General Instructions for the Guidance of Post Office Inspectors in the Dominion of Canada | Page 3

or declaration.
The oath (or declaration) was (sworn or made) and subscribed before
me, the day of 187 .
---------------------------------------------------- Signature of P.O. Inspector,
or Asst. P.O. Inspector, as the case may be.
18. When a formal investigation is necessary, always give due notice to
the complainant or complainants, and the party or parties complained
against, of the time and place at which the investigation will be held.
19. In your reports to the Postmaster General of the result of an

investigation, state whether the enquiry made was personal or by
correspondence. State also clearly in the proper order all the facts
bearing on the case, and the conclusions which these facts appear to
justify.
20. In reporting on cases of a confidential character, in which it is not
desirable that the facts should be made public, mark the word
"confidential" both on the report and on the cover in which it is
transmitted.
21. In all reports in which a previous report is referred to, state in
addition to the number and date of the report referred to, its general
purport.
22. In all reports Post Offices should be called by their official names,
and not by the name by which they may be known in the locality. This
rule applies especially to the Maritime Provinces.
23. It is desirable that you should make yourself acquainted, as far as
may be practicable, with the general character and financial standing of
each Postmaster in your Division who has charge of Money Order or
Savings Bank duties; and in any case where you have reason for
suspecting the possibility of irregular practices, or a disposition to
withhold--even for short periods--Post Office monies, a confidential
report should be made to the Postmaster General, in order that a close
supervision may be kept by the Superintendent on the returns and
remittances received from such Postmasters.
24. In cases of doubt always ask for instructions from the Postmaster
General--by letter, if time permits; if not, by telegraph.
25. When absolutely necessary, make use of the telegraph, compressing
your message into as few words as are consistent with clearness of
meaning. Do not, however, use the telegraph in cases where a letter will
answer all the purposes required.
26. Observe in all matters connected with the Department as strict an
economy as is consistent with the efficient performance of the Service.

Do not in any case recommend additional expenditure unless the
circumstances appear fully to justify it.
27. No outlay, whether for alteration in a Mail Service, or for repairs,
improvements or fittings, must be incurred without the specific
authority first obtained of the Postmaster General.
In every case application for this authority must be accompanied by a
full description of the work to be done, and an estimate of the probable
expenditure involved.
28. No person must be employed, even in a temporary capacity,
without the sanction of the Postmaster General previously obtained.
29. Furnish full particulars of any changes, especially of distribution, to
the Inspectors of other Divisions which may be affected in any way by
these changes, and cordially co-operate with them in the consideration
and carrying out of any improvements which may generally benefit the
Service.
30. Make yourself thoroughly conversant with all Acts of the Dominion
Parliament relating in any way to the Post Office Service, and with all
regulations relating to the Post Office Department, as well as with all
details connected with its operation.
31. You have authority when you find it necessary to suspend a
Postmaster, Clerk, or any other employé in your Division.
All the circumstances, however, should be at once reported to the
Postmaster General.
32. When it is noticed that Postage Stamps attached to letters or other
postal matter frequently fall off, or if it should be found that the stamps
are insufficiently gummed or badly perforated, the fact should be
reported to the Postmaster General, the name of the office at which the
posting took place being given.
33. In closing a Post Office, or in transferring a Post Office to a newly

appointed Postmaster, always see that the accounts are made up to the
day of closing or transfer; and that the balance due thereon is paid and
deposited in the Bank to the credit of the Postmaster General. The
assumption by an incoming Postmaster of a balance due by his
predecessor is objectionable. The amount due from the out-going
Postmaster should, in all cases, be deposited as above, to the credit of
the Postmaster General.
34. Except in very special cases, the opening and closing of offices
should take effect on the first day of each month.
35. In the case of the transfer of a Money Order Office, the Transfer
Receipt should be sent to the Superintendent of the Money Order
Branch, at