- £550.00
New Zealand. (Trans - Pacific Mail). 1940. Air Mail envelope endorsed 'Posted Kotuka 16th Sept', addressed to Scotland bearing SG 618, 3d purple and carmine, SG 621, 6d 6d emerald and violet and 'Postal Fiscal' SG F150, 6s pink/rose tied by Otira date stamp with framed 'Loose Letter' in blue with 'Opened and Passed by Censor in New Zealand' label tied by circular 'Passed by Censor/ 5' on face in carmine, endorsed 'Per Clipper Frisco'. Lovely item sent Trans-Pacific and North Atlantic Air Service paying the old 6s 3d plus the 'Loose Letter' fee of 6 pence.
Kotuku is located about 50km North of Otira, north of the Taramakau River and Lake Brunner. It appears that the cover was carried outside the regular mails to Otira, possibly by boat across the river/lake . The remoteness of Kotuku may explain payment of the old higher 'via Hong Kong' rate rather than the 4/- per 1/2oz rate that was introduced with the commencement of the direct FAM - 19 service in July 1940.
Ex Alistair Kennedy.
