Stamp Collecting.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XL, Issue 18, 29 April 1908, Page 11

Stamp Collecting.

It is stated that one of the most desirable Australian stamps to own is the British New Guinea 2/6, although comparatively of recent issue. The first 2/6 stamp was issued on 18th January. 1905, the total number printed being 15,660; of which the number issued “unsurcharged” was 2,250. The’ remaining 13,410 were all surcharged “Papua,” about January, 1907. As the whole British New Guinea issue ~was • suddenly surcharged, it is probable that not more than about 100 copies of the 2/6 exist in “mint” condition. • • • It will be a great relief to stamp collectors when onee the Commonwealth of Australia issues one universal stamp, and thus put an end to the many minor varieties now being created through the separate States using one another’s paper for printing stamps upon. The LI. from New South Wales has appeared on Melbourne paper, also the 8d lake and 2/6 green. In this connection it may be stated that the stamp output of each State is as follows:—New South Wales, 125.000,000 per annum; Victoria, 102,000.000; Queensland, 42,000.000; South Australia, 28,000,000; West Australia, 23,000,000; and Tasmania, 14,000.000. • • • The “Colonial Office Journal” has the following:—“2Ll stamps printed in two colours are being supplied to the Transvaal for the last time. In future they will be printed in all blue.” • • • <.i The London District Post was in existence long before the days of Rowland Hill, in fact-, Doek-wra’s- Penny -Post of 1680 was of very much the same nature as that of M. de Villayer, in Paris, and may, indeed, have been copied from it: Dockwra did not adopt so advanced a means of indicating prepayment, but tbc post that lie founded may be said to have continued in existence until it was finally ' amalgamated ■ with- the General Post Office Department in 1854-5. <5 • ® A good many years ago New Zealand sold the right to print advertisements on the back of postage stamps, but the practice was soon abolished. The Postal Department of the Philipiue Islands has gone one better, having used a curious obliterating mark bearing the words, “Philippines Carnival, Manilla. Feb. 3-8, 1908.” Covering this, Stanley Gibbons’ “Monthly Journal” has the following satirical comment: “This seems a good idea; properly worked, there should be money in it. An impecunious Government anxious to provide old-age pensions for worn-out philatelists (and other deserving persons —if any —might raise millions by letting out the postmarks to the manufacturers of soap and divers extracts of beef. We must suggest it to the Postmaster-General when we meet him at the Exhibition next month; such a suggestion should be worth at least a “C.-8.,” with the pre sent Prime Minister at the head of affairs."