U.S. MAILS PILE UP

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28254, 16 April 1957, Page 13

U.S. MAILS PILE UP

Lack Of Post Office Funds (Rec. 8 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 14. An estimated 60 million pieces of mail were piling up in New York City post offices at the week-end as a result of a Saturday closing order by the Post-master-General, Mr Arthur Summerfield. The Saturday closing, ordered by Mr Summerfield because of what he described as a lack of funds, was expected to delay mail deliveries two to three days during next week. New York City postal officials predicted the delay because of the backlog of undelivered Saturday mail and the reduction in the force, which usually works over the week-end sorting mail. A further delay would be caused by the cutback in deliveries to business areas from three to two a day starting on Monday. The same situation existed in the rest of the country. Mr Summerfield refused to rescind his economy order in spite of actions by the House of Representatives Appropriations Committee on Friday in increasing the Post Office Department deficiency appropriation.

Mr Summerfield has said that he must have the money before he restores full postal service. The House is expected to pass the deficiency appropriation bill on Monday, and the Senate on Wednesday or Thursday. The cutback order went into effect at a time when mail was reaching a seasonal peak becmise of Easter and the posting of Federal and State income tax returns.