Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1877-05-17
THE POLITE POSTMASTER.

In all country towns, and in London
too, most of the Postoffices are attached to
the shops of business people. As rule,
statiOner is appointed to fulfill the duty,
but older tradeSmen, such as chemists and
grocerS, come in for their share of the
work. The improved facilities for COM
munication with the inland country and
foreign lands have so multiplied the num-
Der of letters, that hundred now to one
few years ago, is rather an under than
an over estimate. Then the establishments
of money orders and, finally, the Post
office Savings Banks, have doubled and
trebled the work of a Postmaster. The
pay is little or nothing just about what a
lad going into business-hOuse might ex
pect the first year; but The amount of
civility and attention bestowed by many
on the public, reflects great credit upon
the officials, and one in particular has, to
my knowledge, not only shown the courte-
sy due from one to another, but worked
positive good by his civllity.
When the Postoffice Savings Banks were
first established, workmen were as rule,
little shy of it. But time, assisted by
the civility of those who have charge of
the savings banks, has done much to dis
pei the illusion.
railway in the South of England, the good
resulting from a civil Postmaster was
plainly shown. 1t was near a small village,
without any bank, small or great, until
the one established at the Postoffice was
put in force, and this was Just after the
railway was begun.
Many OF the navvies were single men,
and most of them who had wives took
them with them wherever they went; and
although a great number spent all they
earned, there were not wanting men and
women who had learnt the advantage of
thrifty life. Among these was a GER
tain John HarlIng, who was celebrated
among his fellows for his economy. and
the reports concerning his wealth was fab
ulous. 1t was supposed that he would
have sufficient to g turn over'' work when
he reached his tiftieth year, and pass the
latter end of his days in comfort What
Jack had saved he kept to himself; it was.
however, something under the amount
supposed, but considerably over the saw
ings Of the majority Of his fellow-work-
men.
Hitherto he had deposited all his saw
lngs IN an Old-fashiOned Savings Bank in
his native town, which was in the north,
anu rather incOnvenient for a man like
=
orally put by until he had collected five
pounds, and then dispatched it. in the
form of Bank of England note, to the
bank in question.
But this mode of saving was not entire
~ satisfactory-it did not fit in with
Johns mode of life, and the money, as it
approached the five pounds, often gave
him deal of anxiety and trouble. Once
he lost his purse with two pound ten shil-
llngs In 1t, and it was never found again
great loss to aman who earns every coin
by the sweat of his brow; and when the
Postoffice Savings Bank was announced
John was resolved to see what it was like.
" The Postoffice does not close till
eight" he said to his wife, and to-nigh.
when | leave the cutting, I'll go up and
see about it''
When John walked into the shop where
the Postoffice was, Mr.. Lowen, the Post
master, gave him good evening" and
asked him what he wanted
1t isn't much" replied John. and
very little profit will be made on; Of me. ),
Never mind the profit, ~ said the Post.
master, with a smile
Uncommon civil, ?" thought John; and
then he went on aloud, I" want to know
about this Postoffice Savings Bank affair. y
You want to know how it works ~
9es-that's it.''
In the first place" said Mr.. Lowen.
we come to the amountEeou can put
IN any sum from shilling to thirty
pounds; but it must always be even
money-no part of a shilling car be re.
ceived.''
don't object to that said John
but how often can put money in?n
= As often as you please" was the re.
Ply " until you reach the stipulated sun,
per annum."
:" But suppose | put money in here and
want to add to it," asked John; chow
shall send it to you? '