Stamp machines

Press, Volume CXI, Issue 32565, 26 March 1971, Page 8

Stamp machines

Sir,—On Sunday night I tried to purchase some stamps at the Rangiora Post Office by working the stampvending machine. After inserting two 2c coins with no results, we assumed it was empty. The 1c machine proved no better. For three lc coins we obtained two stamps, one of which was

extremely mutilated (enclosed.) After wasting 7c, breaking two fingernails and Obtaining two lc stamps, we gave up. It is not the financial loss which concerns us but rather the principle of the matter. This is a public service and we would not like more unsuspecting customers to be caught in similar manner, especially in the case of urgent mail.—Yours, etC ” STAMPED OFF. March 23, 1971.

[The Chief Postmaster (Mr M. T. Reedy) replies: “The Postmaster, Rangiora, has assured me that both stampvending machines were tested last Friday evening and were then functioning efficiently. On Monday morning the machines were again tested. The 2-cent machine operated satisfactorily but there was a fault in the 1cent machine. This machine has now been withdrawn for repairs. All stamp-vending machines are regularly serviced and tested, but it is unfortunately true that, as with all mechanical devices,

faults do occur. If, through faulty operation of a vending machine any member of the public does not receive stamps in exchange for his money he should not hesitate to apply to the Post Office for a refund. Stamps to the value of 6 cents have been given to ‘The Press’ for dispatch to the correspondent.”]