[L]7,130,819 in 1880-1 to [L]9,851,078 in
1890-1, and [L]21,928,311 in 1913-14. The net revenue from postal services
has increased from [L]2,720,784 in 1880-1 to [L]3,163,989 in 1890-1, and
[L]6,642,067 in 1913-14. The expansion of net revenue has not kept pace
with the increase in the total number of packets passing by post. Since
1880 the total numbers have increased some 3-1/2-fold, and the net
revenue some 2-1/2-fold.[99] The relation between the gross revenue and
the total expenditure on the postal services, which in recent years has
not shown any large variation, fluctuates in the neighbourhood of 70 per
cent.[100]

NOTE.--On the 1st November 1915, in order to secure increased
revenue for war purposes, the inland letter rate was increased to
the following:--

For packets not exceeding 1 ounce in weight 1d.
For packets between 1 ounce and 2 ounces 2d.
For every succeeding 2 ounces 1/2d.

Under the existing abnormal circumstances it is difficult to form a
satisfactory estimate of the result of this increase. Numerous
contrary forces are in operation. The growth of the Army and the
dislocation of private business resulting from the war have had
important effects on the number of letters posted. Large numbers of
letters are exchanged with men in the Army, but, on the other hand,
all letters from troops on active service pass free of postage. It
has been estimated that in the first five months the new rates
yielded an increased revenue of nearly half a million.--See
Postmaster-General's statement, 3rd July 1916 (_Parl. Debates
(Commons_), vol. lxxxiii. cols. 1231-2).

* * * * *

LETTER POST IN CANADA

When Canada came into British hands after the capture of Quebec, no
postal arrangements existed in the province. The population numbered
only some 60,000, excluding the Indians, and with so small a number
spread over so vast a territory it was not to be expected that any Post
Office establishment of the ordinary type could be maintained.[101] Very
soon, however, the English merchants interested in the Canadian trade
urged upon the British Government the necessity for a regular service
from New York to Quebec, and in this they were supported by the Governor
of the province. The Government instructed the Deputy
Postmasters-General in America to take steps for the establi