[145] The first Preliminary Savings Bank in Scotland was started at Annan, in Dumfriesshire, and Mr. Sikes was consulted about it. A correspondent writing to Mr. Sikes a few years ago, says: "It may gratify you to know that I some time since met with the Rev. James Mackenzie of Dunfermline, formerly of Annan, who told me that he had ten Penny Banks at work at Dunfermline! I believe the Annan one was father to them all, and you to the Annan one, so that your family is spreading rapidly, and becoming a great multitude throughout the entire kingdom!" [146] Groombridge & Co. London. [147] Reference is due to another gentleman, Mr. Maitland, actuary and subsequently treasurer of the Edinburgh Savings Bank, who now seems to have urged, even before Mr. Sikes did so, English Savings Bank managers to give to depositors more of the facilities granted by Savings Banks in Scotland. Speaking of 1843-5, Mr. Maitland says, "I met with no sympathy when I urged the duty of cultivating the small deposits of the _really_ labouring classes. I was bitterly opposed in my advocacy of giving more hours weekly to the public, and was deemed almost _mad_ when I insisted that we should all pay on demand, _at all events_ sums under 10_l._"--_Letter from Mr. Maitland to Mr. Sikes_, February, 1857. [148] This proposition was revised in 1862 by Mr. Scratchley in the last edition of his _Practical Treatise_, but without in any way mentioning the name of Mr. Sikes as the original suggestor of the plan. [149] The Marylebone bank up to 1860 only allowed two per cent. on sums below 30_l._, but this arrangement has since been modified. [150] So well managed indeed, that we hope it may be long before they are superseded, however desirable it may be that bulk of the existing Savings Banks should become merged in a better system. [151] See next page. CHAPTER VIII. ON PROPOSALS FOR GOVERNMENT SAVINGS BANKS. "I do not imagine that there can be any more important end and object of a State than to encourage frugality, and the investment of the savings of the poor, and nothing in which I should be more tempted to step out of my way to encourage, if I were a legislator; but I think the great test and object of whatever investment I provide specially for them, must be extreme and perfect certainty, and great facility of conversion.... Increase in amount of interest or profit, is as nothing compared to security."--MR. H. BELLENDEN KER.