The Unwatermarked Series, 1958-1961 (Contd.).

The change was authorized on 7th May, 1958, but as new frame and inner plates for the various denominations had then to be made, it was not practicable to introduce the new sheet format for some time. Stamps in the new format of ½d, 1d., 4d., 5d., 8d. and 5/- denominations were first distributed from the Note Printing Branch between 20th June and 8th July, 1959. The 5/- stamp was on watermarked paper.

Shortly after that time, because of anticipated changes in postal rates, the Note Printing Branch was asked to prepare a design for i 10d. postage due stamp in the standard pattern (Fig.24) The design was approved in October 1959, the new rates having become effective at the beginning of that month. The adoption of the new rates led to the decision to discontinue 4d., 5d., 7d. and 8d. denominations in the postage due series, following the exhaustion of the then-current stocks, and to re-introduce the values of 3d. and 6d.which had been dropped some years earlier.

The effect of the postal rates change was therefore to bring about a revised denominational range of ½d., 1d., 3d., 6d., 10d., 1/-, 21- and 5/- stamps, of which all values except the 5/- would be printed on unwatermarked paper.

The new 10d. stamp was introduced into use on 9th December, 1959. Distribution of the 2/- in the new sheet format was commenced on 8th March, 1960, and a few weeks later, on 25th May, the 3d. and 6d, stamps became available, thus completing the series. Because of the postal rates change, the 4d., 5d. and 8d. stamps in the new sheet format had comparatively short lives.

To achieve the new sheet format, it was first necessary (as mentioned previously) for the Note Printing Branch to make new frame and centre plates. The earlier frame die was used for the preparation of the master plate. For the centre plates showing the respective figures of value, new copper originals were prepared from the earlier centre designs and new electros then prepared.

Inevitably, because of the process followed, minor variations came about in the centre denominational units and were reflected in the issued stamps. Comparison is practicable, of course, only in respect of id, 1d., 4d., 5d., 8d. and 1/- values on unwatermarked paper and the 5/- on watermarked paper. A point of significance is that the green colour of the frame is usually somewhat deeper than previously.

Fourteenth Series, 1959-60.

Revised sheet format. Frames recess-printed and centres letterpress-printed. Carmine and green. Perf. 14T1 x 134.

(a)        Unwatermarked paper: ½d., 1d., 3d., 4d., 5d., 6d., 8d., 10d., 1/-, 2/-.

(b)        Watermarked paper: 5/-.

Discontinuance.

Early in 1961, it was decided that following exhaustion of current stocks, the separate series of postage due stamps would be discontinued and ordinary postage stamps used to indicate payment of postal charges due. As an interim move to that end, and because the need for a 2d. postage due stamp had disappeared, it was decided to discontinue the-id. stamp separately and it ceased to be available after 31st October, 1961.

Subsequently, the basic decision was revised to enable postage due stamps generally to be discontinued as from a fixed date, determined as 31st January, 1963. From that time they were not usedat post offices but could still be purchased by collectors at the Department's philatelic selling points until 30th June, 1963. Subsequently, all residual stocks were destroyed.

Quantities.

Generally, it has not been found practicable to ascertain the quantities issued of values of the various postage due series. However, in respect of some values of the late issues, overall figures according to denominations are available, although it is not possible to differentiate between the same values on watermarked or unwatermarked papers or printed in two kinds of sheet format.

The figures given below are nett totals after deduction of the stocks destroyed consequent upon the discontinuance of postage due stamps in 1963.

3d. (from May 1960)       777,897             8d. (from April 1957)       615,255

5d. (from December 1948)  2,594,020      10d. (from December 1959)         995,637

6d. (from May 1960)       1,504,152          2/- (from August 1953)    670,757

7d. (from August 1953)   843,306             5/- (from August 1953)    962,598

Extracted from APO Philatelic Bulletin Vol 12, No 5 – April 1965