Post_Office_1958-1959 — Page 9

30. The combined total of $11,370,981 in respect of Money and Postal Order transactions exceeded the record total recorded in 1957/58 by over $3,400,000.

31. Revenue derived from these services showed a corresponding increase; the total of $70,905 exceeding the 1957/58 total of $54,522 by $16,383.

32. Money order services were extended during the year to the Wan Chai, Sai Ying Pun and Yau Ma Tei Post Offices.

PRIVATE BOXES

33. There continued to be a heavy demand for private boxes but lack of suitable accommodation made it impossible to install additional boxes at the two main offices. Box lobbies were however included in the plans of all new offices and consideration is being given to the extension of the box lobbies at the General Post Office when additional accommodation becomes available at that office in 1959. This will entail the moving of operational sections and carrying out of structural alterations. A small extension of boxes at the Kowloon Central Post Office was also planned.

34. Box rentals which had remained unaltered since 1947 were re- viewed during the year and the decision taken to increase them with effect from 1st January, 1959. New rates are as follows:

Large

Small

box

box

(1) At the General Post Office, Victoria, and the

Kowloon Central Post Office

$60

$40

(2) At all other Post Offices

$48

$36

35. Revenue from the renting of private boxes and bag services amounted to $235,303; and showed an increase of $81,649 over the preceding year.

STAMPS

36. Entries for the Stamp Design Competition for the new and commemorative issues to be made in 1962 were considered by the Committee appointed by His Excellency the Governor for the purpose. 37. A total of 214 drawings were received up to 31st December, 1958, the closing date of the competition, the most successful competitor being a local entrant. Other prizes were won by competitors residing in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Australia and Hong Kong.

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