CHARITY STAMP.

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 77, 26 February 1930, Page 8

CHARITY STAMP.

(To tho Editor.) Sir,—At the present time we have in this town a children’s health camp, at which a largo number of children are undergoing a course of special treatment under the supervision of Hr. Gunn. It is worthy of note that the special charity stamp which is still on sale at the local post office is for the purpose of raising funds to finance such camps as this. The camp is part of the Government campaign for health; and it is for that purpose we are asked to support the stamp, the selling slogan for which is: “A penny for postage, a penny for health. Unfortunately, the stamp has not met with a good response, and is therefore suggested that the next issue consist of two values, id' and Id. It is quite possible that many firms would consent to use the value (sold at Id) on their accounts for one month, and this would contribute largely to the success of the fund. It is interesting to look round and see what other countries are doing in the matter ot charity stamps, more particularly in regard to child welfare and anti-tuber-culosis charities. As early as 1897, New South Wales issued two stamps tlie proceeds from which were donated to a Consumptives’ Home. The stamps paid postage as Id and 2)d, hut were sold at Is and 2s 6d respectively. Thus, for every pair of stamps sold, the charity benefited to the extent of 3s 24d! Other anti-tuberculosis sets were issued as long ago as 1906 (Holland) and 1910 (Belgium). The latter country has, since 1925, annually issued a beautifully designed set for this cause. (A whole set, not one low-valued stamp as New Zealand has issued.) Child welfare stamps have become very popular since tho war, the following countries, among others, making an annual appeal to the public Austria, Germany, Holland, Russia, Saar Switzerland and Luxembourg. The latter country has issued a set each year bearing the portrait of one of the children of the Grand Duchess—l 926 Prince Jean, 1927 Princess Elizabeth 1928 Princess Marie Adelaide, IJIJ Princess Marie Gabrielle; presumably next Christmas the set will bear the portrait of Prince Charles. The above stamps are all for voluntary use. Mozambique, Portugal and Mexico have at times issued child welfare stamps, for compulsory use on letters during certain days—truly a direct tax These are the most frequent charities for which an appeal is made by means of postage stamps but many other causes have also benefited War orphans, earthquake sufferers, war widows, wounded soldiers, famine relief, flood relief. Red Cross, Scouts fund, poor relief, etc. In order that the quality of stamp issued by other countries may be seen, a few sets are on view in n. showcase outside Collinson and Cunninghame’s. Probably overseas support would be forthcoming for our charitable appeal if a more attractive stamp were issued next year. These annual issues are ■well supported in other countries ; it is up to one and all to support New Zealand’s issue, this year as Well as next year.— We are, etc., MANAWATU PHILATELIC SOCIETY (Per K. L. Collinson). P.S.—The stamp is being withdrawn from sale on February 28th.