Smyrna Times

DAVIS URGES EARLY MAILING
As Christmas Nears Volume of Mail Increases and Congestion is Feared

Shop now and mail early for Christmas delivery. This is the slogan which has been adopted by the United States Postal Department for the Christmas season this year. Postoffices throughout the country will make every effort to handle the holiday mails without congestion and delay, but owing to the enormous volume,

this can only be done with the co-operation of the public. To aid the public and expedite the delivery of the mails, Postmaster Mark L. Davis, of Milford, offers the following suggestions with the warning that all mail should be mailed before Christmas day, as there will be no mail deliveries on that date. For the wrapping and packing of parcels, use strong paper and heavy twine. Umbrellas, canes and golf sticks should be reinforced their full length by strong strips of wood tightly wrapped and tied. Hats should be packed in strong corrugated or fiber boxes. Ladies' hats and stiff hats easily damaged should be marked "fragile". Shoes should be in strong boxes and wrapped securely. Cut flowers must be in strong boxes and wrapped to retain moisture. Candies, drawings, paintings and unmounted maps should be packed or wrapped in strong materials to avoid damages. Sharp-pointed or edged instruments or tools must have points fully guarded to prevent injury to clerks handling them. All fragile articles, such as glassware, toys, crockery and cigars must be crated or securely wrapped, and marked "fragile." Articles likely to spoil within time reasonably required for transportation and delivery should be wrapped securely and marked plainly "Perishable," and special delivery stamps used to expedite delivery.

The addresses on all parcels, letters and other packages should be complete, typed printed or plainly written. A return card should be placed in the upper left-hand corner. All postage must be fully prepaid. No parcel may be more than 84 inches in length and girth combined. For delivery locally and in the first, second and third zones, 70 pounds is the maximum weight; in all other zones, 50 pounds.

Postmaster Davis points out that in following the above suggestions, the public will improve the service. During the holiday time, the volume of the mails increases approximately 200 per cent. Officials urge the use of special delivery stamps to expedite delivery. Uninsured parcels eight ounces or less may be mailed in street letter or package boxes. Parcels weighing more than eight ounces must be taken to the main postoffice. Personal correspondence cannot be inclosed in parcels. All valuable mail should be insured or registered.