Mr. G.R.Lee of the Philately Society of New Zealand wrote to the printers of this stamp, Waterlow & Sons for information. From this firm he got a reply that Mr. J.C. Harison a designer of the company, had designed the stamp after three photo’s. One photo was from Mount Egmond on the Northern Island, the second photo was a picture of Miss Ruby Seddon the daughter of the Prime Minister at that time of New Zealand. The third photo was of an Eastbourne ferry.
Most probably the ferry DUCHESS is depict on the stamp. On the stamp only the forepart of the vessel is showed.
Built under yard No. 146 as a passenger vessel by Mackie & Thomson at Glasgow for J.H.Williams in Wellington, New Zealand.
1897 Launched under the name DUCHESS.
Tonnage 308 grt. Dim. 133.6 x 26.0ft.
Triple expansion steam engine.
July 1897 delivered.
The ferry service at Wellington came when Williams made an extension of excursions to a holiday resort, at Lowry Bay, during weekends and public holidays with chartered vessels, or with his own vessel the DUCO. When Williams bought land at Day Bays and developed playing fields and attractions there he ordered the DUCHESS a miniature liner with two funnels. She was a strong vessel, and designed also to tow vessels in of out Wellington harbour.
When in 1900 the Wellington Steam Ferry Co. was founded this company bought Williams properties at Day Bays and his vessels.
1901 Sold to Wellington Steam Ferry Co. Ltd., Wellington.
1914 Sold to the Mayor, Councillors & Burgesses of the Borough Of Eastbourne, Wellington.
1931 Sold to J.A. MacDonald, Auckland.
1932 Sold to H.L.Watkin & P S. Wallis, Auckland.
1933 Sold to “Duchess” SS Co., Ltd. Auckland.
June 1940 required by the Royal New Zealand Navy and used as an auxiliary minesweeper.
January 1944 in use as a gate vessel, later used as an examination vessel.
December 1946 sold to F.Appleton and dismantled at Auckland.
The hulk was beached and abandoned 11 June 1947 on the north side of Rangitoto.
New Zealand 1901 1d sg 303. 1907 1d sg 386. 1909 1d sg 405, 1913 1d sg 413. 1907 1D SG O60b, 1908 1D SGO70 and 1910 1D SG O78
Niue 1997 $2 sg?
Source. Mijn Stokpaardje Capt. J.J van der Starre. New Zealand’s Maritime heritage by David Johnson.
Register of Merchant ships completed in 1897.