Postal_Guide_1929 — Page 31

HONG KONG POSTAL GUIDE

33

The following fees are charged for insurance of parcels in addition to the postage, viz. :—

When the insured value does not exceed £12, or its equivalent G

Francs 300

25 cents.

For every additional £12, or its equivalent G Francs 300, or

fraction thereof

25 cents.

The insurance fee, must be prepaid by means of postage stamps, which must be handed in with the parcel to be affixed to the certificate of posting. The stamps must not be affixed to the parcel. A certificate of posting must always be obtained by the sender of an insured parcel.

170.-Every insured parcel must be packed carefully and substantially, with due regard to the nature of the contents and the length of the journey, and must be sealed with wax or lead in such a way that it cannot be opened without either breaking the seals or leaving obvious traces of violation. For instance, seals must be placed over each joint or loose flap of the cover of a parcel; and if a string be used in packing, a seal must be placed on the ends of the string where they are tied.

171.-Parcels containing watches, precious stones, jewellery, or any article of gold or silver, must be enclosed in strong boxes or cases, which must be sewn up, or otherwise fastened in wrappers of linen, canvas, strong paper, or other substantial material. In such cases the seals must be placed along the edges of each joint or loose flap at distances not more than three inches apart. The address of such parcels must be written on their actual covering. Such parcels must not exceed in value the amount for which they can be insured and must be insured (with the Post Office) for at least part of their value.

172.-Insured articles have all the safeguards of the registration system; and, subject to the following regulations, compensation will be paid if an insured article or any part of its contents is lost or damaged in the post.

173.-An insured article may not be addressed to initials or in pencil.

It may not bear any erasure or correction in the address at the time of posting.

174-A certificate of posting must always be obtained by the sender. Particulars of the amount for which the letter, box or parcel has been insured should be entered on the certificate, and the sender should at once satisfy him- self that the entry is correct. He may obtain an advice of the delivery of a letter or box, and in the case of certain countries of an insured parcel, under the same conditions as those applicable to registered letters.

175.-All the seals on an insured letter, box or parcel must be of the same kind of wax (or lead or steel in the case of parcels), and must bear distinct impressions of the same private device. A coin may not be used for sealing; and the device may not consist merely of straight, crossed, or curved lines which could readily be imitated.