[157] Mr. Sharman's _Handy Book_, p. 10, 2d edit. [158] Mr. Sharman's _Handy Book_, p. 11, 2d edit. [159] It is pretty generally known, that no profit whatever accrues to the Post Office on orders for which threepence only is charged; yet in spite, as it were, of this fact, we find that Mr. Scratchley, in his _Practical Treatise_, takes up Mr. Ayrton's proposals, and "recommends" that "Money Order officials receive deposits on behalf of the nearest Savings Bank," and "that this should be done at a cost to the depositor of one penny for any sum not exceeding 5_l._" "It is also," adds Mr. Scratchley, "very desirable that the valuable privilege of freedom from postage recommended by Mr. Whitbread should be granted for the books and documents required to be transmitted on behalf of Savings Banks." Mr. Whitbread, it will remembered, made this one of the conditions of his scheme of National Banks; and it is quite evident that none but National institutions could obtain such a provision. "The valuable privilege of freedom from postage," would, we should think, be considered very desirable by a variety of different societies and interests, if only they could obtain it! [160] The following were the details of the reverend gentleman's scheme, of the authenticity of which we have fully convinced ourselves:-- 1. That deposits from 1_s._ to 10_l._ be received daily at every Post Office in the United Kingdom at which Post Office Orders are now issued, and the amount forwarded _daily_ to the National Savings Bank, London. 2. That the Postmaster, upon receiving a deposit, do issue a document of acknowledgment to the depositor, with printed instructions attached thereto, directing the depositor to write to the London office, if a receipt be not received by him through the Post from the London office within ---- days. The following advantages would follow:-- 1. _Universality of operation_, by which the Savings Bank system would be forthwith placed within the reach of every member of the community. 2. _Cheapness of management._--All rents for offices, and annual salaries to clerks, avoided. Postmasters who are now enabled to issue Post Office Orders, are already admitted to have character sufficient to be entrusted with the receipt of money, which by this system would never exceed one day's deposits.