The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 1 (May 1, 1933)
Pioneer of Penny Postage
Pioneer of Penny Postage.
Great Britain, pioneer in many great inventions for the modern world, led the way in postal progress. Among the names linked with this important development, Rowland Hill has pride of place. In 1837 he wrote a pamphlet entitled: “Post Office Reform: Its Importance and Practicability,” in which he set out a new system of service, including a postal rate of one penny per half-ounce. His plan appealed strongly to the public, and it became law in 1839. His prophecy that the reform would prove beneficial alike to the public, as individuals, and to the State was so well fulfilled that in course of time he received a public testimonial of £15,000, a grant of £20,000 from Parliament, a knighthood, and burial in Westminster Abbey.
Worthy tribute that to the man who enabled the people of his country to keep so easily and so cheaply in touch with one another!