PHILATELISTS’ PROBLEM

Evening Star, Issue 23685, 19 September 1940, Page 10

PHILATELISTS’ PROBLEM

STAMPS BARRED FROM MAILS CUSTOMS OR CENSORSHIP CONTROL Some time ago a notice was posted above the letter boxes at the Post Office advising the public that the Controller of Censorships had vetoed the direct transmission of stamps to foreign countries by post. An exception was made in favour of recognised stamp dealers, but the prohibition applied to all classes of stamps, both used and amused. Investigations made by Mr A. Clark, secretary of tho Dunedin Philatelic Society, disclosed that the Customs authorities had frowned on the exchange of new stamps because it was a form of barter. Indeed, in tho past, it has not been unknown for the currency regulations to have been avoided by this means. In regard to used stamps, it was. thought that possibly messages might be written on the back. It was pointed out that a large message could be written under the stamps on any envelope, particularly if the tariff were paid in the large half-penny issues. “ Any exporting of stamps done by tho amateur collector,” said Mr Clark, “is done purely in pursuit of his hobby. He is not thinking of tho currency regulations.” Many collectors had been exchanging stamps with others overseas for many years, and tho result of their industry and perseverance was shown in the possession of a fine collection of stamps in Now Zealand. “ It may be claimed that this is a species of barter,” continued Mr Clark, “ but I should say that the revenue has profited rather than suffered by it. because in a. great many cases no postal service of any kind iS ever asked of stamps which are bought in New Zealand post offices and eventually find their way into the albums of overseas collectors.” Another point to be remembered was that health stamps would be issued very shortly. The sale of them must be affected by the new regulations. Certainly a number of stamps would be bought and sent away on first-day covers for the benefit of collectors overseas, but unused specimens could not be sent. Mr Clark corresponds with a number of overseas philatelists personally, and it has ’ been the habit to exchange sheets of stamps on approval. Already Mr Clark has had some trouble with the new regulations. Actually he had to apply for a special license to send back to Australia stamps which belonged to a friend there. They had been sent here, and, after Mr Clark had taken his choice, he found himself prevented from returning tho remainder to their owner. That difficulty was overcome, but Mr Clark is thinking of the large number of sheets that must be at present on the water addressed to him. There appeared to be some method in other countries of exempting genuine stamp collectors from restrictions of the type that had been imposed here, Mr Clark added, and it would appear feasible that' some way might be found in New Zealand of exempting philatelists from the operation of the regulations covering regular exports and imports. Some extremely interesting issues of stamps would probably he made in various countries during the war, and unless some means of allowing these to he brought into the country could be devised, collectors would not be able to secure copies. ,