ENG-1959 — Page 311

260

HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT

made in 1962, together with a special commemorative issue to mark the centenary of the first Hong Kong stamp in 1862. A competition was organized during 1958 and at the end of that year 214 designs had been received from 48 entries in six coun- tries. The result of the competition was announced in May. Prizes were awarded for designs sent in from many parts of the world, but the most successful entrant was a local artist who won no less than seven prizes. Winning designs were displayed to the public in the offices of the Hong Kong Tourist Association.

In October the Government announced that the new issues would be printed by Messrs. Harrison and Sons Ltd. of London using the photogravure process,

Work on the designs for the new stamps is still continuing.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Cable & Wireless Ltd. are responsible for all telegraph services between Hong Kong and overseas, for telegraph and radiotele- phone services with ships at sea, and for a VHF Harborphone service with ships anchored in Hong Kong Harbour. They also provide a service for internal telegrams throughout the Colony, and are responsible for the technical maintenance of the Govern- ment broadcasting, aeradio and meteorological radio services, and for the VHF communications of Government departments. In conjunction with the Hong Kong Telephone Company Cable & Wireless Ltd. maintain a Radiotelephone service with most countries. In addition they provide circuits for leasing to airlines and other large business concerns.

The Company operates nineteen high speed wireless telegraph circuits working with all the major centres of the Far East and with Europe. It also operates three modern-type duplex submarine cables, connected to the Company's world wide network of 142,500 miles of submarine cable. During 1959 a new wireless telegraph circuit was opened to Sydney.

The Radiotelephone service continued to expand during 1959, a service to Karachi being opened and the hours of schedules to some countries being extended. Additional relay services were also provided.