Focus Number 2 September 1987

IN THIS ISSUE -1987 Stamp Album - Philately Centenary Issue - N.Z. Stamp Pack -

1987 Christmas Stamp Issue.

Three of the most widely known carols are the subject of the 1987 Christmas Stamp issue, for release on September 16.

The word 'carol' once meant to dance in a ring, and the connection with dance remains in the merry dancing tunes.

From their development in the 15th century, carols were simple, joyful songs with a religious impulse. Although now associated exclusively with Christmas, many old carols were appropriate to other times of year and other Christian festivals.

The tune of Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, (35c), was adapted from a chorus by F. MendelssohnBartholdy, 1809-1847. An older form of the words we sing today,

first appeared in Charles Wesley's Hymns and Sacred Poems in 1739. The melody of Away in a Manger, (7OC), was composed by W. J. Kirkpatrick 1838-1921.

We Three Kings of Orient Are, (85c), was written and composed about 1857 by Or J. H. Hopkins, Rector of Christ's Church, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

Designed by Ellen Giggenbach of Auckland, the stamps are of vertical forma~ measuring 29.4x35mm. There are 100 stamps per sheet, in ten rows of ten, printed by Leigh-Mardon Pty Ltd, Australia, by lithography.

Plate/imprint positional or value blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps of each denomination.

The First Day Cover was also designed by Ellen Giggenbach.

Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, the 1987 Christmas issue will remain on sale at all Post Offices until January 12, 1988, and at the Philatelic Bureau, Wanganui (mail orders), and Philatelic Sales Centres until June 30,1988.

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Celebration of Visual Arts - Fibre.

Natural fibre was, and still is, very important to the Maori people of New Zealand. From simple kits for gathering food, through to beautifully patterned clothing and mats, fibre plays its part in Maori culture.

In the past, Maori people depended on fibre products for trapping, snaring, cooking, storing, building and clothing.

A set of four stamps to be released on November 4, features examples of how natural fibres are used by Maori people.

This set is the first of a series celebrating the visual arts in New Zealand.

Designed by NgaPunaWaihanga, an organisation of Maori artists, the stamps show the PonaKnot, 40c; Herehere - Binding, 60c; Whiri - Plait, 80c; and the Whitau - Flax fibre on the 85c.

Today harakeke (flax) is the most widely used fibre. In the past, ti kouka (cabbage tree) fibre was used for fishing lines, traps, nets and clothing.

Special properties in the two recognised botannical forms of flax, determine which type of flax is used for a specific project.

They are harakeke (Phormium tenax) and wharariki (Phormium cookianum).

Over 50 different forms of the two varieties are recognised by Maori weavers. These include the amount and type of whitau (fibre), the length and colour, pliability and the final colour of the prepared blade.Those forms determine what the fibre is used forkorowai (cloaks), piupiu (skirts), kete (kits) or whariki (mats).

Both types of flax are found in coastal areas and wetlands and occur naturally in the wild. It was possible that cultivars or varieties were developed in pre-European times for special working qualities.

Plaiting is the basis for much of Maori fibre work. Over the years, standardised shapes and patterns evolved, but individual craftspeople also provided an added element to the design their own artistic creativity.

Woven fabric for clothing was made without a loom using the technique of downward or finger weaving.

On the 40 cent stamp, the Pona - Knot is used for a torehe (fishing net). The basic function of this knot is to make the article secure.

The 60 cent stamp shows a method of binding - herehere binding, which was used for small and large projects. A typical

binding for a matau (fish hook), which is made up of two or more different materials is depicted.

An example of the basic Whiri - Plait is on the 80 cent stamp. This type of plait actually strengthens the fibre.

Korowai (cloak weaving) is shown on the 85 cent Whitau flax fibre stamp. This fibre is extracted from the green flax blade and processed to produce a fine pliable material.

The fibre issue was printed by Security Printers (M) Sdn Bhd of Malaysia using lithography.

The stamps are vertical in format, measuring 30mmx35mm printed in sheets of 100 (10 rows of10).

Platelimprint positional or value blocks may be obtained by purchasing at least six stamps of all denominations.

Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, these stamps will remain on sale at all Post Offices until January 12, 1988, and the Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui (Mail Orders), and at Philatelic Sales Centres until November 30, 1988.

Centenary of Philately in New Zealand.

Philately, the "friendly hobby", will reach its centenary in New Zealand in 1988. It was that year that New Zealand's first philatelic society was founded.

To mark the occasion, New Zealand Post is issuing two 40 cent se-tenant stamps and a miniature sheet on January 13, 1988.

At the first meeting in June 1888, six enthusiastic collectors met at the old Oriental Hotel in Willis Street, Wellington.

They were Messrs J. Davies, A. O. Keyworth, I. Warren, H. J. Knowles, F. W. Frankland and E. G. Pilcher. Officers elected at the first meeting were President: F. W. Frankland, F.IA (Government

Insurance Department); secretary and treasurer: H. J. Knowles (Property- Tax Department).

Committee of Management: E. G. Pilcher (Railway Department), A. B. Keyworth (NZ Drug Company), and the secretary treasurer.

From that nucleus, the society's membership has grown to 450 and 100 of these live overseas.

In 1964 the organisation was granted permission to use the prefix "Royal".

It has strong links with New Zealand's history and former presidents included Sir Heaton Rhodes and Sir Joseph Ward.

The "Royal", however is not the only philatelic society in New Zealand, but it was the first, and is a member of the Federation of Philatelic Societies.

Over the years the Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand has made many outstanding contributions to philately. In 1913 the society published The History of New Zealand Stamps. This was followed in 1938 with volume 1 of the Postage Stamps of New Zealand - the first of a series, with volumes published in 1951, 1955, 1964,1967 and 1977. The 1955 volume gained the Society the Crawford medal which is awarded by the Royal Philatelic Society, London, and is the highest award given for philatelic literature.

Names of several of its members appear on the Roll of Distinguished Philatelists which was established by the Philatelic Congress of Great Britain in 1921.

To have one's name recorded on this roll is regarded as the highest honour in the philatelic world.

Stamp Collection Album.

They are A. T. Bate (1921). R. J. G. Collins (1936), Sir Heaton Rhodes (1949), C. W Watts (1959), M. C. Stanley, the Society's present president, (1971), and Dr K. J. McNaught (1978).

The Society took over publication of the New Zealand Stamp Collector in 1971 and has won several awards at international exhibitions for this publication.

The se-tenant 40 cent stamps, designed by AIIan Mitchell, show two side-faced stamps of Queen Victoria, who was the reigning monarch at the time the Society was formed, over which is superimposed the profile of the reigning Monarch, Queen Elizabeth 11. The two penny side-face has a red background and the one penny side-face a blue background.

A full length portrait of Queen Victoria appears on the miniature $1 sheet, designed by Maurice Conly. It is a reproduction of the Chalon watercolour portrait of the Queen in her Royal regalia.

The first day cover was also designed by Maurice Conly.

The stamps were printed by Leigh-Mardon Ply Ltd, Australia using the Lithography method.

They are horizontal, measuring 40mmx28mm. The miniature sheet is 158mmx107mm.

Orders for first day covers close at the Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui (mail orders) on January 13, 1988.

Unless stocks are exhausted earlier, this stamp issue will remain on sale at all Post Offices until March 1, 1988, and at the Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui (mail orders), and Philatelic Sales Centres until April 30,1989.

This year's New Zealand Stamp Collection Album will feature nine stamp issues and three miniature sheets issued during 1987.

Grey is the colour for the 1987 edition and again the cover is gold blocked.

Topics include: Tourism; Postage Rate Increase; Blue Water Classics; Vesting Day, issued to mark the April 1 commissioning of New Zealand Post Limited; Military History (Air Force); Scenic (New Zealand National Parks); Health (children's art); Blue Duck and Brown Teal; the 1987 Christmas issue; and Celebration of the Visual Arts (Fibre).

Three miniature sheets are also included. They are Military History, Scenic and Health.

The album also contains detailed descriptions of the subject of each stamp, technical data about the stamps and photographs, and biographical details of each stamp designer.

Each different stamp issue is clearly marked at the beginning with a block heading for easy reference.

For protection, a matching grey slipcase accompanies each album and there is a resealable plastic dust cover which contains a certificate of authenticity, a gift card and a mount holding the stamps for the collector to mount in the appropriate framed sections.

The collection will cost $NZ44.00 and only a limited quantity is being printed. Collections will be sold on a first come-first served basis.

Customers are advised to place their orders early, as the Album will be released on November 4 coinciding with the Fibre stamp issue.

Advance mail orders are being accepted by the New Zealand Post Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui.

Stamp Pack.

Containing stamps issued between November 1986 and September 1987, the 1987 Stamp Pack features the one shilling 1907 Redrawn pictorial depicting a kea and a kaka on the cover, and will sell for $NZ22.14.

The stamps are: Music: This set of four stamps, released on November 5 1986, depicts classical music (30c); the

Brass Band movement (60c); Highland Pipe Band movement (80c); and Country Music ($1).

Tourism: Six stamps featured in this issue which was released on January 14. They depict Jetboating (60c); Flightseeing (70c); Campervanning (80c); Windsurfing (85c); Climbing ($1.05c); and Rafting ($1.30).

Blue Water Classics: These

four stamps pay tribute to New Zealand's participation in various yachting classics. They were issued on February 2 and the denominations are: Southern Cross Cup (40c); Admiral's Cup (80c); Kenwood Cup ($1.05); America's Cup ($1.30).

Vesting Day: Two se-tenant stamps were issued to mark the vesting day of New Zealand Post Limited on April 1. Both stamps carry a 40c value and depict various aspects of New Zealand Post's business.

Military History: Planes of The Royal New Zealand Air Force are featured on the four stamps in this issue which was released on April 15,1987. The denominations are 40c, 70c, 80c, and 85c.

Scenic: The subject of this issue is New Zealand's national parks. The four stamps in this set were issued on June 17 and their values are 70c, 80c, 85c and $1.30.

Health: Released on July 29, the 1987 issue shows the artwork provided by two seven year aids and a nine year old. The denominations are: 2 stamps at 40c each (se-tenant) and 60c.

Christmas: Three stamps featuring three famous Christmas carols were issued on September 16. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (35c); Away in a Manger (70c); and We Three Kings of Orient Are (85c).

The stamp pack is available at most Post Offices and New Zealand Post Philatelic Sales Centres, or by mail order from the New Zealand Post Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui.

First Day Covers Pack.

The three wise men depicted on the 85c Christmas stamp, designed by Ellen Giggenbach of Auckland, is featured on the cover of the 1987 First Day Covers Pack.

All special commemorative and definitive First Day Covers issued between November 1986 and October 1987, are included in the pack.

These are: New Zealand Music; Tourism; Postage Rate Increase; Blue Water Classics; New Zealand Post Vesting Day; the two Military History (Air Force) covers; Scenic (including the large cover with a miniature sheet issued to support the New Zealand 1990 World Philatelic Exhibition); Health; and Christmas.

The packs go on sale on November 4, 1987 at a cost of $29.34. They are available from New Zealand Post Philatelic Sales Centres or by mail order from the New Zealand Post Philatelic Bureau, Wanganui, and will remain on sale until April 30, 1988 unless stocks are exhausted earlier.

Centenary of Electricity in New Zealand.

In 1888 the small West Coast goldmining town of Reefton became the first in New Zealand to have a public supply of electricity. This is the focus of the centenary celebrations of electricity in New Zealand, to be marked by New Zealand Post by the release of a set of four "Centenary of Electricity" stamps on January 13, 1988.

The four stamps are designed by Fay McAlpine of Wellington.

Radiating concentric circles signify the movement of energy in the generation of electricity. Colours represent New Zealand's chief methods of electricity generation: geothermal (yellow, 4OC), thermal (red, 6OC), gas turbine (green, 70c), and hydro (blue, 8OC).

Reefton used hydro-electric supply from 1888, after the locals were won over by a demonstration of "bottled lightning" by one Waiter Prince.

A local brewery allowed Prince to couple a one kilowatt dynamo with their steam engine and from there he ran wires to electric lights hung in the bars of four hotels. The locals were impressed enough to form a company which developed the electricity supply.

Quite a few communities and centres had their own local supply established before the Government opened its first hydro station in 1914 at Lake Coleridge.

Now four-fifths of New Zealand's electricity is produced by hydro-energy from our vast lakes, creeks and rivers. The remainder comes from burning fossilluels like coal, oil and natural gas and geothermal steam.

The Electricity Corporation of New Zealand Ltd generates and transmits 98 percent of the country's electric power, which is bought in bulk by local supply authorities and then sold to individual consumers.

The stamps are printed by Leigh-Mardon Ply Ltd, Australia, by Lithography. They measure 40 mm x 28 mm, and unless stocks are exhausted earlier, will be on sale at Post Offices until March 2, 1988, and at the Philatelic Bureau, Wanganui (mail orders), and at Philatelic Sales Centres until April 30, 1989.

Tokelau.

Tokelauan sporting activities are featured in the Tokelau Olympic Sports special stamp issue, for release on December 2 1987.

Designed by Faraimo Paulo of Tokelau, the stamps depict javelin throwing (tagatikaj, 5c; shot pu1 (togi feke), 18c; long jump (oho mamao), 32c; hurdles (viii oho), 48c; sprints (taufetuliga), 6OC; and wrestling (fagatuaga), 75c.

The stamp issue, printed by lithography in sheets of 50 with 5 rows of 10 stamps, is in horizontal format and each stamp measures 30mmx41.2mm.

First Day Covers cost $2.61 and orders will be taken at the New

Stamp Album Prize.

Zealand Post Philatelic Bureau.

The specially designed cover will be forwarded to Tokelau for date-stamping and returned to the Philatelic Bureau towards the end of April 1988. Covers will then be mailed to customers, unaddressed. and enclosed in an ou1er envelope. Because of the irregular shipping service between New Zealand and Tokelau, an addressed First Day Cover service cannot be provided.

These stamps are available in New Zealand only from the Philatelic Bureau, Wanganui (mail orders), and at Philatelic Sales Centres. They will remain on sale

until May 3, 1988. Tokelau stamps are not valid for postage within New Zealand.

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New Zealand 1990.

Order Form.

ITEM

A "World" Philatelic Exhibition is the "Olympic Games" of the stamp world and the momentum is now increasing for the 24 August-2 September 1990 event.

The Governor-General of New Zealand, His Excellency the Most Reverend Sir Paul Reeves G.C.M.G., G.C.V.O., has honoured the Exhibition by becoming Patron and four leading Philatelists, Mr Marcel Stanley R.O.P., F.R.P.S.L., F.R.P.S.N.Z., Or Kenneth McNaught R.O.P., F.R.P.S.L., F.R.P.S.N.Z., Mr Gerald Ellott F.R.P.S.L., F.R.P.S.N.Z., and Or Robin Gwynn F.R.P.S.N.Z., will be Vice-Patrons.

Part of the collection of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 11 will head rare collections from all over the world, valued in excess of $60 m. Plans and layouts for the venue are in an advanced state and have been enthusiastically received. Overseas dealers, Postal Authorities and leading Philatelists are showing a keen interest and many have stated their intention of attending. Other stamp-related displays of interest to all are being organised. The Youth Section will draw entries world-wide and will offer an ideal opportunity for school children from all over New Zealand to see the very best available.

The souvenir department continues to offer a full range of interesting items - why not collect the full set!

A newsletter is available on request from P.O. Box 4069, Auckland.

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland, has much to offer both the overseas and local visitor alike - plan now for "a holiday o with your hobby" in 1990. A true Kiwi . welcome will be , yours and we hope to ~ form friendships which t"J know no international boundaries.

3

Type

NZ $

AEROGRAMME No. 1.1OOth Anniversary of the Eruption of Mt. TaraweraJune 1886.

Mint Inostamp)

2.75

"Buried Village" postmark.

450 Bird stamp or Frama.

45c Bird

330

Frama

330

Unused

300

Used-1990 Spec. P/Mark

300

AEROGRAMME No. 2Papal Visit, November 1986. Commemorating Pope John Paul 11 in New Zealand (Post Office Imprest Stamp 4501 FIRST DAY COVER No. I 1st Exhibition Mini-Sheet 00 logo cover "1990" PIMark 11.6.86

FDC

550

Miniature Sheet No. I

Mint

220

FDC SET

600 9000

SETON FDC

12500

1 Penny

1200

V2 Penny Silverplated

12.00

Gold Plated

3.60

FIRST DAY COVER No. 2 - 2nd Exhibition MiniSheet on logo cover "1990" PIMark 17.6.87 MIS No. 2 Plated Sheets In numbered Set of 28 UNIQUE SOUVENIR SPOONS - Gold-plaled with Exhibition logo - New Zealand Penny Of Half-penny.

KIWI STICK PIN Paua Shell.

CAR STICKER4 colour design.

No Req'd

TOTAL $ c

360

100 + Post/Packing

NZ$1.s0

Total Enclosed Ma,l Order Only

D

Visa

D

Bankcard

Expiry Date

D

Amex

D ..

NAME ADDRESS

I

Diners

ORDER FORM.

PAYMENT.

SPECIAL PRODUCT CATALOGUE

If you do not have a Philatelic Bureau Deposit Account, payment must accompany your order.

Remittances must be by INTERNATIONAL Money Order, Bank Draft or BritiSh Postal Order. Payments by the credit cards listed below are accepted for orders of NZ$10.00 or more. American and Canadian Inland Money Orders, Australian Inland Postal Money Orders and personal cheques from any overseas country are NOT ACCEPTABLE. Orders for mint stamps must include return postage, plus NZ$2.45 registration fee if the order is to be sent by registered post. Any order will be sent by this means on request but orders containing mint items amounting to NZ$30.00 or more must be registered.

DEPOSIT ACCOUNT NUMBER For

Issue Code

postage purposes the weight Selling Price Number 01 each TOTAL NZ$ c Required ~emis: NZ$ c

1987 First Day Covers Pack

FCP87

$29.34

40gms

1987 New Zealand Stamp Collection

AL87G AL87B

$44.00

790gms

PR494

$7.50

20gms

PR498

$5.00

20gms

1986 Native Birds Presentation Pack

CURRENCY CONVERSION RATE

1986 Scenery Presentation Pack

1987 New Zeaiand Stamp Pack

SP87

$22.14

40gms

1985 Scenery Presentation Pack

PR482

$3.90

20gms

1985 Native Birds Presentation Pack

PR481

$4.50

20gms

1985 Skilields Presentation Pack

PR470

$280

20gms

PR480

$3.50

20gms

1985 Vintage Trams Presentation Pack

Stamp Booklets: (each book contains ten 40c stamps) Ordinarydepicts Wellington, New Zealand.

$4.00

Resaledepicts Katiki Point,

OIago, New Zealand.

$4.00

IF VALUE OF MINT STAMPS NZ$30 OR MORE

tAirlSurface Postage Registration Fee NZ$2.45

toelete whichever not applicable

TOTAL

ORDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO: Philatelic Bureau, New Zealand Pos~ Private Bag, WANGANUI, NEW ZEALAND.

FOR OFFICIAL USE Date Opened

Verified

Remittance

Schedule

£1 Slg

equals

$2.72 NZ (approx)

$1 Australia

equals

$1.20 NZ (approx)

$1 USA

equals

$1.69 NZ (approx)

$1 Canada

equals

$1.24 NZ (approx)

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Stamps Available.

Stamps are available by mail order from the Philatelic Bureau, Private Bag, Wanganui, or over the counter from the Philatelic Sales Centres at Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton, Rotorua, Dunedin and Gisborne.

"ARMS", (Set $24.00) $6, $8, $10.

DEFINITIVES. (Set $20.29) Rocks and minerals 1c, 2c, 3c, 4c, Se, 9c.

Fruit 1OC, 2OC, 3Oc, 4OC, SOC. Maori Portraits 15c, 25c, 35c, 45c, 6OC. Native Birds 3Oc, 4OC, 45c, 60c, $1, $2, $3, $4.

Beehive $5.

GOVERNMENT LIFE INSURANCE. (Set $1.55) Se, 1OC, 2OC, 3OC, 4OC, SOc. ROSS DEPENDENCY, (Set $1.55) Se, 10c, 20c, 30c, 4OC, SOc. TOKELAU DEFINITIVES. (Set $4.99) Is, 2s, Ss, 9s, 23s, 34s, 50s, 75s, $1, $2.

WITHDRAWALS. 30 November 1987: 1986 Music Issue.

30 April 1988: 1987 Tourism Issue.

30 April 1988: 1987 Blue Water Classics Issue.

30 April 1988: 1987 Vesting Day Issue.

30 April 1988: 1987 Military History Air Force Issue.

Acknowledgements.

'Focus on New Zealand Stamps' is prepared at New Zealand Post Headquarters, Wellington, and published in April and September each year.

Each issue is distributed free to some 60,000 philatelists, both in

052

New Zealand and overseas.

Articles may be extracted for reprinting without further permission. Acknowledgement to 'Focus on New Zealand Stamps' would be appreciated.

NOTE: Some of the stamps illustrated in this publication are taken from proofs and original artwork and will be subject to minor alterations.