Western Australia's only 2/6d. stamp, issued in 1902, was printed in deep blue color on rose-tinted paper. On 12th March, 1909, the Deputy Postmaster-General, Perth, drew attention to its dark color "which renders it very difficult to tell whether or not stamps affixed to postal articles have been previously used". He suggested that the matter be brought under the notice of the Stamp Printer "with a view to a color being used which will allow of a defacement being more easily discerned".

Mr. J.B. Cooke, the Commonwealth Stamp Printer, did not favour any change. In a report dated 29th March, 1909, he wrote: "No alteration of any kind should be made in the stamps in issue in the Commonwealth, seeing that it is more than likely that in the near future, I should think, a uniform Commonwealth stamp will be issued

"Seeing that there are only about 40,000 of these stamps issued a year, any alteration at the present time would cause a great outcry by the philatelists.

"However, if thought desirable, I will submit proofs on white paper, and would suggest, say a light blue color; I think this would do away with the objection referred to."

The Postmaster-General's Department asked on 7th April, 1909, that a proof of the stamp in the form suggested by Mr. Cooke be furnished and this was provided on 23rd April. Subsequently, it was forwarded to the Deputy Postmaster-General, Perth, who regarded it as suitable and urged its adoption.

At that time, Perth also reported that its stock of 2/6d. stamps had a face value of £2,000, equal to about 12 months' supply. The Postmaster-General then approved that for any new supply of the 2/6d. stamp, it should be printed in the form exemplified by the proof.

The Commonwealth Stamp Printer was so informed on 27th July, 1909. However, on 18th April, 1910, it was ascertained that 390 sheets of the 2/6d. stamp in the original color were still held by the Stamp Printer and these, with 200 sheets supplied to Perth a short time previously, were estimated to represent four years' supply.

The Deputy Postmaster-General, Perth, asked that these stocks be destroyed and new stamps provided in lieu in the new color. However, this request was not met and it was decided that as the stamp had been in use for so many years, it should continue on sale and any change postponed until there was an alteration in stamps generally.

As the consequence, the proposed color change did not take place. The proof referred to in the text, the only one known to be in existence, is contained in the Department's official collection.

Extracted from APO Bulletin 69, December 1964