Pitman's Secretary's Handbook. Edited by Herbert E. Blain. (Sir Isaac
Pitman and Sons. 5s. net.)—The editor furnishes two introductory chapters, in which he gives an outline of a seem- tary's duties, and supplies some details as to typewriting, filing, pens, &c. Mr. J. E. McLachlan describes with the greatest minuteness the duties of "Private Secretary to a Member of Parliament." It is not a little entertaining, but one asks as,one reads,—Who is sufficient for these things ? It is much better to be a journalist. Take as an instance the secretary's duty about letters. He has to sort them,—some, if his instructions are to that effect, he will open; others he will keep for his chief. It is no easy thing to distinguish. Than lie must be careful low he opens them ; it will not do to damage the envelopes, which may be afterwards wanted. So we go on to matter after matter. The ideal secretary will be a man of genius who knows how to write shorthand. Other secretaries are then described,—to a landowner, to a charitable institution, to a joint-stock company. In every one of these posts there is much that is important to be done, and many qualifications are needed if it is to be done well.
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