Sag : A Philatelic Canard.

A PHILATELIC CANARD. October 1st 1932

We find it necessary, at various times, to correct, contradict or emphatically deny many
statements relative to Australian stamps made in overseas philatelic journals.
But a recent paragraph in "Le Collectionneur de Timbres-Poste" has so overwhelmed us
that we find it difficult to reply with moderation, so we append hereafter a translation of
this strange news and leave the necessary comments to our readers.

"Australia (Confederation).—We referred last year to the commemorative series of Saint
Anthony (of Padua and of Lisbon) issued by Italy and Portugal....... We do not doubt but
that Australia followed these events; such appears to have been the case for we are
advised 'that the Commonwealth postal authorities have given their official approval for
the issue of a stamp, equally official, and of a very special character, destined to
commemorate the 7th centenary of the said Saint Anthony.'

"The design of the stamp represents a portrait of the saint, in Franciscan habit, holding in
his arms the Infant Jesus and the inscription 'Everybody's Saint Anthony.' At the base,
between the stars of the Southern Cross are the letters 'S.A.G.' (Saint Anthony's Guard).

"This stamp, in spite of its doubly official character (see above) is not valid for postal
purposes. One is only able to use it on the backs of envelopes as a seal. This issue is due
to the initiative of the Irish Order of the Franciscan Fathers, which was established in
Sydney in 1878. This order is very well known and enjoys an immense popularity
throughout Australia."