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COMMUNICATIONS
The latest figures show that the tunnel will have a length of 6,000 feet, a cross-section of two carriageways each 24 feet wide between kerbs, and a minimum height over carriageways of 16 feet. Its estimated carrying capacity is 60,000 vehicles a day. The estimated cost of the tunnel is $210 million, the estimated cost of approach works is $12 million, and the estimated cost of other road improvements accelerated by the tunnel is $40 million. The minimum depth of water over the tunnel will be 40 feet in the fairway.
POSTAL SERVICES
The development of postal services continued in 1965, reflecting the needs of Hong Kong's growing population and of the expanding economy. Well over a hundred million letters, cards and packets are posted every year and a similar number delivered, while upwards of 1.3 million parcels are posted annually. (Postal statistics are given at Appendix XXXVIII.) Four new post offices were opened during the year, bringing the total to 44. In addition, two mobile post offices operate in the New Territories. Of the four new offices, one was established in a resettlement estate block at Chai Wan on Hong Kong Island, one in rented premises at Ham Tin Street, Tsuen Wan, one in a specially designed building at Kam Tin in the New Territories, and one in bank premises at Changsha Street in the busy commercial area of Mong Kok. Construction of the new Kowloon Central Post Office continued during the year and it is expected to be completed by the end of 1966. New Post Office piers were completed on the, central reclamation on Hong Kong Island. They include facilities for loading and unloading mails from tenders by chain-conveyors.
Two special postage stamp issues were made during the year. The first was to commemorate the centenary of the International Telecommunications Union, while the second honoured the United Nations International Co-operation Year. Each issue consisted of two stamps of 10 cents and $1.30 and they were placed on sale for three months. First day covers were issued on each occasion and heavy sales proved their popularity.
Normal post office counter business such as the sale of stamps, handling of foreign parcels, registration of mail, and the sale of money orders, postal orders and wireless licences is carried out at