ANZAC STAMPS

Evening Star, Issue 22327, 1 May 1936, Page 2

ANZAC STAMPS

FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING PROPOSALS TO ENCOURAGE SALES The first meeting of the Dunedin Anzac Committee was held in the Returned Soldiers’ Association buildings yesterday afternoon. Mr H. L. Patterson was in the chair, am l o+'w" sent were Messrs H. P, West, G. G. Adess, A. C. Laing, R. Conne.., u. Smith, A. Duncan, A. Clark, N. R. M'lsnac, and 0. L. Ferens. The Chairman said that the sale of the Anzac commemoration stamps had been very encouraging. However, the Returned Soldiers’ Association wanted to get as many people interested in the stamps as possible, and they were gathered together to receive any suggestions whereby sales might be stimulated. He himself suggested that the business part of the city should be divided into areas which could be can.vassed by ladies. Mr N. R. MTsaac said that nuite a number of business Anns had bought stamps, and they would not need to approach these firms again. He had encouraged the postmen in their sale of the stamps, ana so far they had sold £6O worth. However, these men had not the time to devote to an intensive campaign, and he thought that if the ladies could canvass business firms they would receive excellent support. His department would be willing to issue stamps to recognised Returned Soldiers’ Association officials, so that the canvassers would be able to dispose of the stamps on the spot. The ladies might not sell large amounts of stamps to one firm, but they should be able to sell small amounts to a number of firms. Mr G. B. Smith said there had been quite a number of patriotic appeals recently. They had had a Poppy Day last week, and people might bo getting tired of the continual demands. Ho thought that they should first create the right atmosphere before beginning the campaign. _ Mr O. L. Ferens, in answer to questions, said that country branches were in touch with the Dunedin Association, and reports from these branches were very encouraging. He instanced cases where various towns had sold all their stocks. A special circular had been prepared. and was being forwarded to the various committees in country districts.

Mr A. Duncan said it was proposed to hold a special community sing, the proceeds of which would be handed over to- the committee. The Returned Soldiers’ Associations’ sings last year had proved a great attraction, and had been very satisfactory financially. They intended running sings this year, and the Community Sing Committee would hold its first sing in the Town Hall in the near future. Mr M'Donald would he the leader.

Mr A. Clark reported that a meeting of the Philatelic Society would be held that night, when it was proposed to discuss the question of a special stamp exhibition. There would be some difficulty in financing the exhibition, but he had no doubt that it would be a success,—lt was decided to write asking if the Government collection of New Zealand stamps could be secured for the exhibition, and whether a special frank could be secured for use in cancelling letters bearing an Anzac stamp which were posted at the exhibition. Mr Clark said he would report on the proposed cost at the next committee meeting.

Mr Ferens reported that the sale of special envelopes was very satisfactory, between 50,000 and 60,000 envelopes already having been disposed of. Although the association was not making any profit on their sale, it was very encouraging for the sale of the commemorative stamp. Many city firms were unable to use this envelope because of their own specially marked ones, and it was decided that special oblong stickers be issued to these firms. A local B station had written intimating that they would be willing to hold a competition, answers to which would have to contain an Anzac stamp on the envelope, if the association would provide a small prize. It was anticipated that 500 replies would be received. and the committee decided to accept the offer. It was also agreed that it would be a good idea if talks on the stamp could he broadcast, and two members intimated their willingness to approach tbc director of IVA. The next committee meeting will be I hc.'d . u May 7.