MAIL FOR TROOPS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20137, 5 January 1940, Page 8

MAIL FOR TROOPS

POSTAGE REDUCTIONS OVERSEAS SERVICE MEN RESTRICTION IN WEIGHT The postage rates for letters and parcels sent to New Zealand and other British soldiers, sailors and airmen on active service in any country overseas and the method to be used in addressing the mail were announced recently by the Postmaster-General, the Hon. F. Jones. Parcels up to the maximum of 71b would be accepted at the following standard rates, said Mr. Jones: Parcels not more than 31b in weight, Is Gd; parcels not more than 71b in weight, 3s. It was possible that further reductions could be made Inter.

In fixing the maximum weight at 71b, Mr. Jones said it was necessary to have regard to the possible growth in volume of the parcel and newspaper mails for men on active service and to Ihe need for conserving shipping space. The newspaper rate for the men on active service would be the Empire newspaper rate of id each three ounces. Care in Packing' Desired The postal authorities would bo assisted if newspapers were used as packing for the articles sent abroad, as that would protect goods sent on long journeys in mail bags. Also, one faultily packed parcel containing liquid might be responsible for spoiling a whole bag of parcels. A slip of paper with the names and addresses of the addressee and sender placed inside the-parcel would be of great assistance in the event of the outside label being rubbed off or lost in transit. The letter rate for correspondents writing to soldiers from New Zealand was to be the New Zealand inland letter rate of postage, but members of the Expeditionary Force, once they left New Zealand, and members of the air force to undergo training in Canada would be granted free Idler postage on leaving New Zealand. It was not possible to effect any reduction m the Empire air-mail surcharge of Is Gd each half-ounce on account of the curtailed service now running. The following is an example of the correct method of addressing mail:— No. 3912, Corporal B. Smith , A Company, Wellington Rifle Battalion, Advance Party, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, C/o General Post Office, Wellington.