AIR MAIL CHARGES

Grey River Argus, 5 September 1939, Page 2

AIR MAIL CHARGES

Ended NOW 18d PER HALF OUNCE. ON EMPIRE SERVICES. WELLINGTON, September 4. Abandonment of the “All-Up” principle on the Empire air mail service I was announced by the PostmasterGeneral (Hbn. F. Jones), to-day. The Minister added that the surcharge principle had been re-introduced for correspondence for all countries, including British countries, which it was desired, should be forwarded to its destination by the air service. The charge will become effective immediately, he stated, adding that in future correspondence for England and other British countries prepaid at the ordinary penny-halfpenny rate would, in all cases, be sent to its destination by surface means. If despatch by air was desired to England or other countries served by the Empire air service, then postage at the rate of Is 6d for each half ounce must be paid. The last “All-Up” mails to reach England by air, said Mr Jones, were those despatched from New Zealand on August 9th and 11th. Despatches from the Dominion on August 29th, 30th and

31st and September Ist were being forwarded onward by surface transport from Sydney, and were expected to reach London on October 7th. Particulars of the likely time of arrival in London of intermediate despatches could not be furnished, continued Mr

Jones, but such mails would, no doubt, be delayed en route. The Empire service might continue to be used for correspondence for foregin countries, which was prepaid at the surcharge rates of postage already fixed, he concluded. *