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 passage.
[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 circumstances 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.
[Sidenote: Improvements.]
The Post Office is a department which admits of constant improvement and
expansion. The public, by sending to the Postmaster General, clear and
correct information respecting faulty arrangements, may materially
benefit the service. It must be remembered, however, that changes in
machinery so extensive and intricate as that of the Post Office, must be
made cautiously and with much previous consideration.
Time is generally required to carry out any material change in postal
arrangements; for even when decided upon, old contracts, requiring
notice of termination, may have to be got rid off, and tenders for new
contracts invited by public advertisement, before the decision can take
effect.
[Sidenote: New post offices.]
New Post Offices are established by the Department wherever it is
ascertained that a sufficient number of inhabitants can be accommodated,
and a sufficient amount of postal revenue collected to warrant such a
measure. When a new Post Office is required, a petition should be
addressed to the Postmaster General, signed by as many of the
inhabitants as can conveniently subscribe the same. The petition should
state the name of the township and the number of the lot and concession
on which it is desired the office should be established; the distance
from the neighbouring offices; whether at the site of the proposed Post
Office there is a village; the number of mills, stores, taverns, and
houses thereat; the extent of the settlement to be served and the
probable cost of the mail; together with any other facts which may form
any ground for the accommodation applied for.
RATES OF POSTAGE from CANADA to BRITISH COLONIES and FOREIGN COUNTRIES.
By Canadian Ocean Steamers, sailing every Saturday from Quebec in
Summer, and from Portland in Winter.
[Symbol: Pointer] Letters for any of the destinations included in this
Table must be prepaid, else they cannot be forwarded. In those cases in
the Book-rates where an asterisk (*) is prefixed, prepayment on
Newspapers or Book Parcels is optional: in all other cases prepayment is
required.
KEY:
A: Not exceeding 1/4 oz.
B: Above 1/4 oz. and not exceeding 1/2 oz.
C: Above 1/2 oz. and not exceeding 3/4 oz.
D: Above 3/4 oz. and not exceeding 1 oz.
E: Above 1 oz. and not exceeding 11/4 oz.
F: Registration fee for each letter.
G: Not exceeding 2 ozs.
H: 2 ozs. to 4 ozs.
I: 4 ozs. to 8 ozs.
J: 8 ozs. to 1 lb.
K: 1 lb. to 11/2 lb.
L: 11/2 lb. to 2 lbs.