ODDS AND ENDS.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1262, 7 May 1896, Page 16

ODDS AND ENDS.

As partly accounting for tho rarity and increasing prices of tho stamps of Afghanistan, we may inform our readers unacquainted witli the facts, and remind those who are aware of llicni, that the aale and export, has been most strictly prohibited" since 13'Jl. We presume tint regulation is still in force, and that smuggling out is still necessary.

The Postmaster of the British House of Commons (Mr Pike) has handed over to Mr John Hums, AI.P. for Biltorsea, a postcard expressing gratitude addressed "To the M.P. what iiivM the dwjs" Mr Pike was, guided in his momentous decision as to the true destination of the postcard by the reflection that Mr Burns represents the County Council, whence the muz/.ling order i sued, and Hiflersea, whence the postcard came. Mr Burns will present it to a philatelic friend.

With reference to late notes on Chinese stamps, the editor of tho Australian Philatelist says in the April, 18H5, No., "If a postal system is required ( v. d on this point we arc fully prepared to concede the necessity), why cannot the poits join together and establish a regular post.--.I system under erne administration, and having one series of stamps common to all?" Tho reason is because, the postages are received for defraying expenses, and are puts of municipal revenues. It is conceivable that 2D municipalise; may agree to carry out arrangements for delivery, A::, itc, hut for one oflico to collect tho revenue by means of one sot of stamps, and then apportion it pro rata would require a

clearing -house machinery probably absorbin .• all tho income. People arc apt to forget that stamps aro only a convenient moans of raising revenue for a certain purpose, such as delivery of letters. Of course, an Imperial ayatem would obviate all this.

Talking of the iniquity of postal authorities raising tho wind out of their postage stamps reminds US that, Mr Basil rhiinipsoii (Mr Shirley Ikkoi's successor in the Premiership of Tonga), in his recently published amusing woik, "The diversions of a Prime Minister," tells a story as follows:—" 1 must now make a disgraceful confession. Among the letters io the Postmaster's oflico were a number from linns in England and America who deal in postage stamps, some of which had enclosed considerable sums of money. The treasury was in dire straits, and a sum of £'2oo well worth a sacrifice of self-respect. We determined to change our stamps. The change could be iflccted for £4O, and the sale of our old stamps, thus enchauccd in value, would bring us in £2OO or more. 1 have since heard that tho Government of Costa Pica, a year later, descended to tho same disreputable expedient, but, 1 believe, I may fairly take to myself tho discredit of being the tirst to devise the scheme."