Significance of marking stamps
I REFER to the letter headlined, ''Stamps officially vandalised'' (South Morning Post, May 18) and wish to advise your anonymous correspondent that the primary purpose of cancelling postage stamps on mail items is to prevent their re-use.
Should stamps be found uncancelled under the normal date stamping procedures, they'll be struck with indelible ink or ball pen by the delivery office which detects the irregularity.
This practice is stipulated under the Universal Postal Union regulations and is commonly adopted by postal administrations.
The Hongkong Post Office is aware that avid philatelists are keen to have their stamps properly cancelled, and has provided special posting boxes at the six philatelic offices, whereby stamps or items posted into these boxes are carefully cancelled before delivery.
Details can be obtained from the Controller (Philatelic Bureau) on 9221 2275.
C. T. CHAU for Postmaster General
