The Life of Sir Rowland Hill and the

1852] LORD HARDWICKE. 203
CHAPTER XXI.
LORD HARDWICKE.
" February 28th, 1852. Read Lord Derby's speech last night in
the House of Lords. He talks of giving much attention to social
improvements. I wish I could see reason to hope that he would go
earnestly to work at the Post Office. He might, if he would, obtain
a reputation for his administration in that department at least."
" March 2nd. Lord Hardwicke, the new Postmaster-General
came to the office
(whose patent, however, is not yet completed),
with Lord Clanricarde. It was understood that they would go
through the office together; but I afterwards found that Lord
Hardwicke preferred waiting till his patent was made out, so none
of us saw him. Lord Clanricarde tells me that, on his explaining
to Lord Hardwicke my position in the office, and the opposition
between Maberly and myself, Lord Hardwicke said the opposition
was a good thing, as it would secure his hearing both sides of the
question."
''March 8th. Lord Hardwicke entered on his duties to-day.
Maberly was with him the greater part of the time he spent at the
office. Before leaving, he sent a message to say that he would '
have
the pleasure of making my acquaintance' early next morning."
''March gth. Lord Hardwicke received me in a very friendly
manner, spoke in high terms of penny postage, said that he understood
that all the improvements were introduced by myself, and
expressed his intention to extend improvement still further, especially
mentioning the complete abolition of money prepayment. He told
me that Maberly had spoken to him on the importance of a division
of our duties, but Lord Hardwicke said he should take no steps in
the matter until he was more familiar with the subject, and that in
the mean time he wished everything to proceed as before ; adding
that it would be very gratifying to him if he could be the means of
establishing cordiality between Maberly and myself."
" March loth. Tilley came from Maberly with overtures of peace
and amity. He says that Maberly is quite unhappy in consequence