Post_Office_1961-1962 — Page 11

experiment with machines attached to pillar boxes during the next financial year.

Stamps

20. A special multicolour $1 stamp to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the Hong Kong University was placed on sale on 11th September, 1961. Sales on the first day of issue amounted to $166,603.00. The stamp was withdrawn from sale on 9th December, 1961, a total of 3,000,000 stamps having been sold in Hong Kong.

21. A first day cover was issued in conjunction with the Hong Kong University Golden Jubilee stamp; the demand for the cover was very heavy and the stock was completely exhausted within a few hours of being placed on sale.

22. A temporary Post Office was also set up from 8th to 22nd September, 1961 at the Hong Kong University in connexion with the Jubilee celebrations.

Private Boxes

23. Revenue from the renting of private boxes and bag services amounted to $374,927.89, showing an increase of $39,177.16 over the preceding year. A total of 10,569 boxes are now available to the public.

Business Reply Service

24. Thirty three additional licences were issued during the year for use of the Business Reply Card Service. 101 such licences are now in use.

Franking Machines

25. Postage franking machines continued to gain in popularity, 32 new machines being licensed during the year. The total number of franking machines now in use by commercial organizations is 196.

Services to other Departments

26. The estimated value of free services rendered to other Govern- ment departments was $932,188.45 as against $868,557 for the previous year. This was in the way of free posting facilities, and technical aid including maintenance of equipment. Cash collections were also carried out for the Department of Commerce and Industry, Urban Services, Printing, Registrar General, Medical and Marine Departments.

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