The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1889. Post Office Orders and Postal Notes.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume X, Issue 3192, 30 April 1889, Page 2

The Wairarapa Daily. TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 1889. Post Office Orders and Postal Notes.

How is it, wo wonder, that the Gov rnment continues tlis two forms under which the public can obtain

what might aptly be termed treasury bonds for transmission through the Post Office? Until a year or two ago, the public was satisfied with Post Office orders; but Sir Julius Vogel was apparently of opinion that the people would lend the Government more money if tho means for doing so were made easier, and ho accordingly introduced the postal note. Many of our reacers who have not devoted much thought to the subject will, perhaps, ask how tho purchase of a post office order or postal note can be considered o, loan to the Government. It is a loan in this way. A person who wants to transmit money to another person goes to the Post Office and obtains what is to all intents and purposes a" debenture or promissory note, which, in thecaso of a post office order, is made payable to the third party interested in the transaction. Ihe Government has the use of tho money that has been paid in until the third party presents the papor and withdraws the money. Of cours«, when the systems were established we were told by the Colonial Treasurer that thoy were intended fo? the convenience of the public, and that the Government- only mado a charge to covor working expenses; but if we look iuto the subject we are forced to the conclusion that there are very few expenses indeed, as it is only in the larger centres of population that special clerks are required, the work being performed by the ordiuary officials in the smaller post offices. If the subject were enquired into, it would probably be found that the use which the Government, gets of the money deposited h at least equal to the working expenses; and if that be so, it seems only reasonable that the percentage charged op post office orders, if they are retained at all, should be reduced.. But we fail to see of what use they are now that postal notes have been introduced. The latter are probably just as safe. By maintaining both, the Post Office is compelled to keep two sets of accounts, where one should bo sufficient, and extra .labor is thus involved. If Government were to abolish the post office orders and issue only postal notes at- their presenl prices,'the publip would be just as well served, and the revenue would, we fpel assured,. still leave a very handspmo profit,