(j) Mail receptacles shall be satisfactorily numbered or lettered in numerical or alphabetical sequence from left to right so as to enable the carrier to expeditiously deliver the mail.

(k) (1) Each receptacle shall be fitted with clasps or holders for placing a card on which shall be placed a list of the names of persons receiving mail through such receptacles. There is no objection to placing the holders for the lists of names on the outside of the receptacles instead of the inside, but in such case the holders shall be wide enough for not less than three names, and shall be placed so that the carrier while in a standing position may easily read the names when the master door is open.

(2) In all apartment houses where there are 25 or more receptacles, a complete directory, alphabetical by surname, of all persons receiving mail shall be maintained and kept corrected to date. The receptacle number and apartment number should always be the same, and the apartment number should appear on the right of the name on the directory. If, for any cause, the apartment number is different from the number on the receptacle, the receptacle number should appear on the left of the name in the directory. The same arrangement shall be followed where the apartments and receptacles are either lettered or lettered and numbered.

(3) The directory shall be prepared by the use of legible type in a suitable frame for protection purpose, and attached to the wall immediately above or to the side of the mail receptacles where it can be easily read. In all cases where an attendant such as telephone operator, doorman, or elevator conductor, is on duty between the hours of 7 a. m. and 11 p. m. and mail is delivered to either approved apartment-house receptacles or in bulk for distribution by employees of the building, the directory may be kept in the custody of the employee on duty in the building so that it may be available for use by the carrier or special-delivery messenger on request.

(4) Where an apartment house is divided into units with separate entrances and 25 or more receptacles are installed to the unit, a separate directory shall be provided for each unit. In addition, where mail is not generally addressed to specific units, a directory shall be kept at

the main unit of the building, listing all persons receiving mail in the various units.

(1) (1) The owners or managers of buildings shall keep receptacles in good repair, and when apartment buildings are remodeled mail receptacles in conformity with these regulations shall be installed.

(2) Carriers shall report all cases where apartment houses are being remodeled and where mail boxes in apartment houses are not locked or are out of repair.

(Form 3521, "Carriers' Report of Condition of Mail Receptacle," is to be used for this purpose.)

(3) Upon receipt of a report of lack of repair or irregularity in the operation of apartment-house mail receptacles postmasters will have prompt investigation made, and direct what repairs must be made by and at the expense of the owners or managers. In order that there shall be no question as to the disposition or treatment of mail, repairs must be made only when a representative of the post office is present. It is unlawful for other than postal employees to open receptacles and expose mail.

(4) Failure to keep boxes locked or in proper repair as directed by postmasters is sufficient justification for withholding delivery of mail therein and requiring the occupants of the apartments to call for their mail at the post office, if this action is believed advisable for safety reasons. When such action is contemplated, a reasonable notice of approximately 30 days should be given in writing to the patrons and owner or manager of the apartment building.

(5) Complaints of loss, theft, or injury of mail deposited by carrier in apartment-house mail receptacles, shall be investigated and where it is shown that someone has willfully or maliciously injured, defaced, or destroyed mail deposited in such mail receptacles or has willfully taken or stolen mail from such receptacles, suitable action shall be taken to have the matter investigated by a post office inspector.

(m) Sections 1702, 1704, 1705, and 1708 of title 18, United States Code, prescribe penalties for the wrongful possession of mail locks and the willful or malicious injury or destruction of letter boxes and the theft of mail therefrom. Manufacturers are authorized to place

on each installation of apartment-house mail receptacles the words "U. S. Mail" and a warning notice of these provisions of law. Manufacturers are also authorized to place inconspicuously on each installation their name and the words "Approved by the Postmaster General," where the designs have been approved by the Post Office Department.

(n) (1) Postmasters shall furnish inside letter-box arrow locks for use on master doors, upon request of owners or builders of apartment houses for attachment to mail receptacles when inspection discloses that such receptacles can be approved by the Department and are installed in conformity with these regulations. The locks shall be attached to the group of receptacles by the owner or builder of the apartment house or by his direction, under the supervision of a representative of the postmaster, who shall see that they are securely attached.

(2) Postmasters shall make requisition on the Assistant Postmaster General, Bureau of Facilities, for a suitable supply of inside letter-box arrow locks when they find there is need for such locks and shall maintain a suitable reserve stock. Requisitions for locks should include a statement as to the number of keys required. Any locks that become defective or by reason of renovation of the building are no longer needed shall be returned to the postmaster. All delivering employees and all postmasters must see that such locks are properly accounted for when buildings are torn down or remodeled and that defective locks are recovered.

NOTE: The names of manufacturers of approved apartment-house mail receptacles may be procured on application to postmasters.

(R. S. 161, 396, as amended; 5 U. S. C. 22, 369) [19 F. R. 7820, Dec. 1, 1954]