Page:The life and letters of Sir John Henniker Heaton bt. (IA lifelettersofsi00port).pdf/315

 parcel was opened in the presence of the postman and a form filled up noting the condition of the contents spoilt.

The Post Office refused compensation.

Write offering to dry the lace for him. If discoloured, it will appear antique, and be of more value. As to the smell of wine, none but a rabid teetotaller could complain of that.

Here is another:

—We are large manufacturers of typewriting machines. We sent one of these machines carefully packed to a customer. We insured it and paid a special extra fee for insurance. The machine arrived broken, and we have had to compensate the owner. Will you please after examining into the case and ascertaining the truth send us £1, 11s. 6d.
 * June 18th.

One of our able officials, suppressing his natural indignation, has written this reply:

I am directed by the Postmaster-General to state that you will see on p. 69 of the "Post Office Guide" that he is relieved from all responsibility even had he been satisfied that the parcel was properly packed, and no claim for compensation can be entertained.

A calm and dignified rebuke.

The next is simply outrageous; I trust it may not make you feel unwell: such letters sometimes upset my assistants so seriously that I have to give them a week's leave.