NEW STAMP ISSUE

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22661, 16 March 1939, Page 16

NEW STAMP ISSUE

* SPECIAL SET FOR CENTENNIAL DESIGNS DESCRIBED Subjects representing various phases of New Zealand's historical and industrial development, from the arrival of the Maoris in about 1350, up to the present day, have been featured in the centennial postage stamp set. Throughout the designs the utilisation in the border work of Maori ornamentation and articles of. ancient Maori use has provided a novel field for the designer. Description of the seven finished stamps received from the printer, photographs of which appear to-day, is as fohows: — The id stamp, designed by Mr L. C. Mitchell, of Wellington, features a conception of the arrival of one of the canoes in the 1350 Maori migration. The Maoris have been pictured as arriving in a stale of near physical exhaustion. the inevitable consequence, in spite of the magnificent seamanship of the natives, of weeks spent in open canoes. The noble figure of a chief in the foreground in symbolic manner is pointing out to his tribe the rich foliage and pleasing prospect of the new land. In the centre are the food baskets and fresh water gourds. Two Maoris are seen carrying a basket which contains kumara. The spiral border designs is in Maori motif. The value is inserted in the blade of a tewhatewha or Maori axe. The stamp, the only one of the series printed in a single colour, is deep green. The lid stamp, designed by Mr James Eerry. of Wellington, features the five sovereigns—Victoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and King George Vl—and represents the 100 years' sovereignty under the British Crown The stamp is printed in blue and violet. Depicting the landing of the main body of immigrants on Petone Beach on January 22, 1840. the 3d denomination is printed in dull purple and petunia. The design was prepared by Mr L. C. Mitchell, of Wellington. Progress of Transport The progress of transport over 100 years, treated in allegorical effect, is shown in the 4d denomination. The stamp was designed by Mr L. C. Mitchell, of Wellington, and is printed in chocolate and violet colours. At the left is represented a bullock team typical of the types used in the early days of settlement and representing communication in the first beginnings of our history. The express train at right shows the achievement of inland transport to-day with fast express rail services between main centres. The centre panel treats of overseas steamship services with fast modern liners trading from world markets. The air liner overhead features the development of air transport both inland and overseas. On August 11, 1840. two Magistrates dispatched by Governor Hobson to Akaroa in His Majesty’s ship Britomart, held civil court and hoisted the British flag, thereby strengthening British sovereignty over the South Island. This event is depicted in the 5d stamp with a representation of the actual ceremony. H.M.S. Britomart lies at anchor at the left. Officials, naval officers, and inhabitants of the district are seen gathered around the flagpole. The stamp was designed by Mr James Berry, of Wellington; it is printed in pale blue and brown. The impetus given the expansion of New Zealand’s pastoral production by the development of refrigerating cargo equipment is featured in the depiction of the first shipment of frozen mutton to leave New Zealand, on February 15, 1882, shown on the 6d stamp. A map of the world showing the location of New Zealand in relation to other world countries, and marking the route taken by the Dunedin, the vessel which carried the first shipment, is shown in the stamp. Inset is a reproduction of the ship. The stamp was designed' 1 by Mr James Berry, of Wellington, and is printed in bright green and mauve. The giant kauri Tane Mahuta is featured in the one shilling denomination as symbolising the whole period of New Zealand history. This tree is one of the more well known of the magnificent specimens in the Waipoua forest reserve in the North Auckland district. Its age is estimated at more than 1000 years; nothing more fitting could be found to symbolise the whole period of New Zealand’s history. The design was drawn by Mr James Berry, of Wellington; the stamp is printed in pale olive green and grey black.