I read with interest the letter from John Hamon. (Open Forum, Jan. 13.) I too am concerned about the slower and slower mail delivery, particularly since we have been notified of an increase in stamp prices on Jan. 31.
The recent speed of mail delivery pales in comparison to what used to exist. I have a letter mailed from Victoria, B.C., by my grandfather upon his return from the Klondike on Aug. 25, 1899. Beside the Victoria postmark is that of the post office in West Brome, Quebec, dated Aug. 31, 1899.
Six days to cross Canada, after a barge crossing of the Gulf of Georgia, across Canada by steam locomotive, and transfer to a different railroad in Montreal for the journey 50 miles south to West Brome. Quite a feat, since the first train had only reached Vancouver 11 years before.
Maybe we should ground the airplanes and return to steam.
L.T. Jones,Fairview, Alta.
