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STATE PARCEL POST. ’‘
AT n season of tho year when many persons are anxious about
their Christmas hampers and their New Year’s gifts, it is
appropriate to consider whether our social arrangements for
tho conveyance of such-like small goods are as well devised as
they might be. IVe all now feel how much we owe to
Sir Rowland Hill for that daily pilo of letters which bright,ens
tho breakfast table mor0 than does the silver urn, and sweetens
it more thnn tho uutnsed sugar basin. In thesc kinds of
matters great effects follow from small causes, aud a few pence
more to pay, a fcm yards furt,her to walk, or a few hours
longer t.o wait, constantly decide whether or not it is worth
while to wend this little prcsent, to order that little comfort, or
eschnngc this parcel of library books. The amenities of life
depend greatly upon the receipt of a duo succession of little
things, each appearing nt the right moment. Wealth itself is
but matter in its right place-happily disposed in quality and
time and SPACO. Hence it is possiblo that among the most
insidious methods of social reform might be found a well
organised Stato Parcel Post. That at least is the impression
which lends me now to investigate the subject.
It may be said, indeed, that in n sense me already possess
n State Parcel Post, because the Post Office aut.horities place
no restriction upon what may be enclosed in a letter, provided
that it be not injurious to other letters or dangerous in nature.
* “Contemporary Review,” January, 183, vol. xsxiv. pp. 209-229.