Post_Office_1958-1959 — Page 8

in the evenings. With the opening of new offices in 1959, necessitating the transfer to them of at least fifty per cent experienced staff, some effect is bound to be felt in the two main offices especially at the counters where a fairly extensive knowledge of the various postal regulations is necessary.

FINANCE

24. The total Revenue collections of the Department reached an all time record of $36,249,008.60; an increase of $4,068,789.54 over the previous year. This was an excess of $3,730,008.60 over the estimate and $16,076,750.85 over total expenditure. The use of postage stamps in payment of fees on Certificates of Origin introduced during the year accounted for some of this increase the balance being due to a greater volume of business generally, parcel postings in particular showing a substantial increase.

25. The Wireless Licence Section revenue for the year was $1,619,973.44 which exceeded the estimate by $319,973.44. The number of wireless licences in force is not however considered to be satisfactory and it is evident that a very large number of people owning wireless receiving sets, particularly the new popular small transistor sets, are not in possession of a valid wireless licence. Additional technically qualified staff will be recruited early in the next financial year and suitable vehicles obtained for an intensive check to be made.

26. Expenditure on all services totalled $20,172,257.75 an excess of $719,557.75 over the estimated figure. The increase in postings, both air and surface, involving heavy additional conveyance costs, was mainly responsible for the excess but at the same time revenue from these services increased to a far greater degree. Much of the curtailment of expenditure was achieved by the study and use of more direct routes and formation of new despatches.

REMITTANCE SERVICES

27. Appreciable advances were recorded in both Money Order and Postal Order transactions.

28. Money Order transactions totalled 20,907 valued at $2,955,819 as against 19,820 valued at $2,810,127 in 1957/58.

29. Postal Order transactions totalled 202,409 valued at $8,415,162 as against 148,315 valued at $5,116,135 in the previous year.

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