In making this change Fawcett had to overcome the opposition of the banking interest, who considered that the Government was infringing on their preserves. He came into conflict with them again when he increased the facilities of the Savings Bank. He made it possible to begin with the smallest sums by adopting the scheme of stamp slip deposits, which had been worked out and devised by Mr. Chetwynd, an official of the Post Office. This was a blank form which could be filled up with twelve penny stamps, and then deposited in the Savings Bank. At this time Fawcett, with the help of a Mr. Cardin, another official, prepared his first popular pamphlet, called ‘Aids to Thrift.’ He took an enormous amount of interest in this little leaflet, which he felt would be a great help to the poor and ignorant. He tried to give the information printed in the regular Post Office Guide in the simplest language, so that the benefits offered by the Post Office could be easily grasped by the most ignorant. [Sidenote: The Working Man who Insured.] A sad incident set his mind to working out another scheme for lessening the difficulties of the working man. ‘A poor neighbour employed in a mill near Salisbury had fallen ill. He had insured himself in a certain society which was to pay him an allowance in case of illness. The allowance was stopped under certain pretences strongly suggestive of fraud. Fawcett, to whom he appealed, immediately called at the offices of the society. The secretary, not recognising his visitor, treated him with considerable insolence. Fawcett brought the man to his senses, extracted certain sums from the society, and took steps to investigate the nature of its business. He had the satisfaction of obtaining something for the poor man, who died not long afterwards. Fawcett did what he could for the family.’ ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Illustration: PUNCH OR, THE LONDON CHARIVARI—November 27, 1880. THE NEW STAMP DUTY. Mr. Fawcett. “NOW, THEN, ALL OF YOU, ‘IN FOR A PENNY IN FOR A POUND.’” “Mr. Fawcett’s scheme brings saving within everybody’s reach.”—_Times._ _With special permission from the Proprietors of “Punch”_] ------------------------------------------------------------------------ [Sidenote: Post Office Annuities.] The facts which he gleaned in connection with this case and others, as well as from his many friendships since childhood with labourers and peasants, made him realise the problems which beset the poor who wish to insure against the future. He improved the system of Post Office Annuities, and arranged for the publication of a short paper called ‘Plain Rules for the Guidance of persons wishing to make provision for the future with the aid of the Government.’ This also was to be had gratuitously, and did much to teach the poor how to provide for themselves. [Sidenote: Cheaper Telegrams.]