CHARITY STAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 40, 17 February 1937, Page 21

CHARITY STAMPS.

MONEY FOR GOOD CAUSES.

ESTABLISHED IN EUROPE.

In a number of countries funds are raised for child welfare, anti-tuber-culosis, and other charitable objects by the issue of a special aeries of postage stamps, which are bold at a higher price than their postal value, the excess, or "supplement," being handed ever by the postal authorities to the society or institution dealing with the matter in question. * This tiystem, as a regular annual issue, originated in Switzerland, where, in 1013, a single five cent stamp (sold for ten cents) and inscribed "Pro Juventute" was issued, and in 1915 there were two values issued, and a set has appeared regularly every year since, comprising four stamps each year from 1932. Belguim had a charity eet still earlier (in 1910), followed by others at irregular intervale for various objects, but it was not until 1026 that they appeared annually. Last year's issue was the Queen Astrid mourning stamps with black borders, by many acclaimed the most beautiful stamp ever issued. This yStnr's iesue shows the young Crown Prince (aged 6), who had previously appeared as. one of the three royal children in a set issued in May, 1935. The neighbouring Duchy of Luxemburg began their annual, issue in 1924, and for six years 1926-31 a different member of the royal children appeared each year, since when various rulers from the Middle Ages have been shown —this year it ie Wenceslas, the firet Duke of Luxemburg, 1353-83. Holland has issued some very tine designs, but latterly they have been of rather futuristic appearance—this year's shows a cherub almost encircled by a large Posthorn. Switzerland for many years used the arms of various cantons and cities, but recently have shown typical native costumes of various cantons on the three lower values, and some famous man on the highest value, as is the cas»s this year, except that this year Hans G. Nageli appears on the lowest value. These stamps usually appear on December. I and are on sale for two or three months only, although usually available for postage for a longer period. Owing to the usually very small extra charge or "supplement," the sale is large, eo that considerable amounts are raised annually in this way.