The clerk shall note in the docket or in the papers of the case the mailing date of the notice and the address of the defendant. Notice shall be valid although refused by the defendant, and therefore not delivered. If the notice is returned undelivered without refusal by the defendant, or if in any other way it appears that notice has not reached the defendant, the clerk shall issue at the expense of the plaintiff such further or other notice to appear for hearing at such time as the court may order.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 10-16-6