The 1956 Health stamp issue featured two children playing under an apple tree.
Issue information
A design competition was run through Post Offices for a suitable stamp design and over 100 design proposals were submitted by 44 individuals. Despite this interest none of the submissions were considered suitable as most lacked any association with children's health. The head of the Post Offices' Stamps Division then came across a photograph in The Auckland Weekly News of two children playing in an orchard which he considered suitable for the stamp. The photograph was taken by Mr J F Louden of Tauranga of his grandchildren at play. The stamp designs were developed based on this photographic image.
The proceeds of the 'Health' value of these 1956 Health stamps were donated to the Children's Health Camps movement.
Stamp Bulletin
This stamp issue first appeared in New Zealand Post Stamp Bulletin No. 10 on 2 July 1956.
Acknowledgments: Bulletin scanned and provided by John Biddlecombe of the New Zealand Society of Great Britain. Their web site offers further information useful to those interested in the stamps and postal history of New Zealand. Link: http://www.nzsgb.org.uk/
Product Listing for 1956 Health
Image | Title | Description | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Single Stamp |
Single 1 1/2d + 1/2d gummed stamp. Two children playing under an apple tree - brown. |
2d | |
Single Stamp |
Single 2d + 1d gummed stamp. Two children playing under an apple tree - green. |
3d | |
Single Stamp |
Single 3d + 1d gummed stamp. Two children playing under an apple tree - red. |
4d |
Technical information
Date of issue: | 24 September 1956 |
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Designers: | L C Mitchell, Wellington |
Printers: | Bradbury Wilkinson, England |
Stamp size: | 28mm x 24mm |
Sheet size: | 160 stamps per sheet |
Process: | Recess printed - Intaglio |
Perforation gauge: | 12.75 x 13.25 |
Paper type: | Wiggins Teape 'Royal Cypher', multiple NZ and star watermark |
Period of sale: | These stamps remained on sale until 31 January 1957. |