[Editor: This untitled article, regarding the Kangaroo and Map stamps, was published in the “Along the bye-paths” section of the Journal of Proceedings (of the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects) (Melbourne, Vic.), January 1913.]
[The Commonwealth Postage Stamp]
The Commonwealth Postage Stamp, issued this month, more than confirms our worst fears expressed in previous issues. Slightly longer than the stamp superseded, but of a dirty red colour, it consists of a single line border with a “field” of close horizontal linings, the word “Australia” appears on the top in white letters, with strong shading. The word “Postage” underneath is very indistinct. At the bottom of the stamp is the denomination “One penny,” and over it the numeral in a clear circle.
In the centre of the stamp is the clear white map of Australia. This, we suppose, represents “White Australia.” The inserted “kangaroo,” however, cuts the map in two, for it takes it all its time to get emplaced in what would otherwise be an “empty Australia” as well. The kangaroo is of a new type to naturalists, being spotted like the leopard, whilst the grass upon which it browses is represented by a few horizontal lines.
The design of the stamp is beneath contempt, whilst the engraving is far below that of the “old” stamp. We shudder at the verdict which will be given by the world upon this poor achievement in the realm of design.
Source:
Journal of Proceedings (published by the Royal Victorian Institute of Architects in alliance with the Royal Institute of British Architects) (Melbourne, Vic.), January 1913, p. 240
Editor’s notes:
emplace = to put into place, to put into position, to place into position
[Editor: Changed “enplaced” to “emplaced”, “leapord” to “leopard”. Replaced the single quotation mark after “field” with a double quotation mark.]
[Editor: The original text has been separated into paragraphs.]
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