Aug. 8.] THE NEW ZEALAND GAZETTE. 2057
326. The impression of each stamp must be not only legible, but
perfect in every particular. To secure this with hand-stamps, at-
tention should be paid to the following points:-
(1.) The stamp must be kept perfectly clean. This may be done
most effectually by applying with a small brush a weak
solution of potash or soda, or printer's lye. Type
which has been used must be cleaned before it is replaced
in the box.
(2.) The cushion on which the letters are placed to be stamped
should be quite even and very slightly elastic.
(3.) The stamp should be held firmly in the hand, and struck
upon the postal packet with a light sharp blow, care
being taken not to let the stamp fall upon the impres-
sion made at another office.
(4.) Strict attention should be paid to keeping the ink-pad con-
stantly fit for use by moistening it with stamping-ink.
Too much ink is not to be put on the pad, and the
ink put on is to be well rubbed in so as to prevent the
clogging of the stamp. If the pad is allowed to become
saturated or the stamp dirty the stamping will be smeared
and indistinct.
(5.) A moderately soft pad should be used to place under the
letters when being stamped. Any soft book, such as an
old Post and Telegraph Guide, would answer this purpose
in small offices for which rubber pads are not provided.
327. (a.) At offices at which postmarking-machines are in use
it is essential that letters be levelled up at the end on which the
postage-stamp is usually placed, and on the bottom, not the top
of the bundle. This secures that letters all touch the bed of the
stamping-machine as required, and prevents their being bent over
at the "stamp" end and retarded in their passage through the
machine, where action is very rapid, and, to be satisfactory, must
be continuous. Also letters must be distributed so that, as far as
possible, very thick letters are kept in separate bundles.
(b.) Postmarking-machines must be kept well oiled and properly
adjusted. Tension-screws, particularly those holding the type,
require frequent attention.
328. Worn felt pads (bobs) used in postmarking-machines are
to be returned to the Stores Manager for reconditioning and reissue.
The process of reconditioning is to be repeated from time to time
until the pads become too small for effective use.
329. When a relief postmarking-machine is required, application
must be made to the Secretary.
330. (a.) The only rubber-stamp ink to be used in obliterating
stamps is to be the special ink supplied by the Stores Manager
for the purpose. Postmasters supplied with rubber stamps must
obtain the proper ink and linen pads. The ordinary obliterating-
ink used for metal stamps destroys the rubber, and must not be
used. With rubber stamps black ink is to be used mainly, but
red ink may also be obtained for special purposes.
(b.) For the cleaning of rubber stamps a weak solution of
washing-soda and water should be employed. Kerosene or benzine
is not to be used, as it is injurious to rubber.
331. (a.) Chief Postmasters, Postmasters, and other responsible
officers are personally to make irregular but frequent inspections
of the date-stamping at their offices, so that the work may be kept
up to the proper standard. Postmasters at offices which circulate
for non-permanent offices are held responsible for the checking of
date-stamp impressions on correspondence posted at those offices.
Any defective stamping or failure to cancel stamps must be at once
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