[162] Letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, 1859.
[163] Mr. Rowland Hill to Mr. Baines, M.P., 2d August, 1859.
"My dear Sir,—With modifications which could readily be introduced, Mr. Sikes's plan is, in my opinion, practicable so far as the Post Office is concerned.
"The plan also appears to me to be practicable in its other parts; but on these I would suggest the expediency of taking the opinion of some one thoroughly conversant with ordinary banking business, and who is acquainted also with Savings Banks.
"I need not add, that if carried into effect, the plan would in my opinion prove highly useful to the public, and in some degree advantageous to the revenue.
"I shall be most happy, when the time arrives for doing so, to submit it for the approval of the Postmaster-General.
"Faithfully yours,
“Rowland Hill.”
[164] Mr. Gladstone to Mr. Sikes, 30th November, 1859.
"Dear Sir,—I have read with much interest your tract on Post Office Savings Banks, and have discussed the subject with Sir A. Spearman, who has also had some communication with the Post Office authorities.