Canadian Postal Guide Part 15

Parties desiring their letters and papers to be re-directed should send an intimation to that effect in writing to the postmaster of the office from which the letters and papers are to be re-directed.

Postmasters are allowed to re-direct letters to the known places of residence of the parties to whom they are addressed, after allowing a reasonable time to elapse without their being called for.

[Sidenote: No extra charge.]

Letters and papers are not subject to any additional charge when re-directed from one post office in Canada to another post office in Canada.

[Sidenote: Objectionable matter.]

Postmasters are instructed not to receive any letter or packet which there is good reason to believe contains gla.s.s or anything likely to injure the contents of the mail bag or the person of any officer of the post office.

[Sidenote: Change.]

A postmaster is not legally bound to furnish change, but if absolutely necessary may require that the exact amount of postage on any letter or packet be tendered to him in current coin, or in Canada postage stamps.

[Sidenote: Civility required from Postmasters.]

Postmasters and their a.s.sistants in the above matter, as well as in all their official intercourse with the public, are expected to afford every accommodation, and to treat every person having business at their offices with every courtesy.

[Sidenote: Mail couriers to receive letters en route.]

Mail couriers are bound to receive letters offered to them whilst on the road between one post office and another, provided that when a letter is so offered the distance from the nearest post office exceeds one mile.

Such letters are termed Way Letters, and are subject to the ordinary rates of postage.

SUGGESTIONS TO THE PUBLIC.

Facility will be given to the Post Office in the discharge of its daily duties, and greater security afforded to the Public, by careful attention to the following recommendations:

[Sidenote: Early posting.]

Post all letters and newspapers, &c., as early as practicable, especially when sent in large numbers.

[Sidenote: Newspaper.]

When a number of newspapers are addressed to the same office, put them up in one parcel.

[Sidenote: Circulars.]

When a number of circulars are posted, tie them up in a bundle, with the addresses all in one direction.

[Sidenote: Address.]

Address letters, papers, &c., in a legible and complete manner, always giving the name of the Post Office; and if there be more than one Post Office of that name, the name of the county in which situated: In case of letters going abroad, the name of the country, as well as of the town and city, should be given in full. Letters, for example, intended for London, England, if simply addressed "London," would be forwarded to London, Canada West, and thus be delayed.

[Sidenote: Secure folding.]

See that every letter, newspaper, or other packet sent by post, is securely folded and sealed. Every such packet has to be several times handled; and even when in the mail bag, is exposed to pressure and friction. Unless, therefore, the article be light and pliant, it should be enclosed in strong paper, linen, parchment, or some other material which will not readily tear or break.

[Sidenote: Newspaper covers.]

Fasten the covers of newspapers firmly, so as to prevent them from slipping out.

[Sidenote: Letter Box.]

When dropping a letter or newspaper into a letter-box, always see that the packet falls into the box, and does not stick in its pa.s.sage.

[Sidenote: Letters for hot climates.]

Never seal letters for the East and West Indies and other hot climates, with wax. Such a practice is attended with much inconvenience, and frequently with serious injury, in consequence of the melting of the wax, and the adhesion of the letters to each other. In all such cases use either wafers or gum, and advise your correspondents in the country referred to to do the same.

[Sidenote: Letters containing money or value.]

Never send money or other articles of value through the Post Office, except either by means of a money-order or in a registered letter.

Carefully secure every letter or packet containing money or value, first with gum and afterwards with good sealing-wax, on which make the clear impression of a seal.

[Sidenote: Registered letters.]

On posting a registered letter or packet, always obtain a receipt for the same at the office where posted.

[Sidenote: Delayed and missing letters and papers.]

When letters or papers are delayed or missing, at once communicate the fact to the Inspector of the division in which is situated the Post Office at which the delayed or missing letters were posted. In case of a missing letter enclosing value, state the exact contents, the exact address, and the office at which posted; the name of the person by whom posted, and the name of the person by whom received at the office. In the case of a delayed letter or paper, send the cover or wrapper in an entire state, in order that the place of delay may be ascertained by an examination of the post marks.

[Sidenote: Strict enquiry in cases of loss.]

Trouble and loss occasionally arise out of the carelessness or dishonesty of parties employed in the Post Office service; yet instances are not wanting in which it has been shown to the satisfaction even of the complainants, that the fault at first attributed to the Post Office, in truth rested in other quarters. Thefts by private hands, although very difficult of proof, have not unfrequently been brought to light; and it is greatly to be desired that those who suffer loss should, in the first instance, and while the circ.u.mstances are fresh, endeavour to ascertain with the utmost precision all particulars respecting the despatch or receipt of the lost letters or papers, and lose no time in communicating this information to the Inspector. Indeed, generally speaking, it is only by careful inquiry into minute details that the offender can be detected, whether he be a servant of the Department or not.