Post_Office_1955-1956 — Page 24

93. Many tentative proposals have been submitted in regard to Kowloon for which the necessary funds were voted some years ago, but as these proposals are all dependant on finalization of the Town Planning Scheme for that area, there seems little prospect of relief in that direction for many years.

94. Insofar as Hong Kong is concerned, at least twice the present floor space is the minimum requirement and this has been earmarked as a waterfront site on the reclamation of Blake Pier area. This too seems likely to be many years in completion and it is obvious that for some years to come this Department will be required to continue makeshift arrangements in un- satisfactory small areas of additional accommodation as may become available. I have no alternative, however, but to record my considered opinion that in the light of the present rate of growth of traffic, unless drastic action is taken to expedite the major schemes for accommodation, the present efficiency of this Department will be subject to severe decline in a few years time.

95. Insofar as Branch Post Offices are concerned, the answer is simply that until sufficient adequate offices are provided, we not only deprive the public of their rightful amenities, but we are unable to introduce in the congested areas such important revenue earning services as parcels, money orders, postal orders etc. Where accommodation does permit, such additional services will be introduced and arrangements have actually been made to introduce Money Order and Postal Order business to Tsun Wan, Un Long, Taipo, Shatin and Stanley on 1st April, 1956.

96. Action on Branch Post Offices is however proceeding. New Offices are under construction at Sheung Wan (old Western Market) and Shamshuipo. A new office was opened on 18th October, 1955, as mentioned in paragraph 61. Other offices are being planned for Shaukiwan, North Point and other areas and in each case some relief to deliveries and sortation of local mail will accrue. They will not, however, affect the problem of the major offices in receipt and despatch of the important and heavy Overseas mail.

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