Some small change for the better was made, but, high as the estimate still remained, it has been exceeded by the actual expense, though the Annual Reports would seem to show otherwise.[221] With all drawbacks, however, the institution may safely be pronounced to be a great national benefit. The number of Post Office Savings Banks in the United Kingdom by the end of the year 1861 was nearly four-fold the maximum number of savings banks existing under the old system,[222] and is now (1869) as high as six-fold.[223] It is important also to observe that the number of small deposits is more than proportionately increased; a fact obviously tending to show that this important means of thrift has been made more available to that class in which economy is at once most difficult and yet most desirable. "'This gratifying result,' says the eighth Annual Report, 'is doubtless attributable to the superior facilities given by the Post Office banks; and especially to the fact that they are open daily and for several hours, and that they are situated almost at the door of the depositor.'"[224] The new institution also proves very convenient to friendly societies, charitable societies, and penny banks, which avail themselves of its benefits in considerable numbers. Fear had been expressed during the progress of the bill through Parliament that the sub-postmasters would fail to carry out the details of the measure; but it was found that-- "The postmasters throughout the country have lent themselves cheerfully and readily to the work, and instead of merely carrying out their instructions perfunctorily, and in ordinary course, have exerted themselves to make known and to explain the advantages of the Post Office Savings Banks, and to facilitate, so far as lay in their power, the transactions of the poorer depositors."[225] REGISTRATION.