New Hebrides Postmarks Introduction (NH)
NEW HEBRIDES / NOUVELLES HÉBRIDES
The New Hebrides is an archipelago in the south-western Pacific Ocean, about 1,600 km NE of Australia. Rivalry between British and French interests eventually forced joint governance from 20 October 1906: officially the Condominium, but colloquially known as the “Pandemonium”.
Before 1888, communication with the outside world was through the chance visits of ships. Stamps used on outgoing mail depended on the ship and its country of origin or destination, and were postmarked at the port of arrival. In 1888, a subsidised steamer service, the Australian United Steam Navigation Company (AUSNCo), was established between the islands and Sydney. An unofficial NSW post office began at Aneityum, becoming official on 1 August 1891. Postage stamps were either unmarked or pen-cancelled with a cross.
In the 1880s and 1890s, French vessels based at Noumea ran an inter-island service, and conveyed letters between Vila and Noumea. These were franked with New Caledonian stamps cancelled in Noumea.
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See also:
NSW Postal Agency (NH)
