The Colonial Collection – a new series of stamp issues – is about to carry Australian historical themes beyond the Bicentenary. The first stamps, a se-tenant strip of five 39c stamps depicting the The Pastoral Era, will be released on 10 May 1989.
The period between 1810 and 1850 saw a major transformation in the Colony of New South Wales. From painful origins as a penal dumping-ground, Australia began its development into a land of opportunity for Australian born children of the early convicts, and migrants seeking a life better than their European homelands could offer.
Lachlan Macquarie took office as Governor of New South Wales on the first day of January 1810. His programme of public buildings saw the settlement at Sydney and surrounding towns develop an air of sophistication.
Explorers ventured inland in search of the fabled inland sea. Some found fertile land. Most discovered only parched semi-desert.
John Macarthur, William Cox, the Reverend Samuel Marsden and Alexander Riley were among men of vision who changed the pastoral scene from a subsistence level into a profitable industry. Sheep were bred for wool as well as mutton and their numbers increased rapidly. Pastoralists looked for land beyond the confines of the nineteen counties around Sydney. Many took up illegal runs and became known as “squatters.”
Expansion was not without conflict. Aborigines, denied access to traditional hunting grounds and water-holes, retaliated by killing the pastoralists’ sheep and cattle. In turn, the pastoralists fought to protect their stock.
Stamps depicting this colourful era will be issues as a se-tenant strip. A topographical panorama unites the five stamps, below which depicts Colonial period scenes have been executed in the style of the time.
Details
- Date of Issue: 10 May 1989
- Designer: David Lancashire
- Printer: Leigh-Mardon Pty Limited, Melbourne
- Process: Photolithography
- Colours: Red – Yellow – Magenta – Cyan – Black – Grey
- Paper: Harrison
- Perf: 14.3 (comb)
- Sheet: 50 stamps (R5 x 5) printed in two panes, separated by vertical gutter.
- Quantity:
Subjects
- 39c Immigrants
- 39c Pioneers
- 39c Squatters
- 39c Shepherds
- 39c Explorers
First Day Cover (National Postmark)
The National Postmark for this series was Parramatta NSW 2150. The cover was priced at $2.15.
First Day Cover (Pictorial Postmarks)
Stamp Pack
The stamp pack was priced at $2.30.
Collectors Cards
The set of five collector’s cards were priced at $2.50 per set.
Maximum Cards
The set of five maximum cards were priced at $3.25 per set.
Stamp Bulletin
Australia Stamp Bulletin No.199 (April-May 1989)
