be unreliable in the course of calculating the results of the year under review.
Inland Services
34. There was a substantial increase in the number of items posted for delivery within the Colony to 85.3 million which exceeded the previous year's total by 3.6 million.
35. To keep pace with the rapid development of postal traffic and the special demands imposed by the growth in multi-storey buildings urban areas and also in the satellite towns in the rural districts, delivery beats have to be frequently reviewed. During the year 9 new beats were created, 3 in Hong Kong and 6 in Kowloon and the New Territories. Many revisions were still in progress at the year end.
36. There is continuing need for the co-operation of the general public regarding clear numbering of accommodation in tall tenement and commercial buildings and providing conveniently sited letter box units to accelerate delivery. Dim lighting in hallways and corridors hinders prompt and accurate delivery, especially during overcast weather conditions. The co-operation of housing managements in improving conditions in this respect too would be most helpful.
37. Extensive use was made of the Inland Registered Service by the public during the year when a total of 2.5 million items was handled against 2.25 million in the preceding year.
38. Use of the local Recorded Delivery Service by Government Departments showed a satisfactory increase of approximately 8.5%.
39. The quantity of inland parcels posted declined by 13,000 to a total of only 24,300 due to a reduction in the service's employment by a single user.
40. A refinement of the bulk posting facility known as 'Permit Mailing' was introduced on 1st April, 1969. This enables concerns which regularly post printed papers in quantity to imprint them 'Postage Paid' prior to posting. Because such articles do not require stamp cancellation they can thereby circulate more speedily for delivery.
41. The number of posting boxes (including private posting boxes and mail chutes) totalled 488 at the end of the year, an addition of 9 new posting boxes (5 in Hong Kong and 4 in Kowloon and the New Territories). Two were removed from service.
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