The introduction of what are known as "post cards" in the United Kingdom, and the convenience which is stated to have attended their use, have induced the Department to make arrangements for the manufacture of similar post cards for the use of the public in Canada. These post cards will be sold at one cent each, and may be posted for any address within the Dominion—and will be conveyed to destination, and be delivered in like manner with letters—the one cent covering the cost both of the card and of postage.
They may be used for any communication, which can advantageously be written and sent by such a medium; and, it would seem unquestionable, must, in Canada as in England, prove to be extremely convenient for many objects and purposes.
The next year's Report states:—"Post Cards have been issued to the public from June, 1871, and it is believed have been found to be of material convenience. The number issued up to the 31st December was 1,470,600."
These cards were cut to a size approximately 4⅝ × 3 inches (116 × 75 mm.). The design consists of an engine turned border set about 3/16 of an inch in from the edge, with the stamp in the upper right corner of the enclosed space. This stamp shows a medallion bearing the head of Queen Victoria that appears on the "large" cents issue of 1868, surrounded by a frame that makes a roughly rectangular outline. The arrangement and style of the inscriptions on the card are shown by the illustration. At the bottom, just above the frame, is the imprint in letters of "diamond"
size, "British American Bank Note Co. Montreal & Ottawa." The card is not of particularly heavy stock, has a somewhat rough surface, and is of a light buff tint that varies some in tone. The printing was done in sheets of several impressions and the engravings were separated by thin colored lines running the whole length between them. The color of the impression is a deep blue, though specimens in a lighter tone are not uncommon.
In the Postmaster General's Report for 1872 we learn that on the 1st November of that year, amongst other changes in connection with rates to Newfoundland, the exchange of post cards at the ordinary domestic rate was provided for. In the Report for 1873 we read:—"By arrangement with the United States Post Office, the post cards of Canada and of the United States have, from the 1st July 1873, passed freely to destination between the two countries on prepayment of 2 cents each, by affixing a 1 cent postage stamp to the card in addition to the one cent stamp printed thereon." The postal arrangement concluded between Canada and the United States in 1874,[227] however, by which mail matter was to be exchanged between the two countries at the domestic rates of each, obviated the necessity of the extra cent on the post cards from the 1st January, 1875.
It may be remembered that the marginal imprints on the sheets of adhesive stamps began to be changed in 1875 and that the word "Ottawa" was dropped. The same change took place in the post card some time during 1876, it being first noted in Le Timbre-Poste for January, 1877. The new card had the imprint at the bottom reading "British American Bank Note Co. Montreal" in letters slightly larger than on the first type. The frame of the card also seems to have been re-engraved as slight differences can be detected, and the outside or "over all" measurements are found to be about 1½ mm. greater each way. Otherwise the appearance of the card is the same, but it is cut a little larger, measuring 4¾ × 3 inches (120 × 75 mm.), and the stock is a little heavier than the first card and of a slightly paler buff. The engravings on the plate were this time separated by short lines of color at the center of the sides of the cards. The color of the impression was the same as before and at times the front of the card was tinted bluish because of imperfectly wiped plates during printing.
Although Canada failed to obtain entrance into the Universal Postal Union on its establishment in 1875, as already detailed,[228] yet she was granted