WRITING AND SPEAKING IN DECIMAL TERMS

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 46, 15 June 1965, Page 4

WRITING AND SPEAKING IN DECIMAL TERMS

Writing and speaking in decimal currency is explained in a pamphlet now being distributed by the Decimal Currency Board to banks, schools and Governmeiit departments,, Points made in the pamphlet are: — © The dollar sign preferred will be the single, vertically barred s. It is

simple to write and can be produced quickly by typewriters not fitted with a dollar sign. © A double bar or single slanted bar or other form may be used as long as •it is easily recognisable. ® Sign for the cent will be simply a small "c," with no stop, bar or other styling.

© The decimal point is required between dollars and cents. When typewritten, it will be on the base line. When written by hand it should be above the base line — and this style is preferred as the standard expres* sion. © For dollars only, the writen - expression will be S55.00 or simply S55. o Where the amount is less than a dollar, the expression is usually 7c, or 47c. Omission of the dollar sign is preferred, but if used, the correct method is S0.07 or S0.47. © Use of a hyphen between dollar and cent figures is recommended for cheque writing. Trading banks haye indicated a prefererice for this to aid clarity and minimise fraudulent alteration. © S2.75 is expressed . v'erba'lly as "two dollars sev-enty-five," it being customary to omit the words "and" and "cents." © Further abbreviations may be made, suc'h as eliminating the use of the word "dollar" and saying "two, seventyfive" but. "two dollars, seventy-five" is clearer. The pamphlet also shows, in life size, the new coin series to be introduced in 1967, displaying the new effigy of the Queen on the "head" side. New "tail" designs are now being considered and are expected to be announced later this year. Bank note denominations are listed in the pamphlet. These will be 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 100. Sizes and design details of these will also be announced later this year.