MEETING
AT CANBERRA STAMPSHOW 2010
14 March 2010 12 noon – 1.30 pm
Present: Ian McMahon in the chair, 18 members and
four visitors.
Apologies: Jan Gane, John Crowsley, Joan Orr
Reports: The Secretary’s report was read out (it
appears elsewhere in this issue of the journal). The Treasurer’s report was
read out (it appears elsewhere in this issue).
PSSA website: Jeff Trinidad stated that the website
was available on a laptop in the room for members to view.
Postal
Stationery Collector:
Ian McMahon asked for more articles for the journal, particularly sent
electronically. He also mentioned introducing some colour to the journal – he will
obtain some quotes for this. He suggested that the journal could be printed on
thinner paper to reduce costs.
Australian Colonies / States Postal
Stationery Catalogues Project:
Ray
Todd introduced an open letter to members of the Society, to be published in
the journal and to open up discussion on the project. Since the publication of
the Western Australian catalogue in 2002, nothing further had appeared. He is
often asked what is happening, and feels it is time to talk with people and
find out what the problems are. If it was a matter of finance, he could offer
some help.
It
was suggested that future catalogues should not follow the Australia
Post version used in the WA catalogue. What was needed was a basic listing for
each State.
Discussion
followed under the name of each State.
New South Wales. Linda Lee mentioned Bernie
Doherty’s work with illustrations. The role of John Bell in researching and
preparing information was mentioned.
Tasmania. Malcolm Groom has images and text and
needs to put the two together. No idea when he will be able to do this – too
many other commitments.
South Australia. It is known that Martin
Walker has both the images and the information. He was not present at the
meeting.
Queensland. It is known that Bernie Beston has both
the images and a listing. Ray suggested
that someone sit down with him to see where the project stood.
Victoria. John Sinfield suggested a summary of Col Stieg’s
book. For our purposes, it would need to be condensed and simplified.
Summing up: Ray suggested that a subcommittee be
formed to talk with the different authors, and find out what help was needed.
It would not be possible for future catalogues to follow the format of Western
Australia, because the resources of Australia Post are no longer available to
us.
Other business: Alan Berry raised the problem
of his exhibiting his New Zealand Government free franks. He has been told that
they can’t be exhibited as postal stationery, but some judges do accept them. He
thinks that they do belong in that class. It had been suggested that the word
‘free’ should be regarded as a price, which could make them more acceptable.
Ray
Todd was asked to comment. He emphasized that any approach to the FIP Postal
Stationery Commission must follow due process. Alan himself must write to the
New Zealand Federation, and ask them to put the matter to Steve Schumann
(Chairman) for submission to the Postal Stationery Commission. The question can
then be raised at a meeting of the Bureau, and can go forward to a General
Committee meeting.
Displays: Material in the frames, as follows:
Barry
Scott – a single frame exhibit of Australian Military envelopes and lettercards
1916-19.
Ray
Todd – three and a half frames of the postal stationery envelopes of Bolivia.
In
addition, Philip Levine brought some stationery items from the Cape of Good
Hope, and Judy Kennett brought some contemporary postal stationery of Hungary,
issued in 2009.
Close. The meeting finished at 1.30 pm. It was
a very busy and well attended meeting.
Judy Kennett
Secretary
March 2010