The first thing that popped into my head when I found out that the theme for Sunday Stamps was "public service announcements" was this set of stamps that were issued in March 1973 to help educate the community during the transition from the imperial to the metric system.
The overweight strange-looking dude is a bit of a strange choice, but I guess the stamps get their message across.
I didn't really think that Australia issued many "public service announcement" stamps - but then, looking through my album I also spotted these stamps, which are from a 2008 issue entitled "living green".
Unfortunately my copies of the stamps are very far from mint... I clearly didn't do a very good job of soaking the gum off them.
It's a pity the stamps are so damaged, because the images are quite striking... I particularly like the walking bus. Save water; reduce waste; travel smart. Three very simple messages about living more sustainably and in an environmentally conscious manner.
That's it from me for this evening. Happy Sunday everybody, and follow the link below, should you wish to find out about more stamps with "a message"
I think those conversion stamps are brilliant.
ReplyDeleteThe metric stamps are great, thinking about it I'm not altogether sure that the message got through even now. I think I use imperial for some things and metric for others. The walking bus is a great design.
ReplyDeleteI am in awe of your collection. I can't believe you have those stamps and i remember when they came out and the conversion to the metric system that year. Funny how things jog your memory - thanx.
ReplyDeleteI might have managed the metric conversion a little better if we'd had those stamps. I feel sure I know that man....
ReplyDeleteThe thing that popped into my head when I saw the metric conversion stamps was obesity. I especially like the walking bus too.
ReplyDeleteAustralia did a far better job at converting to metric than Canada did. We still use both - try finding a deli or grocery store that lists the cost per kg- it is almost always in imperial on the sign, then in metric on the cash register. very confusing, still after all these years!
ReplyDeleteI like the simple graphics on the last three stamps.
i find the illustrations of that chubby man very cute actually! he has such a pleasant timid look on his face!
ReplyDeleteluckily here we use the metric system only...but we do have trouble when reading something coming from a country using the imperial one...i simply just dont know what is the exact figure they are having in mind..moreover, even here in books we have translated, i often find some measures retained as in the original which can be really frustrating since at least one expects those books to be adapted to the culture of the audience and hence be understandable for them :)
The conversion stamps would be useful here (I mean in Spain & Morocco). We use only metric, you know, but every time I'm reaading an English book, I have to consult Google...
ReplyDeleteIt's funny- for the most part I don't understand the imperial system at all... It went out before I was born; but I still talk about people's height in feet & inches! Strange!
DeleteHa! Here is America it's all English - I mean Imperial measure. I use a F to C temperature conversion on the web quite often. Anyway, the chubby guy is funny and I think the stamps got the message across.
ReplyDeleteI love those metric stamps,that cartoon character is so funny. I think I would have got to grips with the system if I'd seen those in the 70s.
ReplyDeleteDon't you just hate self adhesive stamps, never know which ones are soakable or what type of glue they have used to make an informed choice. Nice stamps though, super duck.
Thanks Joy! Yep, self adhesive stamps are the worst!
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