leading features of Esperanto," postponing the commencement of the actual lessons till the following Monday.

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TYPEWRITING NOTES.

The Rev. George M Reith, Edinburgh, writes:--" For literary work, of which I do a great deal, I find the typewriter a very great help, and I know that the compositors who set up my copy have found reason to bless the impulse that led me to get a Densmore."

The Salter typewriter is to be remodelled and introduced to the market before long with considerable alterations. Mr Ernest Robbins has been appointed General Manager.

Picture post cards have invaded the typewriting companies' offices, or in other words the most enterprising of the companies have turned this popular pastime of purchasing and collecting post cards to account by publishing cards of their own, upon which in various attractive forms and symbols, their own particular machine certainly does not come off econd best.

The Eastern Daily Press contained the following relative to lady typists on Atlantic liners: "One big steamship company provides now on board its Atlantic liners lady shorthand writers and typi ts. The lady has an office to herself, and is employed by passengers in answering perhaps, scores of letters which they bring on board with them. On the homeward journey the letters are posted at Queenstown, and reach London hours before the writers of them."

We have more than once remarked that the typewriter is a very good barometer of trade, and it would not be surprising if things had been a little quiet just now with the reports of the general trade of the country showing signs of decline. In fact the testimony of most of the typewriter companies is that the present season did not commence quite as briskly as last year. After a somewhat quiet month in October, however, things have since improved, and just now bu iness is looking up at the headquarters of the Companies in London.

The Typewriter Co., Ltd., write:-"We note in your issue of 14th Nov. that in commenting on an extract from the Montreal Daily Herald referring to a type writing test, you state that it is difficult to say whether Mr Lomax has broken the record or not with 93 words per minute. We think you will find that in 1896 at the Spring examination of the Society of Arts, Miss Violet Potter created a record in public examination by writing from dictation on the Royal Bar-Lock at the rate of 94 words per minute in competition with a number of other candidates, and for this success took first place and received the medal of the Society. To secure the highest place in a competition of this kind is a much higher achievemert than simply reaching a standard of 94 words per minute, as the place of honour is gained not only by the highest rate of speed but the fastest writing with the least mistakes."

Considering the universal popularity of the typewriter, and the consequent increa ing demand for typewriter supplies, it is a little remarkable that the facilities for ob'aining such supplies are not equally universal. For the users of the writing machine in London there is no difficulty whatever in obtaining supplies from the various typewriter companies, but outside London it is surprising how few of the ordinary stationers' stores will be found to contain such a requisite as typewriting paper. Probably in any case the need for selecting paper for different kinds of work would make it a little inconvenient for the ordinary stationer in a country town to stock a variety of these, but one or two kinds and sizes in general use would not be much to risk, and with increasing numbers of users of the typewriter there would be a growing demand. But the stationer should be careful to stock paper of the proper quality.

A notable feature of typewriter progress during the past five years has been the invention of a number of attachments and devices applicab'e to the typewriter, and increasing the scope of its utility. There was a period, - bet ween fifteen and five years ago, when the machine seemed to have reached final form. Then came an epoch of improvement, and we no v have such devices as the tabulator, which renders it possible to write the mot complicated tabular work almost as speedily as ordinary matter; the polychrome

attachment, which gives alternative colours in the ribbon, either of which can be brought into play at a touch; the annular cale, which renders the machine more adaptable to the typing of invoices and statements. The list would be incomplete without the mention of improved marginal stops, simplifying marginal notes, and the magnified escapement, which has so enormously improved the touch of the typewriter and given it greater capacity for speed than was possible with the old style of dogs.

The Fiscal Question, and especially Retaliation, is one, the future development of which will be vatched with interest by the typewriter world. It is true that there is very little of the typewriter industry in this country to protect, so far as the manufacture of the writing machine is concerned, and, :herefore, any duty placed upon the typewriter would be simply in the nature of revenue and probably an increase in the price of the machine to the user. But there is another possible outcome which is not without its interest in view of the American monopoly in the making of the typewriter. A City man the other day in conversation was heard to make this remark: "As a general principle I don't agree with protection, but it would be better for me if some duties were levied on imports. [He was interested in typewriter supplies] And there is one thing that would very ĺkely happen. If a twenty per cent. duty were put upon the typewriter the Americans would at once bring their factories over to this country, and as London is the great distributing centre for most of the world outside America, we should thus have large industries to keep going, and we could do it, for there is no workman like the English mechanic after all. At present it is not surprising that the Americans don't bring their plant over to this country when they can bring the typewriter over here for a merely nominal freight-for les than what would send a typewriter from Liverpool to London."

FOREIGN COMMERCIAL EXERCISES.

SPANISH.

I12.

LOS TRES OCHOS. 督

"Lo que bace que un cficio manual sea3 desde luego embrutecedor1-escritía Renau en el Avenir de la science-es que absorbe al individuo y se trueca en su sé, en su todo. La definición de este desdichado" es, en efecto, zapatero", ebanista11. Esta palabra indica su naturaleza, su esencia; no es más que eso: una máquina humana que hace muebles12 ó zapatos.'

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Pero supongamos 13 3 que en vez11 de vivir para hacer muebles y zapatos, este mismo hombre se limita á hacer zapatos y muebles para vivir; supongamos que el tiempo de su trabaj queda reducido á una razonable duración; para beneficio de él, de todos los que sufren su16 mismo mali, el movimiento de las ocho horas se va coronar do' por el éxito18, y ¡quién no19 vel9 el inmenso progreso que resultaría, desde el punto de vista de la emancipación intelectual de los trabajadores !

¡Entonces, sólo entonces, la gran masa de los proletarios20 podría consagrarse al estudio y á la contemplación de las obras maestras21; los sabios y los artistas no serían seres 23 aislados24 en el desierto de las multitudes, y ya no tendrían para vivir de25 su trabajo que hacer á su ciencia ó á su inspiración sierva26 de los intereses ó de los caprichos de la burgue ía, y he aquí por qué28 los obreros obscuros, los que luchan29 por la jornada de ocho horas, no trabajan sólo para ellos mismos, sino30 también para los hombres cuyo pensamiento no será verdaderamente libre sino con la liberación de todos los oprimidos !-Heraldo de Madrid.

I, I that which produces the result; 2 duty; 3 may be; 4 brutalising; 5 (French word) future; 6 (the fact) that; 7..7 becomes changed into; 8 being, essence; 9 unfortunate person; 10 shoemaker; II worker in ebony, cabinet * The first portion of this article appeared on 24th Oct., and the second on 14th Nov.

maker; 12 articles of furniture; 13 let us suppose; 14 stead; 15 remains, is, becomes; 16..16 the same evil fortune as his; 17..17 gces on crowning, will proceed satisfactorily; 18 result; 19, 19 does not see, cannot see; 20 parents of the working classes; 21 of the first rank, masterpieces; 22 intellectual men; 23 creatures; 24 isolated; 25 by; 26 servant, slave; 27 bourgeoisie, middle class; 28..28 in this matter reason to believe; 29 are struggling; 30 but; 31, 31 except with, until they have succeeded in gaining. ENGLISH VERSION OF LAST WEEK'S EXERCISE. GERMAN. III.

AUSTRIAN SOUTHERN RAILWAY. - As regards foreign tribunals, however, the unfavourable result of such an action could not be at all doubtful, in view of the experience of numerous similar actions. Dr Eibuschi'z has taken advantage of the negotiations with Dr Gross, who has been appointed curator for all the holders interested in the various preferred stocks, so as to take up his old plan once more. This time, in his capacity of holder of some of the Four per cent. Preferred stock, he has applied to the Commercial Tribunal petitioning for the appointment of a special curator for the Four per cent. Preferred stockholders. In the petition allusion is made to the fact that a possibility exists that the Southern Railway would, in the agreement which is to be concluded with the present curator as a compensating concession for the favourable terms to be granted to the holders of the Three per cent. Preferred stocks, give a legally binding promise involving the recognition of a liability to pay in gold. As a result of this, according to the opinion of the petitioner, the rights of the holders of the Four per cent. Preferred stock seem to be jeopardized, and a collision of interests among the holders of the various preferred stocks already in existence rendered probable, which would necessitate the appointment of a second curator. This petition was referred by the Commercial Tribunal to Dr Gross, the present curator of the pre'erred stockholders, for a declaration of his views upon the point. He has now announced his "opinion," which explains very particularly that there exists no dar ger at all to the rights of the holders of the Four per cent. Preferred stock, furthermore, that the legal position of these preferred stocks has undergone no change, and consequently, that no colli ion of interests is within mea urable distance. The "opinion" concludes by a proposal that the court should decline to do anything to further the appointment of a second curator-Der Kapitalist.

THE POST OFFICE AND CHRISTMAS CARDS. - The Postmaster-General desires to direct attention to the fact that large numbers of the Christmas and New Year cards which are posted every year for transmission to places abroad at the reduced rate of postage applicable to printed papers (d. per 2 Czs.), have to be stopped and returned to the senders (or destroyed if they do not bear the renders' names and addresses) because they contravene the Postal Union regulations re pecting printed matter set forth on pages 447 and 448 of the Post Office Guide. It should be particularly borne in mind that no Christmas or New Year cards can be sent at the rate for printed papers unless they can be easily withdrawn from their covers for examination, or if they bear writing other than a dedication to the addressee. Cards sent in closed envelopes which merely have the corners cut off infringe the regulations; and many packets made up in this manner are stopped and returned to the senders (or destroyed) every year.

PRIZE COMPETITION RESULT.

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OUR PORTRAIT GALLERY.

MR WALTER C. POTTER.

Mr Potter was recently elected to the Vice-Chairmanship of the London Teachers' District of the I.P.S., which he has served for a goodly number of years in the capacity of committee-man. He was one of the first members of the Diplomated Teachers' Society, which became in time the London District of the Teachers' Section of the larger society.

He was born in 1873, and says modestly that he achieved nothing remarkable at school. He confesses to having been fond in his early days of drawing and sketching, and adds that

he is never happier now than when he can snatch a little time to indulge his taste for these arts. Pen and ink sketching and crayon drawing form a delightful change from shorthand teaching and from certain active forms of exercise to which he is addicted.

In 1886, at the age of thirteen, he entered the office cf a large firm of timber merchants and importers in London, his chief duties being draw ing and sketching from designs for the decoration of furniture and panels. He had been there about twelve months when a rumour spread in the establishment that the engagement of a shorthand clerk was contemplated, shorthand having been up to that time unemployed by the firm. It occurred to him that it might be worth his while to try to qualify for the possible post. And so he set to work with a good deal of energy, a good deal of

In 1890 he commenced teaching, on a small scale at first. He advertised for private pupils, and has a vivid recollection of the first applicant who came in response to the newspaper announcement. He has had many private pupils since, and a paper which he read not long ago before a teachers' meeting in London showed that he has studied as well as taught his pupils, and studied them to some purpose. Nor was his own study of the subject which he had begun to teach discontinued. On the contrary, he set to work to get a thorough mastery of the theory. Having done so, he presented himself at the second examination conducted by the National Phonographic Society, in January, 1892. He was then only 19 years of age, and he

(From a photo by G. R. Cleare, Lower Clapton road, London, N.E.)

zeal, and a good deal of perseverance, to gain the requisite knowledge and skill. By the beginning of 1889 he was able to write at a "medium" pace, and he succeeded in securing the engagement. By 1890 he had not only become a shorthand writer, but had made himself proficient as an operator on the Bar Lock typewriter. The introduction of shorthand and typewriting into this metropolitan office even at so recent a date was slow. The old methods were understood and were familiar, and they yielded gradually. But yield they did in the long run, and the present staff includes several shorthand writers and typists. Mr Potter held his new position for four years, and during the latter part of that period was entrusted with all the private correspondence.

remembers how on the morning of the examination as he entered the room and saw how much older all the other candidates seemed to be, his heart sank within him. However, he was successful, and gained the diploma. The fellowship was not then, as it is now, restricted to those who have reached the age of 21 years, and in the April following the date of the examination, this young certificated teacher was entitled to style himself a Fellow of the society.

About 1891 he helped to form the now defunct Central Hackney S.W.A., which led a useful and vigorous career for a time. The institution of the Diplomated Teachers' Society attracted his attention, and he became a member at the very outset.

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In 1894, through the introduction of Sir Isaac Pitman and Sons, Ltd, he was appointed shorthand master at the Bethnal Green Free Library, the institution at which he had received his first lesson in the same subject seven years previously. This appointment he has held ever since. The classes continue all the year round, and he has the aid of an assistant. He also gives instruction at the library in typewriting, handwriting, business arithmetic, and general commercial training. With the exception of the classes that he conducts at this institution, the whole of his teaching is to private pupils of whom he has a large connection.

Some of his former students have been very successful, and now occupy valuable posts at home and abroad -in China, Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. He has also successfully trained several old pupils for the examination for the teacher's diploma.

He is a great believer in the practice of early rising

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