In the year 1820 there were in Lower Canada 20 post offices; in Upper Canada, 19; in Nova Scotia, 6; in New Brunswick, 3; in Prince Edward's Island, 1.
In 1824 there were in Upper and Lower Canada 69 post offices, and 1992 miles of established mail routes. The annual travel of the mail was 370,000 miles. The gross revenue was $68,000; and the revenue transmitted to England, after deducting $1200, the supposed surplus for New Brunswick, $21,000. At this time the population of Lower Canada was about 440,000, and of Upper Canada 150,000.
In this year Mr. Sutherland was succeeded, as Deputy Postmaster General, by Mr. Thos. A. Stayner, and shortly after was effected the separation of nearly the whole of New Brunswick from the Canada charge.
Under the long and able administration of Mr. Stayner, extending from the year 1824 to 1851, postal accommodation was greatly extended throughout Upper and Lower Canada.
In 1827 there were 101 post offices and 2368 miles of established post route. The annual transportation of the mail was 455,000 miles. The estimated number of letters passing through the post in the year was 340,000; the estimated number of papers, 400,000.
In the year 1832 the Duke of Richmond, then Postmaster General, proposed a re-modification of the post office throughout British North America. An Act was prepared with this object, but the attempt to pass it through the several Legislatures failed, and of all the plans that had been contemplated only two were carried into effect, namely, the establishment of an Accountant's Office and the appointment of Local Inspectors.
The attention of the Legislature of Upper Canada was, about this time, frequently turned to the post office, which still continued under the Imperial control. Committees were appointed and reports made, in which the transfer of the management of the department to the Colonial Government was strongly urged.
In the year 1837 a joint address from the Legislative Council and Assembly was adopted, praying that the revenue produced by the post office in the Colonies should no longer be remitted to England. This address was referred to the Lords of the Treasury, and by them referred to Lord Durham, on the ground that some general measure was required to carry its prayer into effect. Nothing, however, was done until some years afterwards towards the accomplishment of this end.
A large and steady increase continued to take place yearly in the business and revenue of the post office. In 1838 there were 380 post offices, and 5486 miles
of established post route. The annual transportation of the mail was 1,345,000 miles; the estimated number of letters carried, 1,000,000; the estimated number of newspapers, 1,250,000; and the gross revenue, $146,000.