Posted by Ross Cossar on January 15, 2006 at 22:57:06 from 216.168.110.103 user rlcossar.
In Reply to: Re: Signs of the Times - speedy postal service posted by Robert Hill on January 15, 2006 at 17:49:48:
Robert, the key word you mention is telegram. The transit time to Malta would be as quick as I can type this. The delivery service I think we're surprised at is the network of people that rode to and from the telegraph offices several times a day in each community.
In fact for the kids to have waited ten days, I suspect the first two were taken up with dreams before they even asked their Mom. Then day three was Mom's day to stall and learn a bit more about the island. So day four was when they composed and sent the telegram asking to go.
I was going to go on in this way until I decided to reread the first page of S&A because I remembered something about writing letters (you know, Titty's being the longest)and not sending a telegram to Daddy.
So, try this. Day 1, arrive at Holly Howe view island. Day 2, ask Mom and write letters. Day three mail letters from Rio. Day 4 Letter gets to Portsmouth for Royal Navy ship just about to pull out of harbour (lucky). Day 5, 6 7 and 8 in transit to Malta. Day 9 arrives on Commander Walker's desk. He replies to secretary who ensures it goes out same day by telegram. Day 10, Portsmouth forwards message to Mrs Walker who receives it after the kids have gone to Darien for the afternoon.
Again the key is the speed of transmission of the telegram. Why did Mrs Walker not send a telegram to father if time was of the essence?
Further to this I think Peter's grandmother in Chesire lived in pretty good times. I laughed!