Trouble and loss occasionally arise out of the carelessness or dishonesty of parties employed in the Post Office service; yet instances are not wanting in which it has been shown to the satisfaction even of the complainants, that the fault at first attributed to the Post Office, in truth rested in other quarters. Thefts by private hands, although very difficult of proof, have not unfrequently been brought to light; and it is greatly to be desired that those who suffer loss should, in the first instance, and while the circumstances are fresh, endeavour to ascertain with the utmost precision all particulars respecting the despatch or receipt of the lost letters or papers, and lose no time in communicating this information to the Inspector. Indeed, generally speaking, it is only by careful inquiry into minute details that the offender can be detected, whether he be a servant of the Department or not. [Sidenote: Improvements.] The Post Office is a department which admits of constant improvement and expansion. The public, by sending to the Postmaster General, clear and correct information respecting faulty arrangements, may materially benefit the service. It must be remembered, however, that changes in machinery so extensive and intricate as that of the Post Office, must be made cautiously and with much previous consideration. Time is generally required to carry out any material change in postal arrangements; for even when decided upon, old contracts, requiring notice of termination, may have to be got rid off, and tenders for new contracts invited by public advertisement, before the decision can take effect. [Sidenote: New post offices.] New Post Offices are established by the Department wherever it is ascertained that a sufficient number of inhabitants can be accommodated, and a sufficient amount of postal revenue collected to warrant such a measure. When a new Post Office is required, a petition should be addressed to the Postmaster General, signed by as many of the inhabitants as can conveniently subscribe the same. The petition should state the name of the township and the number of the lot and concession on which it is desired the office should be established; the distance from the neighbouring offices; whether at the site of the proposed Post Office there is a village; the number of mills, stores, taverns, and houses thereat; the extent of the settlement to be served and the probable cost of the mail; together with any other facts which may form any ground for the accommodation applied for. RATES OF POSTAGE from CANADA to BRITISH COLONIES and FOREIGN COUNTRIES. By Canadian Ocean Steamers, sailing every Saturday from Quebec in Summer, and from Portland in Winter.