WORLD'S WORST STAMP.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21132, 15 March 1932, Page 8

WORLD'S WORST STAMP.

DOMINION HEALTH ISSUE. CRITICISM FROM OVERSEAS. BOY WITH A BLACK EYE. "New Zealand does not seem happy J„ its choice of designs for health stamps" remarks a correspondent, who substantiate:, her opinion with criticism, which has appeared in the overseas press. The criticism gains added point from the fact that tho designs of the new set of ordinary stamps have been unfavourably received by many people. Writing in a Hongkong newspaper concorning the 1931 New Zealand health stamp, a philatelist says: "Another claimant has arisen for the honour of having tho world's worst stamp. This tirno it is New Zealand. Of this latest philatelic monstrosity the Australian Stamp Monthly says: «I n the sacred cause of charity two stamps hav e arrived which must be seen to believed.

Against a background, which hope is not typical of New Zealand (al. though something equally unattractive ap. pears on the Dominion's new air mail stamp—so, perhaps, it is really true) appeals the head of a curiy-headed boy (or is it a marcelled young lady?). for the sake of New Zealand's reputation for chivalry we must decide, on the boy for ho is adorned with one of the most beautiful black eyes we have ever seen " 'He is also a typical boy in the way his ears stick out, while one of theso has undoubtedly suffered in the same bout as the eye. His teeth appear to be intact, but there are distinct evidences of contusion of the upper lip and nose. Undoubtedly overflowing with anirnal spirit, our young friend bears a prominent label: Health.'"

The correspondent to the Hebald goes on: "The health stamps issued abont two years ago gave many people the impression that this fair land was overrun by tuberculosis awl for that reason to be avoided. The present issue is certainly not one to be perpetuated, from an artistic point of view."-