Story Words

Southland Times, Issue 20664, 20 April 1929, Page 22

Story Words

BENIGNANT. Although this word does not have as pleasant, a sound as “benign,” this is the adjective more often applied to persons, “benign” to things. Both are derived from the Latin benignus, "kind,” which in turn is formed from bene, “well,” and genus, “kind or born,” proving that good breeding is manifested in gentleness of manner and kindliness of spirit. “Benignant” used as referring to persons denotes a kindly feeling, graciousness toward ' those inferior or dependent, and a benevolence toward all men; when applied to things it is quite synonymous with “benign,” indicating a favourable, salutary or beneficial influence as opposed to “malign.” In the latter sense both words are often used to characterize weather or climate. The softening influences of a benignant person tends to make all who come into contact with him more tender, gentle and kindly. Loving and giving are the elements which produce benignancy. Accent the second syllable of benig’-nant. Sound e as in event, i as in dig, a as in account. “The influence of Christianity is benignant.”

finely engraved map, printed in London by Messrs Perkins, Bacon and Co., showing in the south-east a great triangular stretch of territory which it labels “Chaco Boliviano.” The denomination is 15c., carmine of which 4,000,000 have been printed. Along with it there have been supplied a like quantity of the 5c green (Condor of the Andes) and 3,000,000 of a new 10c slate with an excellent portrait of President Hernando Siles. EGYPT’S CROWN PRINCE Prince Farouk, heir to the throne of Egypt, was born on Feb., 11, 1920, and his birthday has been celebrated this year by a handsome series of four portrait stamps, bearing his name and the anniversary dates “Prince Farouk, 1920-1929.” The portrait panel is in grey, printed by photogravure on all four values, the frames having distinctive colours, 5 milliemes brown, 10m terra-cotta, 15m ultramarine and'2om blue. They are printed in sheets of fifty on the current Egyptian watermarked paper, and perforated 131. PA YING FOR MUSEUM Although 1929 is not yet very old, it has already made philatelic history by its issues. Madeira has managed without special stamps for practically forty years. But the inhabitants wanted a museum, and decided that philatelists should pay for it. They issued for one day only, January 31, a set of twenty-one stamps, ranging in value from 3c to 7 escudos. For that one day their use was obligator}', and thus they received the stigmata necessary for all postage stamps. Maderia’s museum will not materialize from one day’s stamp sales. It is confidently anticipated that the shortness of their “life” will be duly reflected in the enhanced price obtained for those left over, and it is these which will give Maderia her longed-for museum. WHAT THE STAMP CLUB MEANS This column is conducted and the stamp club arranged in order to interest stamp collectors, young and old. Our aims and objectives are: —■ 1. To give latest news of new issues etc. 2. To try to solve difficulties that crop up, as for example, what nation a stamp has been issued by. 3. To arrange for club nights when stamps can be exchanged and competitions held. How To Join. Simply write to Cousin Phil, C/o the Times Office so that he can enrol you.