34 
(Nathdale or Littledale), in the vale of St. John’s. This was not 
an official appointment, but an allowance to the postmaster of 
seven shillings a week to find a man. Being the first piece of 
patronage of which I was possessed, I hit upon an old and respected 
school-fellow, John Musgrave, who undertook the duties, which he 
is still performing to the satisfaction of the department and the 
dalesfolk. His route has been gradually increased until he is now 
paid thirteen shillings and sixpence a week. 
I have also to mention another circular post through the larger 
portion of the Vale of St. John’s. This was commenced on the 
30th of July, 1883. The authorities call it the Shundraw (or 
St. John’s Vale post), Shundraw being a corruption of the ancient 
name Shundray Howe. 
Thus it will be seen that from time to time the indefatigable 
surveyors of the district forecast the wants of the neighbourhood, 
and a system of local distribution of letters has been most ingeni- 
ously worked out. I was only too ready to fall in with every 
accommodation of this kind, and to help it forward. The result 
is, that there is scarcely a single outlying place within any reason- 
able distance which has not a daily delivery of letters, Sunday only 
excepted. 
When the Windermere railway was completed, Windermere 
(formerly Birthwaite) was created a head post office, and Keswick 
and Ambleside were reduced to sub-offices under Windermere. I 
did not much like giving up the direct bag to London, and to have 
tocorrespond through Windermere. Miss Mary Nicholson, of Amble- 
side, however, did not care, and said, ‘‘Let them take the honour— 
the salary is all the same.” She was a sprightly good clerk for her 
mother, who held the office for many years, and we became very 
intimate through official duties. This calls to memory how many 
ladies at that day had the sole charge of post offices. Miss Gott- 
waltz was postmistress of Preston ; Mrs. Mc.Glasson of Lancaster ; 
Mrs. Fenton of Kendal; Mrs. Nicholson of Ambleside; Miss Jane 
Kitchen of Maryport; and shortly before, Miss Collins of Work- 
ington. Iam bound to say that ladies are excellent employees in 
the post office. 
