CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 16, 29 October 1938, Page 8

CHRISTMAS GIFTS.

RATES FOR OVERSEAS POSTACE. The Post Office is anxious to correct the misapprehension that appears to exist regarding the forwarding ol Christmas gifts and cards to Great Britain by post. It has been stated that Christmas cards will be sent by sea unless letter rates are paid, but this is true only if cards are posted in unsealed envelopes. Any article that is sealed against inspection is treated as a letter and surcharged accordingly. It has also been that gifts like ties and handkerchiefs may be posted for sea dispatch to England in unsealed or slittod envelopes. The position is that parcel post is the only means of sending gifts to many countries, while in other cases “small packet” post may he used or letter post if letter rates are paid. In case of Great Britain, the alternative to letter post lor forwarding of gifts is parcel post or small packet post, but Customs declarations must he completed and postings should be made over the Rost Office counters. In the case of the Irish Free State, gifts can be sent only by parcel post as dutiable articles are not permitted in letter post and small packet- post does not operate. To avoid difficulty and unnecessary expense lor friends overseas, the public is strongly recommended to inquire at the Post Office before making postings of gifts to any country, British or foreign.