106 



The Dumfries Post Office, 1642-1910. 



time to time been introduced goes without saying, but these, it 

 may be claimed, are just the outcome of the unqualified success 

 of Penny Postage. 



In closing these references to the postages it is perhaps 

 fitting that we should add a few particulars in regard to the 

 Parcel Post, which although a comparatively modern institution, 

 has developed into one of the largest and most important branches 

 of our postal service. On the introduction of the service, in 

 November, 1883, rates of postage were prescribed as follows: — 



Not exceeding 1 lb. in weight ... ... .. 3 



E.xceeding 1 lb. and not exceeding 3 lbs. ... 6 



3 lbs. ,, ,, 5 lbs. ... 9 



5 lbs. „ ,, 7 lbs. ... 1 



No parcel can be sent exceeding 7 lbs. in weight. 



On the 1st May, 1886, the conditions of the Inland Parcel 

 Post were altered. The maximum weight was increased to 11 lb., 

 and the scale of postage was fixed as follows : — 



At the Diamond Jubilee of the late Queen Victoria a further 

 concession in the rates of postage was announced, and the follow- 

 ing tariff then came into operation : — 



s. D. 

 Not exceeding 1 lb. ... 

 Exceeding 1 lb. but not exceeding 2 lbs. 

 2 lbs. ,, „ 3 lbs. 



Slbs. ,, ,, libs. 



4 lb.s. ,, ,, !"■ Ib.s. 



5 lbs. ,, ,, 6 lbs. 



6 lb.s. „ ,, 7 lbs. 



7 lbs. „ ,, Slbs. 



8 lb.s. ,, ,, 9 lbs. 



9 lbs. ,, ,, lllb.«. 



These charges were in turn superseded by a further reduced 

 tariff on 2nd Julv, 1906, when the present low and popular rates 

 came into force. 



