G 332 Extracts from Nr. 7., Sercombe Smith's confidential report on the Post Office, dated 1st October, 1894.
Imprimis I must rehearse the complaints concerning the inadequacy of the present building. Erected in 1865-1868, the increased postal business has outrun the accommodation provided. At present it is difficult to segregate the different branches of work and therefore to introduce an effective division of labour which is the secret of the successful working of large establishments.
As a result of the want of space, sorting boxes, pigeon-holes, presses and shelves have been erected regardless of plan whenever a space could be found for them. This arrangement blocks up the Office, impedes work, obstructs light and air, and renders it impossible for the Head of the Department to keep a constant eye on the work of the office. This "work without a plan" is probably as accountable for postal irregularities as the negligence of clerks, for nothing so much conduces to mistakes as lack of space, scarcity of light, want of supervision, and absence of design.