ANNUAL POSTAL REPORT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume III, Issue 735, 17 August 1878, Page 2

ANNUAL POSTAL REPORT.

Wellington, August 16. ■ The annual Postal Report, just published, says the recent General Postal Union may be regarded as one of the most important events bearing on the future administration of the postal service, and although the decision to join the same will entail a small loss of revenue, it is held that owing to the many important advantages secured, the Colony should be prepared to incur the loss. The absence of any serious charge against the Department is a proof that the public interests are well cared for. It is intended to establish an inland parcels post, by which merchandise, raw and manufactured, and many other articles may be forwarded through the post at nominal rates. Owing to arrangements made with the Imperial Post Office authorities by the AgentGeneral, arrears of postage to the amount of L 36,000 due to the Colony have been paid. Penny Savings Banks at schools and factories may be established; the necessary forms are being printed. The question of establishing suburban delU veries is under consideration. The gross revenue for the year amounts to L 114,291; the estimated expenditure, L 135,389, being L 4846 less than the expenditure of the preceding year. Increase of letters, 1,214,133 ; books and newspapers, 845,743, equal to 10 per cent. The circulation of post cards has not diminished the revenue. The cost of free or officially franked correspondence has been L 52,848. Newspaper wrappers sold amount to L 72,120. The number of unclaimed or dead letters dealt with amounts t0L65,953; registered letters, 60,587. New post offices are to be built at Wellington and Timaru. Comparisons are made between, the time taken in the delivery of the London mails via 'Frisco and Sue?, By the former, mails have been delivered a,t

Wellington in 42 days ; by the latter, in 37 days. The net cost to the colony of ■the -Frisco service for the year was 113,181, and the Suez, L 6844. The 'number of money orders issued ?vas 90,672, for L 334,973, the revenue from money orders being L 5714. , The Savings' Sank deposits number 60,953, representing L 681,294. There was an excess of deposits over withdrawals of L 141,271.