25. 95,898 First Day Covers were sold for the Chinese University Issue, 69,054 for the Satellite Earth Station, 101,233 for the Lunar New Year 1970 and 107,270 for the Expo '70 Issue.
26. The adhesive applied to some of the definitive stamps placed on sale during the drier weather experienced in the latter half of the year appeared to be of doubtful quality. Upon enquiry of the suppliers it was learned that owing to a world scarcity of supplies of gum arabic it had been necessary to seek an alternative. A polyvinyl-acetate (PVA) type adhesive had been used on quantities of stamps supplied to the Colony. This took longer to react to the application of moisture than gum arabic in order to become sufficiently tacky to hold a stamp in place. In general it took too long for members of the public who were accustomed to an immediate adhesion when a stamp was moistened and applied to a letter. Moreover, because of the matt finish the stamps gave the appearance of being without gum. The situation was further aggravated by the fact that on some sheets the PVA glue had been too thinly applied. The attention of the stamp suppliers was drawn to the matter and we have been advised that an improved adhesive has since been developed and this is being used on all the later supplies of stamps.
Christmas Aerogrammes
27. A new Christmas aerogramme designed by Mr. Arthur HACKER of the Government Information Services was placed on sale in December along with the one bearing the design of Mr. M. F. GRIFFITH which had been sold the previous year.
Private Boxes
28. The demand overall for private boxes still tends to exceed the available supply and waiting lists are maintained. The income from rentals of private boxes and bag services was $692,294.50, an increase of $59,009.11 over the preceding year. Much of this increase is attribu- table to more of the boxes installed at Kowloon Central Post Office being let. Spare capacity still existed at this office at the year end.
29. During the year a decision was taken to prepare an alphabetical list of Post Office Box renters for publication. Every box holder was advised of this and all applicants are notified of the intention when allocated a new box. The purpose of the list, which it is expected will be placed on sale for a small charge, is to provide a ready reference for
5
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.