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Hongkong Post today (August 10) announced that a stamp sheetlet marking the 170th anniversary of the Hong Kong postal service will be released for sale together with associated philatelic products on August 25.
The first post office was opened in Hong Kong on August 25, 1841, to provide a safe, reliable and affordable channel for personal or business communication. Hongkong Post has upheld this excellent tradition throughout the past 170 years, overcoming countless operational difficulties and responding tenaciously to new challenges, living up to its purpose statement of "Linking People, Delivering Business".
The left-hand side of the "170th Anniversary of Hong Kong Postal Service" stamp sheetlet shows contrasting views of the General Post Office built in 1911 and the present one that became operational in 1976, and shows the Victorian pillar street posting box (cast between 1837 and 1901) juxtaposed with its modern-day version to denote the passage of time. Furthermore, the globe and hummingbird logo on the right-hand side symbolise Hongkong Post's traditional strength derived from a wide variety of products and a comprehensive delivery network, while the postmarks used in 1841 and 2011 subtly underscore the 170th anniversary of the postal service.
Official first day covers will be put on sale for $1 each at all post offices effective from August 11. Meanwhile, the stamp sheetlet and associated philatelic products will be displayed at the General Post Office, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office and Sha Tin Central Post Office on the same day. Advance orders for servicing self-provided covers will be accepted at all philatelic offices from August 11 to 17. Further information may be obtained from the website of Hongkong Post at www.hongkongpost.com.
Ends/Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Issued at HKT 10:01
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