The Postmaster-General will also arrange, on learning from any Colonial Post Office that only one specimen of each stamp, etc., distributed through the International Bureau is required by any Colonial Government to limit the supply accordingly.
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
J. CHAMBERLAIN.
CIRCULAR.
Sir,
Downing Street,
13th August, 1893.
My attention has been called to the practice of issuing surcharged postage stamps, and to the temptations which it affords to Post Masters and Treasurers, and other public officers, of making irregular profits by dealings with stamp dealers and collectors.
If proper care is taken to maintain a sufficient supply of stamps, the practice of surcharging is unnecessary, and it should never be resorted to unless absolutely required for the convenience of the public, and in every such case the officer responsible for keeping up the supply of stamps should be liable to be fined.
The Officer Administering the Government of
I have the honour to be,
Sir,
Your most obedient, humble Servant,
RIPON,