| SPM
| | | The
Encyclopedia | | |  | | | Saint-Pierre
& Miquelon
Philatelic Journal Editor
: James (Jim) Taylor
2335 Paliswood Road SW,
Calgary, AB
james-taylor@wave.home.com
President : David
Allen
2159 W 47th Avenue,
Vancouver BC
Canada
V6M 2M6
Fax : 1-604-263-3141
dallen@axionet.com
Mr David Salovey
Founder
P.O. Box 464
New-York, N.Y. 10014-0464
USA |
Site fondé
en 1993. | |
A "Paquebot" Cover | Trade and Commerce
between Canada and St. Pierre and Miquelon has always been a major aspect of the
economic activity of the islands. With their small population base and economy
based almost exclusively on the fishing industry, the prosperity or stagnation
of this industry has markedly affected the ability of the islands to import the
manufactured necessities of life. |  |
At the turn of the century the fishing industry was relatively prosperous
and as a result there was a large demand for imported goods. The lines of communication
with France were not strong and as a result most of the islanders' needs were
provided by Canada or Newfoundland. The shipping line that carried the goods from
Nova Scotia to St. Pierre also carried the mail. Often letters were placed in
the mail at St. Pierre on the ship. Illustrated here is a cover from the islands
to a boot and shoe store in Halifax, Nova Scotia with a 25 centime stamp postmarked
at Halifax N.S. " Paquebot " Posted at Sea", Received April 25, 1911, Halifax
" and a further clear cancel on the face of the cover. 25centimes was the correct
letter rate in 1911 to Canada. The Canadian authorities did not permit mail, at
this time , to be landed in the Maritimes at any other ports than North Sydney
and Halifax. If mail was received at other ports from visiting vessels, it was
transferred to the Canadian mail system for inclusion at one or other of these
ports. There are various types of "Paquebot" markings that have been used over
the years and it is always a "find" when looking through used stamps from St.
Pierre and Miquelon to pick them out. "Paquebot" covers make a handsome addition
to any collection of St. Pierre and Miquelon stamps. Philatelic
articles by David Allen
D. Allen
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