Pacific stamp box

Kiribati has taken over direct control of its philatelic bureau, previously man aged by the London-based Philatelist, 1980, Ltd., who were responsible for the “Leaders of the World” stamp series in such countries as Tuvalu and about which I have expressed opinion on previous occasions. Kiribati’s Minis try of Communications has taken over in order, they say, to “ensure that a conservative stamp issuing policy is strictly maintained.”

Concurrent rumor has it that Tuvalu is now planning to scrap its locomo tives, automobiles and cricketers stamps and return to designs which reflect more closely the life and times of Tuvalu. But, such is life, that this might make those “Mickey Mouse” issues a bit of a rarity. ★★★ Fiji, Norfolk Island, Pitcairn, Western Samoa, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu, are among 20 countries participating in the Crown Agents’ omnibus series of postage stamps marking the life and times of Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, on her 85th birthday. We have previously reported the issues to be made this month but, just to recap, each country will issue four stamps, the lowest value featuring black and white photographs of the Queen Mother in childhood, and now, the second value a color picture of her with members of the Royal Family, the third value showing her at official engagements, and the top value Lord Snowdon’s photographic portrait of her with Prince William at Windsor.

The other interesting point about these stamps is that the Crown Agents are using their new watermark for the first time.

The Australian National Stamp Exhibi tion, Stampex ’B6, has been upgraded to the status of regional international philatelic exhibition. Philatelic items for this event have begun to appear. First is a special over-printing of the Terra Australis miniature sheet of Australia.

No doubt we will see large numbers of souvenirs of the event which will be held from August 4 to 10, 1986, in Adelaide, South Australia. ★★★ TIP OF THE MONTH Good news for the stamp investor is that auction prices for stamps are on the increase, but for good quality items, only. My suggestion for this month is to buy Pacific Islands pre-stamped envelopes.

Some countries, such as Papua New Guinea, have recently begun issuing

these and already early envelopes are becoming hard to get. Scarcity, and good quality, can make for improved values. ★★★ NEW ISSUES Norfolk Island issued on April 30, the second part of their series on whaling ships. Papua New Guinea issued on May 1 their series on ceremonial structures. Kiribati issued on May 9 the fourth part of their islands series. New Zealand issued on June 12 their new series of scenic stamps.