Under the headline, Fishy Business in a Mailbox the Mid Ocean News reported on July 3rd, 1967: “Postmaster General Sidney Corbett would like to lay his hands on the person who posted three breams in a pillar box on the South Shore Road, Paget, one hot holiday weekend recently. The fish quickly decomposed and contaminated the mail that was in the box – and the Post Office staff were faced with the unpleasant task of trying to carry out their function of sorting and delivering a revolting mixture. Postmaster Corbett stepped in and had the letters taken to the roof of the Post Office building, where they were cleaned, sprayed with disinfectant, and then perfumed heavily. Then each was placed in another envelope, together with a letter from Mr. Corbett apologising for the delay and any lingering after-effects and sent on their way both locally and abroad”.
What service above and beyond the call of duty!
“Laying his hands on the person” was a mild version of what Mr. Corbett really said which was more like “If I catch the SOB who did this, I am going to teach him a lesson he won’t easily forget”. My personal regret was that on finding out that each envelope was also stamped with an explanation as to why the mail was delayed, I was never able to get hold of an example. One Miscellaneous Mark that got away.
Rambling Notes of a Bermuda Philatelist published in December 2023 and is available at bookstores island-wide.
