The Hawaiian gazette. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu, Hawaii]) 1865-1918, 1913-08-01
.BURLESON CUTS
PARCEL RATE
Raises Maximum Limit for Parcel
Post TO Twenty Pounds for
First Two Zones.

WASHINGTON, July 10.-Plans for
the extension, improvement and reiuc-
ton of rates of the parcel post were
announced today by Postmaster-General
Burleson. The changes which are TO
become effective August Is, include an
increase from eleven pounds to twenty
pounds in the maximum weight of par
cells; a 'nhiterial reduction in the postage
rates in the first and second zones, and
the abandonment of the parcel post map
as means of computing rates and the
substitution for it of a rate chart in
dividualized to every postoliice in the
United States. The plans contemplate
the purchase of alarge number of auto
mobiles to be used exclusively for the
delivery of parcel post matter.
While for the present the maximum
weight limit of twenty pounds and the
| reduction in rates will apply only to
the first and second zones. from any
| given postoiiice--a distance of about
| $50 miles-the changes directed today
constitute the first long step towards
universal extension of the system and
u general reduction in the rates OF
postage or parcel matter.
1t is my expectation and belief
said Postmaster General Bureson,
"that cventually-and it may be fifteen
or twenty years-the postal service will
handle practically all of the small pack
age transportation business in the Uni
ted States. The maximum weight linn
| 1t, extended now from eleven TO twenty
pounds, i expect TO see increased to
100 pounds, and experience may demon.
stratc the practcability of handling the
parcel business at oven lower rates
than we now propose. | appreciate
fully the sentiment for an increase in
the weight limit and reduction in
rates to all zones, but it is necessary
for us in sense, to feel our way. For
that reason we have made the changes
proposed apply to the first and second
zones. -
Extensive Changes.
Mr.. Burleson announced the changes
as follows: "The first zone shall in
clude the territory within the local
delivery of any Office and the first
zone rate of postage will apply to all
parcel post mail deposited at any Office
for local delivery or for delivery by
city carrier or on rural routes emana-
ting from that postollice
"The second zone shall include the
remainder of what is now the first zone
together with the present second zone,
and shall include all the units of area
located in whole or in part within Il
radius of approximately 100 miles from
any given postolfce.
"Thc rate of POSTAGE on parcels
weighing i'll excess of four ounces IN
the proposed first zone will be reduced
from five cents for the first pound and
one cent for each additional pound or
fraction thereof, to five cents for the
first pound and one cent for each addi-
tional two pounds or fraction thereof,
and the rate for the second zone Will
be reduced from five cents for the first
pound and three cents for each add
tional pound or six cents for the first
; pound and four cents for each cddi-
tional pound or fraction thereof to five
cents for the first pound and one cent
for each additional pound or fraction
| thereof.
"Tbe maximum weight of parcel
post packages will be increased from
eleven pounds to twenty pounds, the
increase of weight to apply only TO the
first and second zones. No change has
been made in the size or form of pack'
age.
Statistics collected by the depart
ment show that quite onc-third of the
total parcels mailed are handled within
the proposed first and second zones
and the postmaster general believes tn,
Increase in the weight limit aud tho
+ reduction of rates of postage in the
t first and second zones, as proposed, vii
, benefit greatly more than onc-third OF
the public, and that the producer, the
consumer and the local merchant vii
4 profit materially by the changes. IL
g points out, too, that the farmers who
: were led to anticipate much benefit
} from the parcel post service, viii be
afforded cheap means of transporting
a their products directly to the consumer
and that the local merchant whose trad,
; does not Justify the employment of eX
;, tensivc delivery service also will be
: benefited, as the system will put hin
: in close touch with his customers.
The rate sheet, which is to be uscC
as Il substitute for the parcel post map
a will be prepared as soon as practicable
T. and attached to the parcel post guide
Postal experts estimate that, will
the proposed changes in the parcel pos
system in operation, the revenues o
the postoiliec department win be so in
creased ms TO show substantial surplu