PICTORIAL STAMPS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 54, Issue 193, 29 May 1934, Page 8

PICTORIAL STAMPS.

THE COMING ISSUE.

ONE DESIGN REPLACED. ' It was stated recently in a French philatelic publication that two of the original designs of the new pictorial issue of New Zealand stamps had been replaced because they wore not -suitable for reproduction by the line engraved method- which will be used in the printing of the issue. Official advice has been received from tho Post and Telegraphic Department that only one of the original designs—that for the shilling stamp—has had to be replaced. This design was the work of Mr Marcus C. King, of Wellington and depicted a droving scene, but as it was of the poster type it could not readily be reproduced by tho intaglio process. To replace it, a design by Mr L. G Mitchell, of Wellington, showing a tui, was chosen by the board responsible for the selection of the designs. Tho department also states that the date on which" the new issue will be 'available cannot yet be determined definitely, but that it was hoped that tho stamps will be available before August this year. Many complaints have been made by the public, and also by stamp collectors regarding the poor appearance of many of the current issuci of New Zealand stamps. In several instances, particularly in the halfpenny stamp, certain detail has almost entirely disappeared. This is due 'to the use in the Government printing office of worn plates, but because of' the imminent appearance of the new pictorial issue, the authorities have not felt justified in. going to-the expense of having new plates(produced for the old design.