29. The number of Postal Order transactions again decreased although a further increase in value was shown. A total of 1,225,660 orders were transacted representing $51,142,503.35, compared with the previous year's total of 1,391,233 valued at $44,319,433.61. The increase was again mainly due to remittances sent by emigrants in Great Britain to their relatives in the New Territories, but also reflected growth in the Colony's mail order business.
30. Postal remittance services therefore covered a total sum of $55,723,369.95, an increase of $6,847,332.03 over the amounts handled in 1963-64.
31. Commission earned from these services totalled $189,654.91, representing an increase of $34,131.89 compared with the 1963-64 figure.
Stamp Vendors
32. A total of 378 stamp vendor permits were in force at the end of the year, showing an increase of 21 in the number of premises licensed to sell postage stamps and air letters.
Stamps
33. No commemorative issues were made during the year.
Private Boxes
34. Rentals from private boxes and bag services amounted to $449,232.58, an increase of $14,811.33 over the previous year.
Business Reply Service
35. 36 additional licences were issued during the year and 45 were not renewed. The total in use at the end of the year was 141.
Franking Machines
36. An additional 45 meter franking machines were licenced during the year and 15 licences were revoked. The total number of these machines now in use by business firms and organizations in the Colony is 315.
Services to other Departments
37. The value of free facilities afforded to departments of govern- ment during the year was estimated to be $870,000. This is exclusive of
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