THE POST OFFICE OF FIFTY YEARS AGO.
CONCLUSION.
LATER IMPROVEMENTS.
Not the least important of the reforms Sir Rowland Hill effected was the transformation of St. Martin's-le-Grand from a sort of official "Sleepy Hollow" into a department taking a just pride in the efficiency of the postal service, and eagerly and constantly seeking to extend its usefulness. The good that men do lives after them, and Sir Rowland Hill's views and principles—once regarded by the Department as "wild, visionary, and absurd"—have long become its fundamental rules, and daily receive practical recognition.
By weeding the office, as far as possible, of the State's "bad bargains;" by steadily encouraging efficiency and zealous service wherever found; by taking care that in all promotions advancement should be regulated solely by superior efficiency, no regard whatever being given to political or private influence, Sir R. Hill succeeded in training up a staff of officers well capable of continuing the great work he had originated.
Since his resignation in 1864, the whole of Europe, Canada, the United States, Egypt, and many other important places, have been included in a Postal Union, throughout which letters may be sent for a uniform rate of 2½d. per half ounce—a marvellous change in the direction of simplicity and cheapness; and before long we hope India, Australia, and indeed
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