Note 618 — VII AN ANALYSIS OF COST

In addition to these principal operations there are certain minor operations. The packets are in general sorted on frames, from which they are collected at intervals and taken to the despatching table for enclosure in the mail-bags. Here the short letters, etc., are tied in bundles (as explained above), and in many cases a label is affixed, on which the name of the office of destination is written by the despatching officer. Next a letter bill is prepared. On this are entered particulars of the mail and of registered letters. The bundles of letters, etc., the loose packets, the registered letters and the letter bill (to which are tied all packets which are insufficiently prepaid and are to be charged on delivery), are enclosed in a mail-bag on which is stencilled the name of the office of destination, and in some cases particulars of the route to be followed. The bag is then tied, sealed, and sent forward. The despatch of each bag is recorded, as is the receipt of each bag from another office.

The opening of bags at the office of receipt also comprises a distinct series of operations. First the letter bill is obtained and examined. The receipt of the registered letters and charged packets is verified, and the letters and packets are withdrawn for special treatment. The bag is then emptied on the "opening table," reversed, in order to ensure that no packets are overlooked, and the contents distributed for sorting.