F. N.
“P.S.—Generally speaking, are people satisfied with Southsea when they come?”
It is refreshing, after reading this exhaustive examination paper, to come across a simple and courteous demand from a Greenock sportsman to the postmaster of Dunfermline:—
“Grinock.
“Kind Sir,—Will you be so kind too let me no the date of Dunfermalane raises is and you will oblige me.
“E. N.”
Or even an honest inquiry such as this, of the postmaster of Weston-super-Mare:—
“Is there an opening hear for a practical tripe and cow-heel dresser, and to cater for the public generally in reasonable price dinners? Should want a place for poultry and piggeries outside the town.”
Piggeries outside the town are to be encouraged, and we hope the postmaster did not throw cold water on the enterprise.
These letters sufficiently illustrate the view which is often taken of the uses of a postmaster. And yet there is reason in the attitude of some of these correspondents. The need is evidently felt for a public inquiry agent in every town who will supply local information. Many seaside and inland resorts for visitors have now an officer who is advertised to deal with inquiries; but in hundreds of places the man or woman who seeks information can think of nobody to ask except the postmaster. It is a tribute to the way that the Post Office links itself up with the lives of the people, and nobody but a very churlish postmaster would do other than his best to help his correspondents. Still the public ought clearly to understand that such services are not included in a postmaster's duties, and the inquiries might as reasonably be addressed to the Chief of the Fire Brigade or the Lord-Lieutenant of the county. But perhaps these gentlemen already receive their share of miscellaneous attention.