ers and papers.]

When letters or papers are delayed or missing, at once communicate the
fact to the Inspector of the division in which is situated the Post
Office at which the delayed or missing letters were posted. In case of a
missing letter enclosing value, state the exact contents, the exact
address, and the office at which posted; the name of the person by whom
posted, and the name of the person by whom received at the office. In
the case of a delayed letter or paper, send the cover or wrapper in an
entire state, in order that the place of delay may be ascertained by an
examination of the post marks.

[Sidenote: Strict enquiry in cases of loss.]

Trouble and loss occasionally arise out of the carelessness or
dishonesty of parties employed in the Post Office service; yet instances
are not wanting in which it has been shown to the satisfaction even of
the complainants, that the fault at first attributed to the Post Office,
in truth rested in other quarters. Thefts by private hands, although
very difficult of proof, have not unfrequently been brought to light;
and it is greatly to be desired that those who suffer loss should, in
the first instance, and while the circumstances are fresh, endeavour to
ascertain with the utmost precision all particulars respecting the
despatch or receipt of the lost letters or papers, and lose no time in
communicating this information to the Inspector. Indeed, generally
speaking, it is only by careful inquiry into minute details that the
offender can be detected, whether he be a servant of the Department or
not.

[Sidenote: Improvements.]

The Post Office is a department which admits of constant improvement and
expansion. The public, by sending to the Postmaster General, clear and
correct information respecting faulty arrangements, may materially
benefit the service. It must be remembered, however, that changes in
machinery so extensive and intricate as that of the Post Office, must be
made cautiously and with much previous consideration.

Time is generally required to carry out any material change in postal
arrangements; for even when decided upon, old contracts, requiring
notice of termination, may have to be got rid off, and tenders for new
contracts invited by public advertisement, before the decision can take
effect.

[Sidenote: New post offices.]

New Post Offices are established by the Department wherever it is
ascertained that a sufficient number of inhabitants c