Power machine-stamps are in use in the provinces in towns in which approximately a quarter of the total number of postal packets is posted. Hand machine-stamps are in use in other towns in the provinces where approximately one-twelfth of the total number of postal packets is posted. In the remaining towns there is hand stamping only. The foregoing estimates give an average rate of stamping throughout the kingdom for those classes of packets which are of a size and shape to pass through the machine-stamp, where available, of about ten times as great as that of an officer stamping by hand. This figure must now be applied to the various classes of packets shown in the table, in conjunction with the rates of hand-stamping for such packets as cannot be passed through the machine-stamp. (_a_) Practically all letters under 1 ounce can be passed through the machine-stamp if available. Hence the rate for this class is ten times the rate of hand-stamping. (_b_) None of the second or third classes of packets can be passed through the machine. Further, these packets are of irregular shape and are therefore much less convenient to deal with than ordinary letters. The rate of hand-stamping is therefore only about three-fourths the rate for ordinary letters. (_c_) All postcards can be passed through the machine-stamp if available. The rate is therefore ten times the rate of hand-stamping. (_d_) A large proportion of halfpenny packets cannot, on account of their size and shape, be passed through the machine-stamp, and the figure for the machine-stamp must be considerably reduced for these packets. The nearest estimate that can be formed for these packets is 7.5 times the rate for hand-stamping. (_e_) Newspapers cannot be passed through the machine-stamp, but in a number of cases the wrappers are taken to the post office before the newspapers are enclosed in them for cancellation of the postage stamps (in order to secure a prompt despatch when the newspapers are actually posted). The rate for such stamping is slightly greater than the rate of hand-stamping for ordinary letters. On the other hand, the rate of stamping newspaper packets is not more than two-thirds the rate of hand-stamping ordinary letters. The nearest estimate that can be formed for all newspapers is that the rate of stamping is four-fifths the rate of hand-stamping ordinary letters. * * * * * NOTE III. _Rates of Sorting._--(_a_) The average rate of sorting for ordinary letters is taken as the unit. (_b_) The rate of sorting letters and the rate of sorting postcards may be taken as identical. (_c_) Owing to the irregular shape of newspaper packets, and letter packets over 4 ounces in weight, the average normal rate of sorting must be taken as considerably less than that for letters. Both classes are usually sorted at the packet tables and not at the ordinary letter frames.