CENTENNIAL STAMPS

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 144, 14 March 1939, Page 10

CENTENNIAL STAMPS

NeAV Zealand’s Historical Development PROGRESS OF INDUSTRY 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. In releasing yesterday illustrations of seven of the finished stamps received from the printer, the Postmaster-General, Air. Jones, said that throughout the designs the utilization in the border work of Maori ornamentation and articles of ancient Maori use had provided a novel field for the designer.

•‘The Ml. stamp designed by Air. L. C. Alitchell, Wellington, features a conception of the arrival of one of the canoes in the 1350 Alaori migration,” said Air. Jones. “The Alaoris have been pictured as arriving in a state of near physical exhaustion, the inevitable consequence, despite 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 freshwater gourds. Two Alaoris are seen carrying a basket which contains kumara. The spiral border design is in Alaori motif. The value is inserted in the blade of a tewhatewha or Alaori axe: The stamp, the only one of the series printed in a single colour, is deep green. Century’s Sovereignty. “The lid. stamp, designed by Air. James Berry, AVellington, features the five sovereigns—ATctoria, Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and His Majesty King George Vl—and represents the one hundred 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 Air. Alitchell.

“The progress of transport over 100 years, treated in allegorical effect, is shown in the 4d. denomination. The stamp was also designed by Mr. Mitchell, 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 today 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 airliner overhead features the development of air transport both inland and overseas. Hoisting of British Flag.

“On August 11, 18-10, 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 iu the sd. stamp with a representation of the actual ceremony. HALS. 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. Berry and 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 depicting of the first shipment of frozen mutton to leave New Zealand, on February 15, ISS2, shown ou the 6d. stamp. A map of the world marking the route taken by tlie Dunedin, the vessel which carried the first shipment, is shown in the stamp. Inset i.s a reproduction of the ship. The stamp was designed by Mr. Berry, and is printed in bright greeu and mauve.

“Tlie giant kauri tane mahuta is featured in the 1/- denomination as symbolizing the whole period of New Zealand history. This tree is one of the best known of the magnificent specimens in Ihe AVaipoua forest reserve in tlie North. Auckland district, and its age is estimated at more than 1000 years. No more fitting symbol of the whole period of New Zealand’s history could be found. The design was drawn by Mr. Berry, and tbe stamp is printed in pale olive green ami grey black.” (Pictures on Pago 7.)