Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-17
RURAL DELIVERY BOXES,
Requirements Going into Effect Oct. /,
and Other Orders.

With the wide extension of the rural
Tree delivery service experience de-
rived therefrom is leading to varid
Improvements. BY recent order of the
| Postmaster General it is provided that
after October 1st all rural free delivery
service established shall be equipped
with improved boxes. The require
ments for these boxes have been so
modified as to insure durability along
with greater convenience.
All square or oblong boxes shall be
made of not less than 20 standard
gauge sheet iron or sheet steel, and
galvanized, the edges of which shall
! be supported or strengthened.
The circular. semi circular or round
ing boxes shall be made of not less
than - gauge iron or steel. These
must all be made in the best work
manlike manner, no joints depending
solely on solder. Covers pivoted in Il
strong, substantial manner, SO that
| when closed the contents of THE box
| Will be thoroughly protected from rain
snow or dust under all circumstances.
! The square or rectangular boxes
shall not be less than 1Sx6x6 inches; il
cylindrical, not less than IS inches long
and 6 inches in diameter.
| Experience shows that boxes opening
at the side or top are more convenient
| than those opening at the end.
| Manufacturers of these boxes must
| submit them for inspection and when
approved they will be stenciled "Ap-
proved by the Postmaster General
Boxes meeting with these requirements
will come under the protection Of the
| recent law providing punishment for
| those found tampering wit. them.
| Each box must be erected by the
| roadside, so that the carrier can easily
| obtain access to it without dismount-
| ing from his vehicle. The same must
not be used for more than one family,
except in the case of near relatives or
| those residing in the same house.
Per neGiecting or refusing to
comply with these conditions will be
| regarded as not desiring rural free de-
| livery. and the rural carrier will be
directed not to serve them.
The fourteen designated boxes in
| GUIDED in Department order Of March
! 2S 1901, as receiving the approval OF
| the Postmaster General, will be ac-
| cepted as falling within the provisions
| of the statute referred to, when con-
tracted for or erected in good faith
prior 10 the date when this order goes
| into effect: but on and after Oct. l,
| 1902, the manufacturers whose boxes
| have been heretofore approved will be
| required to conform 70 the stipulations
| herein set forth as to size, shape, ma
terial and workmanship of boxes sup
piled by them.
In all service heretofore established
and wherein inappropriate, unsafe and
| unsuitable boxes are in use, the De-
| Dartment will expect that patrons OF
| rural free delivery noW accepted as
| permanent feature Of postal service)
| will conform as promptly as possible
| to the foregoing requirements if they
| desire the continuance Of rural free
| delivery.
| The order prohibiting pcstmasters
and carriers from assisting in the Sc
! lection Of rural mail boxes is modified
to the extent Of permitting them to
| advise proposed patrons OF rural free
| delivery so that, III the selecting OF
| boxes. they shall comply with the re-
| ouirements Of the Department; but
| they are prohibited from becoming Tx
agent OF any rural box manufacturer
in canvassing for Or otherwise aiding
| in the sale of any particular box.