The Waterbury Democrat., 1945-08-21
Buy Ouerseds Gifts Nolu Aduises Babir1
Problems Involving Mailing More Complex Than Ever Reports Postmaster; October IS Set as Overseas Deodline

Postmaster Charles A. Babin to- day urged the public to start mak- ing purchases for Christmas pack ages for military men and women serving overseas immediately, since the problems involving mailing are more complex than ever before.
 Pointing to the fact that trans portation facilities this year are critical, Postmaster Babin stated more and more mail is going to the Pacific. Parcels deposited on the Atlantic seaboard will tax already burdened shipment facilities across the country, he said.
 While such parcels must be de- posted between September Is and October IS, the Postmosetr urged the public to get all packages in the mail as soon as possible and to use strongly constructed containers
 Parcels destined for China, Bur- ma, India, the Middle East and the Islands of the Pacific should also be mailed before October l. No re- quests from addresses are required for Christmas parcels mailed to Army personnel during the period from September 15 to October IS.
 Regulations Listed
 The following are the complete regulations which will be enforced during the coming overseas Christ mas mail season, according to Post master Babin:
 Packages must not exceed 5 pounds in weight or 15 inches in length or 36 inches in length and girth combined.
 Perishable matter must not be included, and it is urged that food or clothes not be sent. Prohibited articles include intoxicants, match es, lighter fluids, poisons, or compo- sitions which may kill or injur an- other or damage the mails.
 Only one Christmas parcel shall be accepted for mailing in any one week when sent by or on behalf of the same person to or for the same addressee. Parcels must be en- dorsed, Christmas Parcel" on the wrapper. No requests from address ees in any branch of service is re- quired for Christmas parcels only during period from September IS to October IS.
 Preparation
 . Parcels must be packed in boxes of metal, wood, solid fberboard, or strong double-faced corrugated flberboard, testing at least 200 pounds. Boxes should be wrapped with heavy paper and tied by four separate pieces of strong cord, two lengthwise and two crosswise. Seal- ing flaps with gummed tape is not satisfactory. Contents should be cushioned in the box with crushed paper. Toilet articles, soap and hard candies should be wrapped separately. Soft candies are not acceptable. Razors and knives must have edges and points protected.
 Addresses should be written in ink or typewriter. Labels or sales slips are not to be used for address. It is suggested that address be hand printed directly on wrapper. Ad- dress should include full name, (not nitials), rank, serial number, branch of service, A. P. O. number or name of ship and fleet postoffice through which parcel is to be routed. line must also be desig- Dated on parcels to members of the Merchant Marine. Sender's return address, with zone number, must be included on outside of every pack age.
 Postage must be full prepaid. Parcels over oz. must bear 4th class zone postage from office of mailing to postoffice in care of which parcels are addressed. Par :els not exceeding 8 oz. may be mailed at 1hc for each 2 oz. Book | rate may be obtained at postoffice. |
 Correspondence cannot be dnclud- sd in package. Inscriptions as Merry Christmas" may be written n wrapper or card enclosed with 'imple greeteitng (no mesage) and signed by sender.
 No matter to an A. P. O. address l ;an be insured or mailed C.. Q. D. 1 Letters or packages containing | money or other articles of value | Cannot be- registered. Letters con- aiming valuable or important pa- ,ers Can be registered. Watches. | 'ountain pens. eyeglasses, etc, 1 required and requested itl 1 writing by addressee may be resis- cred f under 3 oz in Weieht sealed