3-070-585 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Parcels Post: Sketches on the First Day, 1883. 'A few of the first Parcels sent: St Martin's le Grand - shutting out the inquisitive; A peep; in tow; Returned Empty; A Counter Charge; Sealing the Basket; Ready for the Van; Something of interest; somebody's gingham; The first parcel sent by P. P.; Eustace H. Maine Esq to await his return; sent back for repairs; The New Broom; Art from the City; Symptoms in the West End; Rejected - Leaking; A count out...Social, commercial, and domestic convenience...upon a very extensive scale, will be furthered by this excellent institution, which came into operation throughout the United Kingdom on Wednesday...The First Day of the Parcels Post at the General Post Office, at the London District Post Offices, and at six or seven new offices specially established for this work in different parts of London, was an interesting occasion...At the General Post Office, large apartments have been prepared for the dispatch of parcels, situated In the basement...the large staff of sorters, most of whom are experienced hands in the letter department, and many "helps," for the most part Army Reserve men, energetically set to work, and were ceaselessly employed all day'. From "Illustrated London News", 1883.