Palmer, the Postal Pioneer.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 4, Issue 99, 22 October 1915, Page 1 (Supplement)

Palmer, the Postal Pioneer.

A name of note in postal annals is that of John Palmer, to whose enterprise and iniative wa6 due the establishment on a business-like footing ot the English Mad-coaching system. A native of Bath, Palmer was, from about 1768, the proprietor of the Theatre Royal there, and was led b."» the wretched state of the exists? means of inter-comunication between London and Bath, and his own consequent difficulties ti arranging a p>:nv tual succession of good actors, lo turn hie attention to the whole _ system of postal and general locomotion. 'Joe outcome was a scheme for superseding on the great roads the existing service of sluggish and irregular stage-coaches, and so-called "flying machines." the property of private persons and companies, by a new system of Government coaches, carrying the made and a limited number of passengers. As is usuaEy tne fate of pioneers, he encountered strong opposition from rested interests, but Pitt, then Premier, recognised the feasibility of the plan, and on Aug. 8, 1784, the first of Palmer's coaches, inaugurator of a new order, left London at 8 a.m., reaching Bristol at 11 p.m. From that day the success of the innovation was assured, and Palmer, formerly regarded n* ft crazy enthusiast (in modern parlance, a crank) and bore, took rank as an honoured public man. Official position was accorded him as Surveyor and Comptroller-General of the G.P.0., and later the appreciation of bis community was shown bv bis election n» M.P. for Bath. He died in 1818.