39 
of the allowance. ‘This was perfectly right, so far as I was con- 
cerned, but how was it to be made up on my retirement? Mr. 
James set on foot a new organization of the office, which ended in 
my two eldest subordinates being made first and second clerks in 
the establishment, at the same pay which I had hitherto given to 
them. Mr. Daniel Crosthwaite became chief clerk, and Mr. 
Edward Peel second. ‘The unappointed clerks were also continued 
at the same remuneration as they had been receiving before. I 
now felt quite easy in the prospect of retirement. 
The seventh surveyor, Mr. G. A. Yeld (whom I had known 
before in this district) made my retirement as agreeable as possible, 
and thus assisted in every way in rewarding an old servant of the 
Post Office. My experience of the treatment which the depart- 
ment always accorded to me, leaves grateful recollection upon my 
memory. 
I am afraid I have wearied you with my long story. I have said 
nothing with regard to the present amount of labour, and the 
extent to which the service has grown, 
I have before me a return of letters, book packets and circulars, 
newspapers, and post cards, from 1870 to 1888. I give you the 
first and last years, which contrast with my predecessor’s remark, 
that he could put all the correspondence in his breeches pocket. 
I take a week in the month of August, which is perhaps the highest 
in the season :— 
Books and News- 
Letters Postal Circulars papers Post Cards Total Parcels 
1870 =. 7,691 1,517 885 639 10,732 — 
1888 10,660 2,106 1,772 °'' 1,179 15,717. 9 SS 
When it is considered that this increase has taken place despite 
the receding manufacturing industries of Keswick, especially the 
entire loss of woollen manufacture, I think it proves one thing, 
"which is, that the accommodation given by the Post Office depart- 
ment has anticipated the requirements of the neighbourhood, and 
helped on the prosperity of the country. 
The Telegraph Service has gradually developed, and the following 
