Postal_Guide_1929 — Page 29

HONG KONG POSTAL GUIDE

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countries which admit dutiable articles by letter post (see Rule 63). Post- cards, packets of Printed Papers or Commercial Papers, Sample Packets, or Letters which contain articles other than those above mentioned, cannot be insured. Articles of value which cannot be sent in insured letters may generally be sent in insured parcels.

162.-Letters intended for insurance must be presented at the counter of the Post Office. They must not be dropped into a letter-box,

163.-Every letter tendered for insurance must be enclosed in a strong cover inade up in one piece, which must be securely fastened by means of identical seals in fine wax, with spaces between, reproducing a private mark, and affixed in sufficient number to hold down all the folds of the envelope. An envelope with a black or coloured border or a transparent panel must not be used. The make-up of every letter must be such that its contents cannot be got at without external and visible damage to the envelope or the seals.

164.-Space must be left between the postage stamps used for prepayment, and between the postal labels, if any, so that they cannot serve to hide injuries to the envelope. They must not be folded over the two sides of the envelope so as to cover the edge.

165.-No labels may be affixed except those of the postal service. If the packet is tied round with string or tape, a seal must be placed on the ends where they are tied. The seals on an ordinary envelope should be placed as shown below:-

(A)

A

A

A

A

In the case of a long envelope with a seam down the middle, the seam should be secured with seals placed not more than three inches apart.

166.-A letter which, although addressed to a country or place to which the insurance system does not extend, has been irregularly insured, will be returned to the sender.

167.-Insured letters cannot be sent by all the routes available for ordinary letters, and, therefore, may occupy a longer time in transit. For further particulars see paragraphs 172 to 180.

BOXES.

168.-(a) Articles of gold and silver, precious stones, jewellery and other articles of a like nature, which are prohibited from transmission in insured letters, may be sent in the letter mails as "insured boxes" to Great Britain and Northern Ireland.