The History of the Postmarks of the British Isles from 1840 to 1876 - John Hendy (1909)

128 THE POSTMARKS OF THE BRITISH ISLES FROM 181,0.
The constant expansion and additions to the service of the Post Office undoubtedly
prove that it is keeping pace with the requirements of the age. Yet, unfortunately,
from its peculiar organization and the complicated nature of its business, it is liable
to many misconceptions, from vv'hich other Government Departments are free.
however, can neither be avoided nor disregarded.
Criticism,
Suggestions, whether for accelerating
its business or improving its working, invariably receive the best attention of the practical
officers of the Department.
Among the many and ingenious inventions brought to their
notice were several stamping machines to be worked by various means.
The principal
fault to be found in the working of such machines was the large number of letters that
missed being stamped. Improvements, however, have been made, with the result that
to-day there are in use electrical stamping machines that are as near- perfection as it is
possible to make them.
Another important improvement, made at the end of 1894, which has been the
means of removing many public complaints and misunderstandings in respect of delayed
letters, was the substitution in postmarks of clock time for code letters.
The Berne Treaty, establishing the Postal Union, came into force on the ist July,
1875. It may truly be said that it is the only body which at all approaches the ideal of
the "Parliament of man, the Federation of the World," for the whole civilized world is
now united in at least one object. When we come to consider the colossal character of
the business done, and the smoothness with which the vast and complex machinery of
the Universal Postal Service works, we are perforce driven to the conclusion that such
an Organization is undoubtedly one of the first civilizing agencies ; one which has made
it possible to carry out many and important improvements and extensions of service
during the past thirty years, a period that constitutes an epoch in Post Office history.
The introduction of Parcels Post, Inland, Colonial and Foreign, the acceleration
mails in various directions, and a host of minor improvements, have necessitated various
types of postmarks being introduced. Upon some future occasion these marks, which
are numerous, may be described, and their history may be written and brought up to
date. [Alas ! by some other hand.—E. B. E.]
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