Post_Office_1959-1960 — Page 20

84. The results obtained by the increased check coverage by addi- tional staff and vans have been most gratifying, broadcast licences having reached an all time high record. These figures have reflected on the office staff in recording and issuing reminders and they have had to work at heavy pressure to keep pace with the sharp increase.

85. The Regulations under the Telecommunications Ordinance, Cap. 106, were amended to permit the issue of free broadcast receiving licences to blind persons registered with the Social Welfare Department. 86. The Commercial Broadcasting Company opened their service on 26th August, 1959, using 1050 and 1530 Kc/s for the Chinese and English programmes.

87. The development of a frequency modulated system of broad- casting by Radio Hong Kong is covered in the report of the Controller of Broadcasting.

WIRELESS SURVEYS AND INSPECTIONS

88. In accordance with International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea and the provisions laid down by the 1952 Radio Rules, the Post Office Ships Surveyors made 215 full surveys and 219 inspections of ships' radio stations and calibrated 95 ships' direction finders.

89. The use of plastic welding machines continued to increase in the Colony and occasioned some concern by causing interference to VHF radio circuits. Steps were taken jointly with the Labour Department to ensure proper electrical installation of welding equipment in factories and practical investigations have been made by this Division regarding circuit design and screening to reduce radiation. These recommendations have been circulated to known manufacturers.

90. Many cases of local and international interference to radio circuits were also investigated.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORDINANCE

91. One hundred and twenty one prosecutions were instituted under the Telecommunications Ordinance. Five charges for the unlawful pos- session of transmitting equipment resulted in fines totalling $21,800 or imprisonment ranging from two months to one year being imposed. The rest were in respect of unlicensed broadcast receivers. With the exception of fifteen cases resulting in cautions or dismissal, fines ranging from $5 to $300 were imposed.

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