Postal Order Jubilee

Hawera Star, Volume LI, 20 June 1931, Page 16

Postal Order Jubilee

TT is just 50 years this year since the first postal order was issued. The man who originated the idea was Mr Edward Norris, a member of Parliament. who suggested that the Post Office should issue printed orders for small amounts. There wore loud protests, for it was feared that postal orders might institute what amounted to a paper currency, and in those days gold was in general use. It was not found that die objection had any serious basis.

The postal order leapt*into popularity at once. Within three years over five million pounds’ worth were sold annually, and by 1910 sales had mounted to an average of nearly 120,000,000 postal orders, with a value of over £40,000.000.

There was a falling off during the war, except for a period when gold had been withdrawn and treasury notes were not available in sufficient quantities. Then postal orders were issued with no poundage charge and were current everywhere. Since then the number sold by the post office has increased rapidly.