Samoa
Link to a Comprehensive Price List of Samoa Stamps
Group of 14 islands in the South Pacific Ocean, about one-half of the way from Hawaii to New Zealand comprising two main islands (Savaii, Upolu) and several smaller islands and uninhabited islets; narrow coastal plain with volcanic, rocky, rugged mountains in the interior. Area 3,000sq kms Population 177,000.
The islands were known to the Dutch and French in the 18th century. American interest began in the 1830's and Britain appointed a missionary as consular agent in 1847. As as part of its expansion into the Pacific, Germany was officially represented in 1861. Although there were numerous requests for annexation by Britain, strongly supported by New Zealand, the government refused to act until 1887 when civil war broke out resulting in the establishment of a three-power protectorate. By 1900 with more civil war a new agreement was signedresulting in withdrawal of Britain from the area. Germany gained control of the westernmost group and the USA were granted control of the eastern group.
German Samoa comprising the four islands of Savaii,Upolu,Apolimo,and Manono was replaced by a New Zealand mandated territory after its capture in 1914. In 1920 the islands were placed under New Zealand civil control. Samoa was the first territory in the Western Pacific to become independent on 1st January,1962. It then became known by its native name of Samoa I Sisifo.The country dropped the "Western" from its name in 1997.
Postal History of Samoa
As in Fiji, the first postal service was organized by a local newspaper, the Samoan Times. The Samoan Express PO was opened in 1877, but bthe operation was a failure and it closed in 1881. The earlier system was reverted to and letters usually franked with New Zealand stamps were forwarded by the first available ship. In 1886, another PO was established and further stamps issued.
In 1891 New Zealand joined the UPU and the question of the validity of Samoan stamps for overseas postage was raised. Although mail to New Zealand and Australia was accepted without surcharge by those authorities. After the convention of 1900 the stamps of Samoa were withdrawn and replaced by German or USA issues. When Germany took control in 1900, German stamps without overprints were issued. These were quickly replaced by the standadrd German colonial design in the same year. Before World War I there were nine post offices.
On the evening of the invasion by New Zealand forces in 1914, the German issues were demonetized and the confiscated stocks were overprinted 'GRI' with a sterling value. During the military administration New Zealand stamps were overprinted "SAMOA"
In 1920 the first stamps issued continued the pattern of New Zealand overprints which had started in 1914. The main mail link with New Zealand continued and a range of cancellations was used between the wars. The first 'Western Samoa' postmark was introduced at Apia in 1931. At the time of independence there were 17 post offices on the islands.
Link to a Comprehensive Price List of Samoa Stamps
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