Royal Philatelic Society of New Zealand Inc.
Item of Interest

New Zealand Road Parcel labels

Parcel carriage services in and between New Zealand towns were operated by private individuals and companies from as early as around 1870. As bus passenger routes extende through the country, the additional carriage of parcels followed.

Some examples of the labels used for pre-payment by a few companies are shown below.

1. New Zealand Government Railways Road Services

The first labels appeared c.1940 and many types were issued through to c.1983. The earlier issues all bore the facsimile signature of the NZR Divisional Clerk, Revenue, allowing approximate dating.

NZR Bus labels 1947 Normal size

A part set of Brodie Type 2b (c. 1947) with E.L.G Butcher (1947-52) signature. These are the receipt halves, the part to be affixed to the parcel was inscribed just "Freight Paid". Note the two variants of '2' in 2/-. A 6d value is also known.

NZR Bus labels c.1977 Normal size

Above is a part set of Brodie Type 7c (c.1977). There are many other values from 2c to $5, and font varieties. Note that the usual method of cancellation was by pen or crayon lines. The item below shows a dated cancellation.

NZR Bus labels on piece Normal size

The boxed cancellation (42x36mm) reads "N.Z.R. ROAD SERVICES / 11 NOV 1977 / AUCKLAND"

2. Midland Coachlines Ltd

This company started in Christchurch and eventually opened offices in many other towns, from Dunedin to Auckland. The item below dates from 1963-67, and is partially obscured by brown packing tape.

Midland Bus parcel label 1.5x normal size

3. Collingwood Bus Services

A obscure service, unlisted by Brodie, operating out of the small town of Collingwood, in Golden Bay, in the north of the South Island. The date of issue or use is unknown, but is at least 1967.

Collingwood Bus Services Normal size

Reference: Postage Stamps of New Zealand Volume VIII (1998, Chapter XVII Road Parcel labels, Jim Brodie FRPSNZ).

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