POSTAGE RATES.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 September 1923, Page 4

POSTAGE RATES.

REDUCTION ON OCTOBER 1. STATEMENT BY MINISTER. WELLINGTON, Sept 5. “I am now in a position,” stated the Hon J. G. Coates, Postmaster-General, tolday, ‘‘to make a full statement regarding the reduced rates of postage which are to come into force on October 1 In doing so I desire to say that postage rates for letters, postcards, inland packets and newspapers were reduced from February 1 last. Each of these rates, with the exception of newspaper rate, which is now at bedrock. i.e., J-d per paper, will lie further reduced in October. In addition the magazine rate will he reduced. As I announced in December last, it was hoped during the session of Parliament last year to reintroduce at an early date a penny letter rate, but the financial position was such that for the February reduction the Department was unable to recommend a lower rate than I'd. After carefully reviewing the financial position it. was decided as announced in tho Budget, that it is now possible to reintroduce penny postage. The penny rate will apply to letters addressed for delivery in New Zealand, all parts of the British Empire, and those foreign countries the letter rate tor which is now ILL It is explained that the New Zealand Post Office is prepared to accept at the rate of Id per ounce letters addressed to any country. but certain countries, i.e., those in which the letter rate is now 2.L1. will not accept letters postage paid less than 2.jd. Present rates and rates to lie auopt(rl from October 1 are ns follows: Letters inland: Present rates—ltd for the first 2oz or fraction thereof and Id for each additional 2oz or fraction tliore-

Xow rates —Id for the first ounce or fraction therof and J-’d for each additional ounce or fraction thereof. Letters, within British Empire and to certain foreign countries: Present rates—l-id for first ounce or fraction thereof and Id for each additional ounce or traction thereof.

New rates—ld for each ounce 01 fraction thereof. Postcards (inland) : Present rates —Single Id; reply ‘->l- - rates—Single pi; reply Id. Packets, inland (comprising commercial papers, books and prill ten papers, pattern, and sample packets and unregistered magazines).

Present rates—ld for first 2 oz. or fraction thereof; over 2oz. but not exceeding -loz. lid, and Lid for each aditional 4oz or fraction thereof up to lib, and 2d for each additional pound up to 51b. New rates —Id for each 2nz or traction thereof up to 2lb. and 2d for each additional pound or fraction thereof up to 51b. Magazines (registered), inland: I’resent rates—Each copy not exceeding Boz. 2d each; additional goz or fraction thereof. Id. New rates—Each copy not exceeding Boz, Id; each additional Soz or fraction thereof, Id. ‘‘lt will be observed that in addition to the very low rate for letters, the rates to be adopted for postcards, inland packets, comprising commercial papers, including tradesmen’s accounts, books and printed papers, pattern and sample packets and unregistered magazines and registered magazines also are very low. As regards the rate for printed papers, it is recognised that the former high rate was responsible for reduced postings of advertising matter. There long has been a public demand for a halfpenny rate for such matter. Now that the halfpenny rate will lie reintroduced, conductors of publicity campaigns will again have at hand a" cheap, reliable means for Hip distribution of advertising matter. Advertising by post prior to ’the increased rates was very largely used 011 account „<■ enabling the advertiser to get into direct and personal touch with the punhe. With the minimum rate at Jd tor 2o», it- is anticipated Hint there will be a lareo increase in the amount of advertising matter posted, in which case the reduction will justify itself. “As announced in the Budget, it is anticipated that the October reduction will mean a loss ut levenue approximating 0250,000 per rnr.iiin. The Department hopes, with the reduction of postage rates to the lowest possible level on both letters and secondclass matter, there will be an increase 111 posting, pro rata with tTie increase m population and buoyancy of trade, as obtained several years ago. years ago statistics published by 11m Universal Postal Union showed fhal Now Zealand exceeded all countries in the number of letters and po-ucai-L posted per bead of the population, the average number of letters and postcards posted annually by each man. unman and child in the Dominion working out at 97.1. So far as is Known, New Zealand still holds the leading position. No doubt the high ratio to some extent was due to the low .ales of postage that formerly obtained. From O. toher next New Zealand will again enjoy the cheapest rates of postage .11 tiie world.”

Think! ’What it means to have eggs at Is fid a dozen all the veai round. You can if you “put down” Kiipplv now with SITARLAND’S “AI.OA” BRAND EGG PRESERVATIVE. Bottle does 20 dozen.