The post office and its story an interesting account of the activities of a great government department

The postmasters at seaside resorts are constantly appealed to by intending visitors, not on the postal facilities of the various places, but on other matters which are presumed to come under the observation of the Post Office. For instance: “Miss P. would feel much obliged if the postmaster would kindly inform her if dogs have still to be muzzled at Eastbourne, and whether the order is likely to be taken off soon. Also if the band plays regularly once or twice a day on the parade.” A gentleman entered a seaside post office and demanded to see the postmaster. He then asked this unoffending individual if he could cash a cheque for £10, tell him the best hotel in the place, and direct him to the nearest hairdresser. Another postmaster, who by the way was a church-warden and a reader of the Daily News, received this letter from a total stranger:— “The Postmaster,— Sir, will you kindly send one of your selections for the Grand National as a trial, and if satisfactory I will pay you.” It is difficult to understand what was in the writer's mind when he sought this information at the Post Office. Other inquiries stick closely to Post Office business, but are perhaps even more unreasonable.