NEW PICTORIAL STAMPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22109, 15 May 1935, Page 14

NEW PICTORIAL STAMPS

ENGRAVING CRITICISED "KIWI TURNED INTO AN EMU" Members of the Christchurch Philatelic Society are not enthusiastic about the new pictorial set of New Zealand stamps, which have been on issue since May 1. At a meeting of the society the issue was examined and discussed in detail, many of the members being critical of the work of the English engravers. It was stated, however, .that while harsh comments had been made, there was no suggestion that the issue should be withdrawn, as it was a distinct improvement on earlier issues. In one instance —that of the 9d stamp, which shows the ornamentation of a Maori door—a motion was passed expressing disapproval, and it was agreed to advise the Postmaster-Gen-eral of the society's attitude. Mr. R. J. G. Collins said he felt that the engraving of the whole of the pictorial issue was not of the highest standard. After a study of the jubilee issue one could not help feeling that if the new pictorial issue had been engraved the same way it would have made a magnificent set. Of the id stamp, which shows a pied fantail. it was said that a difference in shading between the issue and the original had given a suggestion of a hump to the bird's back. When the Id issue was passed round, the president, Mr. S. li. Dacre, said that as much harsh criticism as possible was wanted. The suggestion was approved by several members. The stamp shows a kiwi, with New Zealand scenery in the background. Mr. Collins, who was one of the artists for the design, said that the stamp did not show the correct shape of the bird, and the eye was entirely wrong. Later, Mr. Collins declared that the bird had been turned into an emu.