Envelope markings

Delivery envelopes were marked in manuscript or handstamps:

to record the actions taken by a Telegraph Messenger.
to record the transit and explain why the delay.

Examples of these markings are provided below.

CLOSED - RETURN
TO DESPATCH CLERK

The Office in Little Collins Street was closed when the messenger arrived
to deliver the telegram and so the telegram was returned
to the Despatch Clerk at the Telegraph Office.

Used in the 1930s.

CARDED (on manuscript on 30/8

Annotation written on 30 August (year unknown) on delivery envelope AA-EO-18A.
The types of cards left to inform a recipient of a telegram are described elsewhere.

Telephoned Telegram.
Perhaps the most common of all handstamps applied to delivery envelopes.

This handstamp is known in a variety of fonts, sizes and formats.
Used from the 1940s.

Type AA-EO-18H.

Delayed telegram due to "plant failure".
Probably used about 1974.