Carriers should also receive other small articles of mailable matter with postage properly prepaid, but they should refuse to receive packages that are cumbersome on account of size, shape or weight, especially when the carrying of such packages would interfere with the prompt delivery of mail and the collections from letter boxes.
Carriers must receive and register all letters and packages of first-class matter that are not cumbersome on account of size, shape or weight, and properly offered them for registration, and must give the regulation receipt therefor. Carriers must encourage the registration of valuable first-class matter by patrons on their routes.
Postmasters may permit carriers to sell postage stamps or stamped envelopes in limited quantities; but their deliveries or collections must not be delayed in making change.
Carriers must not return, under any circumstances, to any person, any letter or letters, said to have been deposited in a letter box, or which have come into the custody of the carrier in a regular way. An applicant for the return of such mail should be directed to the postmaster.
After the last daily delivery carriers must return to the post office or station with which they are connected their satchels and all mail that can not be delivered. Carriers may be permitted to take their satchels home with them direct from their routes when, in the opinion of the postmaster, the interests of the service will be promoted thereby, but undelivered mail matter remaining in satchels must first be deposited in the nearest letter box.
CHAPTER XVII.
SPECIAL DELIVERY MESSENGERS.
Chance for Boys from Thirteen Years of Age to
Enter Post Office Service.
The Postmaster General may, in his discretion, require the delivery of special delivery matter to be made entirely by special messengers. In New York City, however, this is done solely by employes in the service. At free delivery offices postmasters will, from time to time, employ as many messengers as in their judgment may be necessary to secure prompt delivery of special matter. None but trustworthy boys over 13 years of age should be employed. The force of special delivery messengers in each office should be so arranged that a suitable number may always be on hand to secure immediate delivery of all special delivery matter at any time within the prescribed hour of the day.