New Papuan Stamps.

Striking Designs Replace The Famous Lakatoi Issue.

From Our Own Correspondent.

Pt. Moresby, Nov. 28.

THE much discussed new stamps for Papua became available on Novem ber 14 at Port Moresby and Samarai and will entirely replace the old issue.

These stamps are 16 in number. They are of 16 different designs and are all exceedingly interesting as they deal with the chief aspects of Papuan village life and describe vividly their most out standing customs.

Five are taken from the decorative drawings of E. Whitehouse, of the Pa puan service. In bold designs he depicts the Papuan. The 10/- stamp is by far the best of the series and should be considerably admired. It has been taken from his selection and is an energetic and vivid drawing of Papuan manhood decorated with feathers and hibiscus flowers. He is seen making fire by fric tion.

Nine have been taken from photo graphs by Mr. A. Gibson, also of the Papuan service, and the remaining two are from realistic sketches by Mr. F. E.

Williams, anthropologist to the Papuan Government.

A bird of paradise and boar’s tusk, sapi sapi (native money) and shells are the main features of the 2d. stamp, which will be mostly in use. It is orna mental and decorative, though it will never quite capture the charm held by the old lakatoi, which has been a fav ourite for over 30 years.

The shilling stamp, which depicts a Dubu of the village of Hanuabada, show great talent and is an artistic and sym bolic representation of the idolism of the Motuan tribe. A Dubu is a cere monial platform, supported by four

elaborately carved and painted posts. It stands in the village compounds and is used only on special occasions. The sacred emblem of the crab’s claw crowns the post.

Mr. Williams’ sketch of a dwelling of the Purari Delta is taken for the £1 stamp and is in two colours. It is art istic and skilful. Mr. Williams has made a close study of the Purari Delta tribe and in the 2/- stamp he depicts their most valued paraphernalia, grouped to gether in a recess of their Ravi (men’s house).

Already a great deal of interest has been shown in these stamps, both in Australia and countries abroad. They will be in demand not only for their philatelic value but also for the talent and ability shown in their construction.

Each stamp will be printed in two col ours, except for the five decorative de signs by E. Whitehouse.

It is over 30 years since the first issue of stamps was made in Papua and, ex cept for an occasional surcharge, the Lakatoi has been in use until to date.