19 SEPTEMBER 1903, Page 17

THE FALLING OFF IN SAVINGS-BANK DEPOSITS. [To THE EDITOR OF

THE "SPECTATOR."1 SIR,—A minor cause of the declining popularity of the Post Office Savings Bank may perhaps be found in the vexatious regulations introduced of late years under the specious pretext of safeguarding the depositor. The object of providing a bank in which the provident investor could place his savings and withdraw them promptly when needed is no longer carried out. In a Midland town within two hundred miles from the Metropolis a depositor may have to wait a week and humble himself to withdraw a few pounds. On presenting a warrant it is no uncommon thing to be told by a tactless official that the amount will not be paid unless somebody accompanies the applicant to establish his identity, which means he must solicit, cap in hand, some local magnate to come with him. The secrecy men naturally desire in their humble economies is no longer possible. Why cannot the same facilities be given as at an ordinary bank P-1 am, Sir, &c., M. D.