REFORM OF POSTAL RATES.
(To THE EDITOR OF THE ..SFECTATOR.1 SIR,—A correspondent in the Spectator of November 7th advocated a farthing post for newspapers. As this class of matter already entails a considerable charge every year on the profits of the Post Office, I cannot help thinking that some relief ought to be given to the proprietors of magazines before the already considerable concession granted to those concerned in publishing newspapers is increased. A magazine of ordinary size costs at present no less than twopence-halfpenny for postage, a charge which is almost prohibitive, having the effect of very considerably curtailing the circulation in country places. The Post Office will carry the weekly illustrated and fashion papers, which it chooses to class as " newspapers," for a halfpenny, although in some instances they weigh three times as much as an ordinary magazine. I have no wish to see this privilege curtailed, as I think the public is conveni- enced and trade is encouraged by the easy circulation of .these papers; but I think the American method of carrying all printed matter according to weight might be more closely studied, with a view to equalising the advantages given by the Post Office to publishers. I know very well that the British Colonies are keenly anxious to read the publications of the Homeland, and that the excessive postage stands in the way. In Canada the new generation is becoming Americanised in thought and expression by the flood of literature which is being poured into the Colony from the States, the postal regulations being so easy that magazines can be delivered at every door in the remotest parts at a price so small that the American publishers themselves are willing to bear the charge of postage for the assistance the post gives them in distribution. I frequently hear that Canadiane would infinitely prefer English publications which the high charges of our Post Office keep out of the country. Here is a bond of union which is being neglected. In joining a deputation to Mr. Austen Chamberlain when he was Postmaster-General I hoped that this point might receive attention at a time when interest in our Colonies was at its height. But from recent events it is evident that " preference " of another sort was in contemplation.—I am, Sir, &c.,
S. H. LEEDER, Editor of the Girl's Realm.
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