We are the more pleased with the decision of the
Gov- ernment because three years ago the Post Office turned down the proposal for an inland C.O.D. system. The reason then given was that the fees would be compara- tively so high, if the service was to pay its way, that traders and agriculturists would not be appreciably helped. On reconsideration it has evidently been found practicable to charge lower fees though they still seem rather high. Great Britain, which, thanks to Rowland Hill, led the way in intelligent postal services, is behind all other large countries in the matter of C.O.D. The Times tells us that in Germany in the year before the War C.O.D. parcels were carried to the value of £78,000,000. Much of the opposition to the system here comes, for obvious reasons, from retailers in country districts. Rural shop- keepers have been doing well during the past few years with the help of cheap motor vans, which have enormously increased their range of activity. Now they fear that C;O:D. may keep. the-vini in the back. yard. All one can say to calm their trepidation is that in other countries retail trade which does not invoke the Post Office has cer- tainly not been injured. The British country shopkeeper who stocks reputable goods at reasonable prices will surely not be hit, for it will remain cheaper for consumers to have " daily orders " delivered by a motor van or errand boy than through the post.
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