Star.
London, England, 1829-08-18 00:00:00

THE POST OFFICE ARRANGEMENTS.

We have already mentioned the fact of the Postmaster-
General having determined to facilitste the delivery of letters in the
distant parts of the Metropolis. by means of carriages, in which the
postmen are to be conveyed from the Post Office to the verge sit
their respective districts, so that the time hitherto occupied in a
tedious walk to the scene of their duties, may be avoided. The
carriages have been appropriately named Post Office Accelera-
tors." Four have already been built by Mr. Abbott, on his pre-
mises in Jockey's fields. Gray's Inn. This Gentleman has under-
taker► the contract tur building all that may be required ; and judging
from the specimens he has produced, there seems to be little doubt
that he will afford the most ample satisfaction. Strength, durability,
and lightness, seem to have been alike consulted in the construction
of these vehicles. *They are calculated to carry at least 14 men in-
side, and two on the box, independent of the driver. Twenty-one,
however. have ridden in one, on an experimental trip, from the new
Post office, in St. Nlartitt's-le-Gratid. to Combetiand.gate. Oxford.
street, which distance was accomplished in sixteen minutes and a
half. The extreme leugth of the body is ten fort, the width four
feet, width of the seats fourteen inches. width of the well, eighteen
inches. and depth sixteen inches. The hind axletree is hollow, to
receive the well ; so that the body is thus brought nearer th.
grouad, and the distance from the descending step at the back to
the pavement. is reduced to about is or seven inches. This con-
trivauce is of importance. as it is not intended the carriage shall
lesson its pace while the postmen are alighting at their respective
stations. To facilitate the descent. there are swinging bandies.
which will diminish the chances of accident. The weight of the
machine altogether is between 12 and 13 cwt. It is to be drawn
by a pair of strong horses, which will eke be furnished by Mr.
Abbott. The driver is to wear a scarlet livery. The sides are
decorated with the King's Arms, the Crown and Star ; and on the
pannels at the end are displayed the letters G. P. O. surmounted by
a crown. The canopy and curtains will effectually secure the man
from the inclemency of the weather. 'The materials throughout
are of the best description, and the workmanship admirable. The
lining orate cushions and curtains is of blue cloth, and viewing the
tout ensesabk, ft is really a pleasing description of carriage. The
tour which are at present buik are intended to take four different
routes; two will go up Holborn, the first stopping at Holies-
street, Cavendish-square, and the second at Orchard-street, Port-
man-square ; the third will go through Seven-dials, Piccadilly, to
Hyde Park-corner; and the fourth through Newgate-street, Old
Bailey, Ludgate-10, Strand, and St. James's Palace. And if these
are found to succeed, more will be immediately built for the other
parts of the town. This arrangement will supersede altogether
what is called " the early delivery," as it is anticipated that the
ordinary delivery will be effected full two hours earlier than at
present, and this without any additional expense to the public. We
have already stated that four general receiving houses will be ap-
pointed. at which letters will be received as late as a quarter to
seven, without extra charge. Among the most important improve-
menu will be the abandonment of the mail carts, which excite so
muc► wen-founded alarm in their way from the Post u6ce to the
rr.ail coaches in Piccadilly and Oxford-street. AU the mail coaches
will hereafter start from the Post-ollice itself.