THE NEW ONE-POUND NOTE OF THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXV, Issue 8987, 27 February 1888, Page 3 (Supplement)

THE NEW ONE-POUND NOTE OF THE BANK OF NEW ZEALAND.

We have seen a proof copy of the new onepound note which is shortly to be issued by the Bank of New Zealand, and when it is submitted to the public, it will, we feel sure, be recognised that it has every quality a bank note should have, and will take a high place as a work of art. It was resolved about three years ago to issue a note of a new pattern, and steps were then taken to get designs in England. Several were submitted, and that of the note now about to be issued was finally adopted. We may remark that there is to be no change of plate for denominations above one pound. The new note, from its size —being more after the shape of the Scottish one - pound notes than any others in use in the Australasian colonies bo found more convenient than the existing issue, and is more easily folded for the pocket-book. Being shorter than the notes of the larger denominations, it will be impossible by manipulation of any kind to transform a one-pound note into anything resembling a ten. Artistically, the new note is pleasing to look upon. The cattle and sheep on the top are beautifully drawn and engraved; the female face, that of Zealandia, we presume, is classical and noble ; while the kiwis, and tree ferns, and cabbage trees, and the New Zealand landscapes, of which we have glimpses, are simply perfect. The design is so carried out that it is almost impossible to conceive that a forgery could be executed which would not easily be detected by any person ; and it is protected in a special manner against photography. lb will also be more easily handled by bankiellers than the present note. Any who have seen the extraordinary rapidity with which an experienced teller in a Scottish bank counts one-pound notes could not fail to admire the dexterity displayed* which is largely aided by the shape and texture of the note. The new notes will bo issued gradually as required, to replace those of the present plate coming in to the Bank in an unissuable state, and so in course of a limited time the existing issue will disappear. We have little doubt but that the new note will become a favourite with the public ; and, if the Bank will only keep the circulation tolerably crisp and clean, it will really be a pleasure to handle and have in ane's possession such admirable works of art as the new note about to be issued.