NEW STAMPS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 189, 12 August 1931, Page 10

NEW STAMPS

“THE WORLD’S WORST” STRONG CRITICISMS NO CREDIT TO NEW ZEALAND. Just over thirty years ago New Zealand made a name for herself in the philatelic world by issuing a set of pictorial postage stamps, which were a credit to the country as well as a very line advertisement. Just recently, however, the Dominion has gone to the opposite extreme and has issued some stamps whica are in Ciose running for the title of the world’s worst. In fa'et they have been so dubbed by one of the Dominion’s leading philatelic societies in a letter to the Prime Minister. Fortunately the new stamps are those used chiefly for ‘‘stamp duty” purposes, all of values over one shilling, hence they will not find their way overseas as postage stamps unless used occasionally on parcels. “Stamp duty” mbeis have, since tney were first issued in 1882, borne the head, of Victoria. Although reigning Sovereigns have changed since then, the New Zealand “stamp duty” stamps nave regained the aime in design. Some time ago it was suggested that Queen Victoria was now somewhat out oi late and that a new set of “stamp duty” labels might well be issued, and it was at the same time suggested that the new issue might have as its central design the New Zealand coat-of-arms- or something of a similar and distinctive nature. This suggestion has apparently been acted upon, but with such dismal and poor results that it is hardly surprising that the authorities have not disclosed the name of the designer.

The new stamps are not as large as the old set, hence there is economy in “lick.” The design is alleged to be the Arms of New Zeaiand. Apart from the fa'et that the supporters are wrong, and that there are other mistakes in the design, the drawing itself is an exceedingly poor one. Fortunately the inscription “New Zealand Stamp Duty” appears in such small letters that it can be easily overlooked, but it would have been better for the Dominion from an advertising point of view had the name of the country of origin been omitted altogeher. The worst thing about the Is 3d value, the lowest of the series, is the appalling colour. It is of a billious shade of yellow, of such, a tint that unless the stamp is held very close to the eye it is practically impossible to make out the design. There is a blue 7s stamp and a maroon 10s one, and others, it is presumed, are to follow. All have the same design. Chorus of Protests. So poor are the new stamps that their appearance has resulted pro-

tests from all quarters. The Christchurch Philatelic Society felt so deeply ou the matter that its secretary wrote to the Prime Minister as follows: “Re issue of Is 3d postage stamps. — I am respectfully asked to bring before your notice the issue of a new stamp of a value of one shilling and three pence which is on sale at the G.P.O. here and elsewhere as a postage stamp. This society of philatelists protests against the putting of swell a stamp on sale, as in our opinion this is the ‘world’s worst example’ of a stamp sold for postage purposes. Could you, ■sir, give this matter your careful consideration, and have the stamp withdrawn.” A reply was received to the effect that the matter would be discussed with the Postmaster-General, but further action is being taken, it is understood, -by getting Members of Parliament to protest. The New Pictorials, Possibly the outcry which this new stamp has raised will have some good results in the future. This will be the case especially if it leads the authorities to be very careful about the designs accepted for the new pictorial issue which is contemplated. Artistic productions are wanted, not “blots on the escutcheon of Art in New Zealand,” as the recent new issue has been called. What is wanted is a set of which the Dominion may be proud, and one which wiL set the world wondering what sort of paradise lies in the azure of the South Pacific. There is no denying that the pictorial set of .1898 did much to advertise New Zealand, and what is wanted is a new set which will be a worthy successor to that series, which is still regarded the world over as a fine example of stamp designing and printing. But if the present new “stamp duty” labels, in which the Dominion has fallen far short of philatelic and artistic ideals, get abroad, there will be much to live down before the country can boast again of its postal adhesives. Australia Too. New Zealand is not the only country in this part of the world to go in for a pictorial set of stamps. Australia some months ago decided to do so, and since then the preparation of tentative designs has proceeded steadily. In regard to the types of native fauna which it is proposed to use, pictures of animals which truly represent Australia will, it is stated, be given first consideration. Designs for a special stamp to commemorate the bui.ding of the Sydney Harbour bridge have been completed, and the dies will be ready for the printer shortly. It is expected that the issue of this stamp will precede the issue of the pictorial set. New Stamps for the Islands. The Cook Islands Department, according to “The New Zealand Stamp has officially intimated that

it is proposed shortly to withdraw the whole of t.ie present pictorial sets tor Aitutaki, Niue, Penrhyn, and Rarotonga, and substitute, therefor one set of seven stamps for the Cook Islands, and a similar set of seven for the Niue. The set for the Cook Islands wib be used in Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Mangaia, Atiu, and Mauke, which are islands of the Cook group, and also in Penrhyn, Rakahanga, Manihiki, and Danger Islands, which, for the purposes of administration, are included within the boundaries of the group. The denominations of the sets will be Id, 2d, 2KI, 4d, 6d, and Is, with separate de-«.-ns for each value. As with the present pictorials, however, the same designs will be used tor both the Niue and Rarotongan sets, the only alterat; .a being in the borders. The denominations above Is which are used principally for radio and Customs purposes wil. be supp icd Ly overprinting the N'-w Zealand issue as at present. The proposed pictorial set is reported to be an attractive one, and the approved designs are as follow: landing of Captain Cook; Id, new portrait of Captain Cook; 2d, double Maori canoe; 2£d, Natives working cargo between shore and schooner; 4d, the port of Avarua; 6d, moonlight scene of R.M.S. (which connects Rarotonga with the outer world); and Is, a new portrait of the King, in mufti. It is proposed that the stamps shall be printed entirely in New Zealand at the Government Printing Office, Wellington. The plates will be engraved in London.