A NEW DEVICE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1330, 6 January 1912, Page 4

A NEW DEVICE.

TO REGISTER LETTERS. The head officials of the General Post Olfico ore never behindhand in adopting a now idea which embodies a notion of eervico to the public. The latest devica comes from the land of so many new ideas —Germany. It is n slot machine which, will make it possible for the public to register their letters and get a receipt for the same without troubling the clerk at the counter. The mechanism of the machino is enclosed in a sheet-iron casing about 30 inches in height, tho same in depth, of about 24 inches wide, exposing in the front a moveable disc, a small steel gate, a nickel-plated handle', and a lip which catches the receipt as it. ia churned out of the machine. Tho diso referred to gives the machine another tise, which should bo of value to .tha public. When visible, a slot is exposed, ami on placing a ponjiv in tho aperture tho gate may be opened, n totter inserted, and'with a twist of the handle, the letter is dulv registered, the receipt (bearing the "date tuid tho corresponding number to that printed by tho same action oil the letter) is ejected, and the late fee is paid—all in tho one operation. This "late fen" device for registered letters is pointed out as a distinct advance, as it will be possible for registered letters to be posted a good deal nearer the timo for closing the mail than is at present the case. To register a letter in tho ordinary way correct value in stamps has to be affixed by tho sen.dcr, the gate opened, tho letter inserted, a whisk with tho handle, and off it goes on its journey. It is only when tho late fee slot disc is exposed that the uso of a (Spin is. necessary at all. Only on» machine has'been' imported ana this is to he erected in the vestibule of the Wellington Post Office, so that-tho pubLic will bo able to register letters at any time of the day or night. The delicacy of the mechanism was well' illustrated vesterday afternoon when the attempt was made by an oflicial to register a letter with a half-penny, a shilling, and a half-sovereign. Each of thcea coins was Tcjectecl by the machine, talliug into a box provided for the purpose inside tho case.