The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1922-03-17
FOR BETTER r.. d. SERVICE.
PATRONS ASKED TO COOPERATE
IN EVERY WAY POSSIBLE.

The POstoffice Department has ask
ed weekly papers to publish the fol-
lowing article, in order that the Rural
Delivery service of the country may
be improved
BY direction of the Postoffiee De-
partment. postmasters throughout the
country have recently made an in
spection of the rural routes from their
offices. The purpose was that they
might ascertain by personal obserya-
ton and make report whether the
roads used were in good condition for
travel, the routes we'll arranged, boxes
properly erected, so as TO be easily
reached by the carriers without diff
Guilty and without obStructing travel,
the carriers serving their routes as
officially prescribed, the schedule OBJ
served, and whether the families serv-
ed were satisfied with the service rem
dered, or there were improvements
which could he suggested in the inter
est of the patrons or the Department.
1t became necessary, in connection
with the inspections, to request many
patrons to take action to the end
that their boxes might conform with
the regulations as to kind, condition,
location, or height, and in having the
name of the owner plainly printed on
them. Also, to bring to the attention
of road overseas or othSr responsible
persons the need for Improvement i'll
roads or repair or construction of
culverts or bridges.
1t is the desire of the Department
and it's purpose, to provide adequate
and convenient service, so far as
may be possible. to all persons resid-
ing in rural communities, but this
end can not be attained without the
full cooperation of the patrons in the
efforts of postmasters and carriers to
serve them promptly, regularly and
satisfactorily.
Whatever facilitates the work of the
carrier is of direct benefit to the pa
irons, for the greater the ease and
speed with which a carrier may cover
his route the earlier and better the
service afforded.
So, patrons of rural delivery can
greatly help themselves by helping
their carrier, seeing to it that roads
are kept in good condition and prompt
" opened after storms, by keeping the
approaches TO their boxes clear, and
by promptly and willingly correcting
any Irregularities affecting their boxes
when asked to do so.
Another great assistance that pa
irons can render carriers is by keep
ing themselves supplied with and us
ing stamps instead of placing I'M
stamped mail, with money for the pur-
chase of the required postage in the
boxes. This delays the carrier and
sometimes imposes a great hardship
on him. especially in cold or stormy
weather If preferred, stamped enve
lopes, either printed or plain, may be
obtained from the carrier, are of good
quality, and cost but little more than
the value of the stamps upon them,
and are redeemable at the value of the
stamps if damaged, but returned in a
practicalT whole condition. If neces-
sary to place money in box, it should
be put in a CONTROLLING receptacle or
be properly wrapped so as to be easily
picked uD by the carrier.
Money for the purchase of money or
ders should not be left in the boxes,
but should be handed to the carrier
and receipt obtained.