The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 85 



in regard to this matter passed between the Council and Mr 

 Western, the Post Office Surveyor. 



Plans of the premises and medical certificates as to the light, 

 ventilation, and healthy situation of the site were submitted at 

 the request of the postal authorities, and although the Town 

 Council announced their intention of carrying out certain altera- 

 tions that were deemed necessary, it was intimated to them by the 

 Clerk at their meeting on 4th March, 1853, that a letter had been 

 received from the Postmaster-General stating that after inquiry 

 the Post Office authorities did not think it would be advisable to 

 take a lease of the premises offered for the purposes of a Post 

 Office. The Council expressed regret at this decision, but being 

 still of opinion that extended Post Office Accommodation in Dum- 

 fries was much required the agitation for this purpose was con- 

 tinued. 



In the Council Minutes of date 5th August, 1853, we are 

 informed, " The Member for the Burghs, Wm. Ewart, Esq., M.P., 

 being present. Bailie Currie took occasion to point out the present 

 existing Postal arrangements. Mr Ewart stated that were a 

 Memorial prepared stating the grievance complained of he would 

 do his utmost to press the same on the attention of the Govern- 

 ment and get the same redressed. The Council then named 

 Bailie Currie and Messrs M'Gowan and Sloan a Committee to 

 prepare a Memorial in terms of Mr Ewart's recommendation. 

 Bailie Currie convener." On 2nd September the Provost read a 

 letter from William Ewart acknowledging receipt of the Memorial 

 and stating that he had used every exertion in order to get the 

 grievance complained of redressed. 



Possibly as a result of this agitation the office was removed 

 to 10 Queen Street, the sam.e building which, after an interval 

 of seventeen years, has again been brought into association with 

 the service as a sub-office. Notwithstanding these improvements 

 the Dumfries Office must have presented a striking contrast to 

 the Office of to-day. In illustration of this it may be mentioned 

 that the public were then served in the adjoining passage through 

 a hole in the wall. 



In Johnstone's "Guide to Dumfries and Galloway," pub- 

 lished in 1860, the Post Office in Queen Street is described as 

 " a commodious building, in which is ample accommodation both 

 for officials and the public." 



