The Royal Mail: Its Curiosities and Romance

A good deal of trouble has to be taken in sifting claims for moneys in the Post-office Savings Bank--especially in cases where the persons concerned are of a poor and illiterate class. The following may be taken as a case in point:-- "An account had been opened in a manufacturing town in Yorkshire in 1868 by a girl who was described as a minor over seven years of age. Only one deposit was made; and nothing further was heard of the account until 1872, when a labourer wrote from Northumberland claiming the money as having been deposited by his wife, who had recently died. On a marriage certificate being forwarded, it was found that the marriage took place in 1851, and that the wife was thirty-five years of age at that time. The applicant also stated that he could swear to his wife's handwriting, whereas the depositor could not write. He was informed of these discrepancies, but still insisted that the money was deposited by his wife, and employed a lawyer to urge his claim." Sometimes depositors mislay their deposit-books, or lose them altogether, and in course of time forget that they have anything lying at their credit. This is an instance of such a case:--A depositor, upon being reminded that he had not sent up his book for a periodical examination--the time for which was already past--replied that his book was lost, but that if there was any balance due to him, he would be glad to have the particulars. The amount due to him was upwards of L10; but as, when a depositor has lost his book, it is usual to test his knowledge of the account, this course was followed, when, from the answers received, it was made clear that he was entirely ignorant of the sum standing to his credit--and, indeed, that he believed his account to be closed. But for the notice sent to him in regard to his deposit-book, he would never have made any claim.