New Hebrides & Vanuatu
Link to a comprehensive Price List of Vanuatu stamps
The British and French, who settled the New Hebrides in the 19th century, agreed in 1906 to an Anglo-French Condominium, which administered the islands until independence in 1980 and named Vanuatu.
Vanuatu is a group of islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about three-quarters of the way from Hawaii to Australia. Area 12,200 Sq Kms. Population: 206,000 (2005)
The Vanuatu economy is based primarily on small-scale agriculture, which provides a living for 65% of the population. Fishing, offshore financial services, and tourism, with about 50,000 visitors in 2004, are other mainstays of the economy. Mineral deposits are negligible; the country has no known petroleum deposits. A small light industry sector caters to the local market. Tax revenues come mainly from import duties. Economic development is hindered by dependence on relatively few commodity exports, vulnerability to natural disasters, and long distances from main markets and between constituent islands. GDP growth rose less than 3% on average in the 1990s. In response to foreign concerns, the government has promised to tighten regulation of its offshore financial center. In mid-2002 the government stepped up efforts to boost tourism. Agriculture, especially livestock farming, is a second target for growth. Australia and New Zealand are the main suppliers of tourists and foreign aid to Vanuatu.
Postal History of the New Hebrides and Vanuatu
The islands had no regular contact with Australia or other Pacific colonies before 1988. In that year a feeder line was established between the group and Sydney, which connected with both the French and British services to Europe. Stamps of NSW, and occasionally France were used to prepay mail and these were postmarked either Sydney or Noumea.
A New South Wales PA was opened on Aneityum in 1889 but this was short-lived. The mail was re-routed via Port Vila and a canceller was introduced in 1892.
In the same year the contract for the carriage of mail to Australia lapsed and the Australian New Hebrides Company and its French counterpart took over responsibility for the postal service. However, the companies which had issued their own stamps, soon went into liquidation and PAs for New Caledonia were opened in 1903 and 1905. Stamps of both New South Wales and New Caledonia continued to be used until the PO of the condominium was established in October, 1908. The former PAs were closed soon afterwards.
The struggle for independence in the 1970s led to a minor revolt and some islands declared their own independence. Although this led to some disruption of mail, no special stamps were issued, the revolts were suppressed by a joint French and British force and the islands became Vanuatu on 30th June,1980.
Link to a comprehensive Price List of Vanuatu stamps
• Sydney Philatelics • P.O. Box 122 Milton NSW 2538 •
• Phone: +61 (0)2 4455 4011 • Fax: +61 (0)2 8572 9911 •
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