STAMPS AND THEIR COLLECTORS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3757, 16 March 1926, Page 27

STAMPS AND THEIR COLLECTORS.

PHILATELIC CONGRESS. EXHIBITION OPENED. The third New Zealand Philatelic Congress and Exhibition of Postage Stamps was opened in the Art Gallery on Thursday afternoon, when delegates from various Dominion centres were welcomed by representatives of the Dunedin Society, and the exhibition was declared open by the Deputy Mayor, Mr W. B. Taverner. The exhibition, which was opened for the first time yesterday morning, was attended throughout the day by large numbers of visitors. It is on the whole a very' good •display and one which has already shown the distinct appeal it holds for the public. AN INTERESTING COLLECTION. There are no stamps of any outstanding rarity displayed, but the sections have been designed and arranged to interest all visitors, and' examples from the collections of members ranging from a Cabinet Minister to a schoolboy are shown. A special section is the display of Mr A. L. Chappell, of Christchurch, which shows the complete methods of stamp production, together with examples and 'notes. Mr 11. T. Fathers, of Wellington, has forwarded a particularly line display of the “Penny Universal” stamp issued between 1901 and 1919, and this collection will be sent to the New York Exhibition as the best example of New Zealand Philatelic research work. The stamps in the exhibition range from IS4O, the year when the first adhesive stamp was issued, to the special New' Zealand issue for the Exhibition. The Cape of Good Hope “triangles” are well known and popular stamps, many varieties of which are exhibited, while near them a small section is devoted to examples of the pigeon aerial stamps in active use between 1899 and 1904. There is an excellent collection of Queensland stamps contributed by an Adelaide collector, and many examples of the King Albert of F,elgium, “tin hat” issue, designed by the publisher of the famous anti-German newspaper issued during the occupation of Belgium, are to be seen Another large and interesting collection contains the stamps of the new European countries that have been issued since the war. Greece has issued a number, to commemorate the death of Lord Byron,, and Russians acknowledgment of Lenin is in the form of a striking stamp printed in red end black. Stamps of Lettlnnd were printed for the sake of economy, on the back of German war maps, and at a later period on bank notes. Numbers of these are of outstanding interest to visitors, as are the German stamps in round transparent containers which were used as currency in 1920 and 1921. There, is the “Hogue’s Gallery” of Hungarian stamps printed with the head and shoulders of many revolutionary leaders, and in sudden contrast are the neat and attractive stamps of the United States aero mail. A very valuable collection of Ceylon stamps is also included in the exhibition, and a section of interest is that devoted to a display of old New Zealand ‘-advertisements” which were printed on the backs of many sheets of stamps. The contract to undertake this novel form of publicity was let by the Government to a Wellington company, but owing to the indifferent success of the venture it was abandoned after 12 months. THE OPENING CEREMONY.

At 2.59 o’clock in the afternoon the exhibition was formally opened. Mr J, MlAra (president of the Dunedm Philatelic .Club) took the chair, and expressed his gratification at seeing so many interested visitors present. There was much of great interest in the exhibition, and he was sure that a close examination would be well repaid. After apologising for the absence of the Maror (Mr H. L. Tapley, Cr VV. Taverner (Deputy Mayor) extended a hearty welcome .to all visitors. He said that this year there had been many conferences in Dunedin, but the Philatelic Congress was in many ways unique. It was of exceptional interest to a large section of the community, and the educational value of the exhibition was undoubted. He was no expert, but he knew that in no otner branch of- research was it so easy '.j regard our geese, a.; swans, and to him it also appeared that the countries of least im portance were often the most prolific m stamps. Chile issued many beautiful stamps, but Great Britain had never pro duced a stamp worth looking at from an artistic point of view. It was possibly with an eye to business that small countries produced particularly eaut ful stamps and occasionally made mistakes with the issues. “Stamp collecting is unique in that it turns the errors of men to profitable account.” he observed. In conclusion, Cr Taverner expressed the hope that the exhibition of stamps would be attended by large numbers of visitors, and that the interest taken in the new and modern methods of display would be great. The committee responsible for the arrangements in connection with the exhibition are Messrs J. M‘Ara (chairman), C. T. Gallis, B. Howard, W. J. Walls. J. Pemberton, W. L. Hooper, M. Watt, A, Thomas, and M. Thomson, all of whom are indebted to Messrs L. Vernazoni, A. L. Chappell, and A. W. Cousens, of Christchurch. and E. G. Pilcher, of Wellington, for assistance given with arrangements and exhibits.

The judges were Messrs E. G. Pilcher, R. L. Jovce, A. L. Chappell, W. L. Hooper, C. T. Callis, J. M‘Ara, it. J. G. Collins, L. E. Vernazoni, and M. N. Wntt. THE ANNUAL MEETING.

After the opening ceremony of the exhibition the meeting of congress was held, there being present Messrs Chappell (president), A. W. Cousens, and Vernazoni (Christchurch), W. L. Hooper and B. Howard (Dunedin) S. Curtis and A. Soelman (Manawatu). E. G. Pilcher, W. Fereuson, and S. Curtis (Wellington), J. Pemerton (Wanganui). J. M‘Ara and M. N. Watt (Dunedin), and R. J. G. Collins (secretary). The first remit considered was that all New Zealand Philatelic Club sheets be uniform in sixe and description. Mr Hooper, who brought the remit forward, mentioned the difficulties which arose if different sorts of sheets were submitted to different clubs. Mr Cousens seconded the motion, and suggested that congress should get in touch with the Wellington Society. As an amendment Mr Vernazoni moved: That this congress views with regret that

the remit carried at a previous congress with reference to uniformity of sheets was not carried out.”

Mr Vernazoni entered a plea that remits be acted upon by the various clubs when ’arried.

‘‘l cannot think of any case where our remits have been acted upon,” he said. ‘‘We should remember that the work does not end with the close of the congress.”. The amendment was incorporated with the motion and carried. Mr M. Watt moved: “That all senior philatelic societies should hold, at least once a year, a small exhibition of such a nature as todnteiest and instruct the inan in the street and to stimulate and encourage the junior members of the community.”—Carried. Mr Vernazoni moved: “That each society should approach the member of Parliament for their districts with a view to the formation of a national reference stamp collection to be placed in the Turnbull Library in Wellington.” The remit followed a similar resolution passed at the last congress, and members expressed the opinion that the matter would receive more attention if the Ministers were approached. —Carried.

It was decided that the headquarters of the society should remain jn Christchurch, and the office-bearers for the ensuing year were re-elected. The location of the next conference was held over until the wishes of the Auckland Society had been ascertained.

CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC INTEREST. From the moment the doors of the Art Gallery wing, containing the New Zealand Philatelic Society’s third exhibition of postage stamps, were opened on Friday the crowds of visitors who streamed in throughout the afternoon and evening proved the public interest that is taken in the unique display of postal- stamps that was again on view yestejrjjay./Samples from collectiortg sent from all parts of Australia and New Zealand have been arranged in a maimer that offer the greatest appeul to the uninitiated, and every endeavour lias been made to produce an educational exhibition that is worthy of the closest examination by collectors—both beginners and experienced devotees of the fascinating hobby, 'k Amongst the many interesting groups is the collection of New Europe issues from the post-war reconstruction period. The first award in this section went to Mr A F. M. Paterson, from whose collection a particularly valuable exhibit of the issues of obscure European countries and States is shown. The second award was gained by Mr E. G. Pilcher, whose collection U also worthy of an important place in theexhibition One of the many attractive varieties in Mr Pilcher’s collection is that of Jugo Slavia, a first issue showing a symbolic figure breaking the Austrian fetters. Two of the collections in the same section include a number of stamps from the Rogues’ Gallery of Socialist leaders in Hungary—Karl Marx, Martinovus, Engels, and Dozia.

There are many samples of stamps struck to celebrate the victory of the Allied forces at the close of the Great War, not the least beautiful of -these being the Japanese issues, designed with the dove of Peace. In this section Mr E. G. Pilcher has an interesting collection of Now Zealand Victory stamps in seven varieties. Mr Pilcher also gained first award in the section devoted to any one British dominion, with a valuable collection of Ceylon stamps containing practically every issue from 1855 to the present day. which is one of the outstanding displays in the exhibition. They comprise used and unused—in . perfect condition—and the collection as a whole is an exceedingly valuable one. Beside the Ceylon stamps is a selection of the famous Cape of Good Hope triangles exhibited by Mr J; Pemberton. Amongst the sections in which Mr A. L. Chappell, of Christchurch, has exhibited is that devoted to novel and curious varieties —freak stamps the values of which lie in their unique treatment in the countries of origin. There are 12 clever forgeries, some patent even to the layman, others so cleverly perpetrated that the deception can be discovered only by a trained and experienced collector. There are stamps overprinted with pen and ink, and stamps bisected to double the face value, enabling one stamp to be divided and used on two envelopes, and consequently save further printing Although they are not in the collection shown by Mr Chappells, the Serbian “death head” stamp may be numbered in this class, and is one of the most interesting in the exhibition. As it was printed, it contained the busts of King Peter and Kara George but when reversed, another head, apparently badly battered, is plainly discernible. As the stamp was issued after the assassination of King Alexander, the people of Serbia regarded the phenomenon as an omen, and in some quarters it is still alleged that the French engraver who designed the stamp, manufactured the srim picture puzzle with a definite object. That, however, has never been established. A SOCIAL EVENING. On Friday evening the visiting delegates to the Philatelic Congress were entertained *at an enjoyable smoke concert in the Wentworth rooms by the members of the Dunedin Society. The President, Mr J. M’Ara, was in the chair, and there was an attendance of twenty-five members and visitors In proposing the toast of the “Congress and the Exhibition,” the president of the New Zealand Society, Mr A. L. Chappell, said it had occurred to him that times had changed in philatelic circles. Once a philatelist hid his light under a bushel, and as a man who collected little scraps of paper, did it “round the corner.” Now they had come out into the open through the benefits of organisation. To-day, no town of any size was without its philatelic club, and throughout the country philatelists were becoming more prominent every day. Yet there were still thousands of collectors outside the clubs in New Zealand, and it behoved every member to do his utmost to mako collectors realise the value of the science. The organisation had shown its progress in Dunedin by organising an excellent exhibition of postage stamps, the Dunedin society had offered an open-handed and hospitable welcome to all delegates, and in every way tho exhibition in the Art Gallery was designod to show visitors the value of the hobby. The exhibition should be kopt well before the public, for it was worthy of close study and.-examination by all. The speaker also detailed the method of allotting points in the exhibition competitions. ana said that the points had* been given on an international standard.

“I should like to congratulate the Dunedin society on the great success of the congress and the exhibition. *’ he concluded. “Mr J. M‘Ara and his committee have done excellent work, and success has attended their efforts.”

In reply, Mr M‘Ara thanked the previ ous speaker for the kind things he had said about their efforts, but he felt that a good show had been put up It had been extremely interesting to the committee, the members of which all enjoyed the work, and the members were delighted at the opportunity given to meet philatelists from all parts of the Dominion. Mr Basil Howard proposed the toast of “The Exhibition,” and in doing so endorsed Mr Chappell’s remarks as to the fallacy of a collector being an apologist. The Dunedin society was greatly indebted to the exhibition, for the exhibition was an important milestone in. the progress of philately. and the devotion and interest taken by exhibitors was responsible for its success. The work of judging was also heavy, and the Dunedin Society was fortunate in having the services of capable men from the north. He coupled his toast with that of “the Judges.” Messrs R. J. G. Collins (Christchurch). •R. L. Jovce (Christchurch), and E. G. Pilcher (Wellington) replied to the toast. ‘‘Our Friend the Post Office.” was proposed bv Mr E. Vernazoni (Christchurch) and replied to by Mr R. J. G. Collins. An excellent musical programme completed a very successful evening. A NOTABLE COLLECTION. AWARDS ANNOUNCED. The judging was completed on Wednesday night, and the following awards were made: Division I.—S. Rolston. jun.. British Solomon Islands, second-class award. Division 2 Any one foreign country and foreign possession: Francis H. Steele. Belgium, third-class award. Division '4J. —Any collection showing original research: H. T. M. Fathers, -New Zealand penny Universal Waterlow and Royle plates, first-class award; A. L. Chappell. Highways and Byways of Philately, first-class award; M. N. Watt. New Zealand Penny Universal, secondclass award: M. N. Watt, New Zealand Advertisements, second-class award; R. F. Joyce, Dunedin cancellations on full face issue, third-class award. Division sA.—New Zealand, C. T. Callis. third-class award. Division 6D.—Dan Fryar, Queensland, first-class award. ’Division 6J.—Any one Pacific Island or gicup—S. Ralston, jun., British Solomon Islands, second-class award. Division 7A. —A. Eccles, second-class award. _ , Division 7B. —E. G. Pilcher, Ceylon first-class award; & Ralston, jun., British Solomon Islands, second-class award: M. T. Spcenling, Canada, tlii.d-class award. Division 7C—J. M‘Ara, Northern and Southern Nigeria, second-class award. Division 7D.—F. H. Steele, Belgium, third-class award. <Division 7E.—War Stamps, W. J. Walls, first-class award. Division 7F.--New Europe and Reconstruction Period, A. F. M. Patersofl, first class award; E. G. Pilcher, second-class award. Division BA.—General Collection. The Collins, second-class award; S. Greenslade, third-class award.; Division DC.—British Empire Geor gian Period, W. J. Walls, first-class award. ' Division 10A. —Air Stamps, W. Peers, fiist-class award. Division 10b.—Any collection of educational value—A. L. Chappell, first-class award; W. A. Maddren, secon,d-class award. Junior section, 10b—G. B. Beath, second-class award. Division lla.—Single issue, specialised collection—H. T. M. Fathers, N.Z. Id Universals, first-class award; M. N. Watt, N. Id Universals, second-class award; Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, N.Z, full face issue, second-class award. Division lib.—Re-entries or retouches —H. T. M. Fathers, N.Z. Id Universals, first-class award; M. N. Watt, N.Z. Id Universals, second-class award; Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, N.Z. full face issue, second-class award. Division lie. —Showing methods of printing, etc.—A. L. Chappell, first-claas award. Division 13a.—General collection, exhibitor under 20 years—Bryan Collins, second-class award; W. A. Reilly, thirdclass award; S. Greenslade, hon. mention. Division 13b.—General collection, under 16 years—H. J. Bowron, first-class award; O. Ruhen, second-class award. Division 13c.—General collection, under 12 years—Clifford Ellyett, first-class award; Colin Rolston, second-class award. Division 14a.—One country or group specialised, under 20 —F. H. Steele, first class award. Division 14b.—One country or group specialised, under 16—Don. Fryar, firstclass award; S. C. Rolston, second-class aw r ard. Division 15a. —Verne, Collins (Ltd.), catalogue of New Zealand and Dependencies, third-class award. Division 15b.—Verne, Collins (Ltd.), Philatelic Journal, second-class award. Division 15c.—Philatelic handbooks— Verne, Collins (Ltd.), stamps of Pacific Islands and New Zealand, first-class award. Division 16.—R. J. G. Collins, as in Division 15c, first-class award. Pack Special Prize, given by Mr Charles Lathrop Pack, New Jersey, U.S.A., for new and authentic material establishing the office of origin of any unproven town cancellation numbers between 1 and 21— K. J. G. Collins. Special award—H. T. M. Fathers, for original research in New Zealand Penny Universals, Divisions 3 and lla and b.