Stamps Fiji

WESTPAC IN FIJI CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH FIJI

A centennial celebration, to mark this milestone, has been launched with various activities organised for customers and staff until 12 August 2001.

A significant part of this celebration is the commemorative stamp issue to mark the centenary, which will be released on 10th August 2001.

A Brief History of Westpac In Fiji

In 1875, the Governor General of the colony Fiji, Sir Arthur Gordon invited the Bank of New South Wales to set up a branch in Fiji. The bank sent Inspector Norman to Suva to make arrangements and recommendations for the establishment of a branch.

On 12 August 1901, the Suva branch was opened for business at Thomson Street with a staff of four including the manager, Mr William McRae. He was given the power of attorney to act on behalf of the bank in Fiji. The branch was then a wooden structure with iron frames, situated near the ivi tree, which still stands today.

Westpac was one of the first overseas ventures in Fiji and it did complement the growing trade between Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. The bank made a good start and very quickly established a high reputation for its services. However, one of the directives of Mr McRae was to allow the bank to evolve rather than rush into business.

In 1908, another branch was opened in Levuka, which was a major shipping and trading location. In 1910, the third branch was opened in Lautoka and as the country progressed so did the bank.

In 1914, the Suva branch went through a major renovation to cater for the increasing need of a strong room and a banking chamber. However, with the outbreak of war, things began looking a bit uncertain but Westpac persevered.

In 1934, a new building was constructed and, at that time, somewhat changed the outlook of Suva¢s main street. Today the structure stands at the same place, conspicuous for its attractive period design.

Since 1901, the bank has developed over 40 branches and agencies throughout Fiji. However with the introduction of EFTPOS and ATM's in the 90's, the bank closed most of its agencies and is now concentrating on quality customer service. Now there are only 7 branches and 4 service centres with 388 staff.

Westpac Today

Westpac looks after the banking affairs of some of Fiji's leading businesses and organisations, caters for the needs of many thousands of smaller customers and is known for its innovative services. It plays a leading role in trade finance and all aspects of commercial and personal banking. Today it is leading the banking industry in Telephone Banking, Bill Pay and EFTPOS. Westpac also provides a wide range of International Services, Credit Card facilities, Loans and Investment products, Commercial and Business Banking, Savings products, as well as Safe Custody facilities.

As one of the first banks in Fiji to introduce EFTPOS and Telephone Banking, Westpac is continually searching for new ways to better serve its customers. Whether dealing with finances of small shopkeepers, village farmers or large corporations, Westpac's approach is always the same - offering professional, friendly services the WESTPAC WAY.

Title	Westpc in Fiji - 100 Years
Values	48c, 96c, $1.00, $2.00
Designer	Mr. George Bennett
Text	Provided by Westpac Bank (Fiji)
Printer	Joh. Enschede Security Printers
Process	Lithography
Stamp Size	48 x 31.9 mm
Stamp Format	Landscape
Perforation Gauge	14 per 2cm
Paper	Special stamp paper with OBA free coating

WESTPAC OF FIJI STAMP ISSUE
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WESTPAC IN FIJI CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP WITH FIJI A centennial celebration, to mark this milestone, has been launched with various activities organised for customers and staff until 12 August 2001. A significant part of this celebration is the commemorative stamp issue to mark the centenary, which will be released on 10th August 2001. A Brief History of Westpac In Fiji In 1875, the Governor General of the colony Fiji, Sir Arthur Gordon invited the Bank of New South Wales to set up a branch in Fiji. The bank sent Inspector Norman to Suva to make arrangements and recommendations for the establishment of a branch. On 12 August 1901, the Suva branch was opened for business at Thomson Street with a staff of four including the manager, Mr William McRae. He was given the power of attorney to act on behalf of the bank in Fiji. The branch was then a wooden structure with iron frames, situated near the ivi tree, which still stands today. Westpac was one of the first overseas ventures in Fiji and it did complement the growing trade between Fiji, Australia and New Zealand. The bank made a good start and very quickly established a high reputation for its services. However, one of the directives of Mr McRae was to allow the bank to evolve rather than rush into business. In 1908, another branch was opened in Levuka, which was a major shipping and trading location. In 1910, the third branch was opened in Lautoka and as the country progressed so did the bank. In 1914, the Suva branch went through a major renovation to cater for the increasing need of a strong room and a banking chamber. However, with the outbreak of war, things began looking a bit uncertain but Westpac persevered. In 1934, a new building was constructed and, at that time, somewhat changed the outlook of Suva¢s main street. Today the structure stands at the same place, conspicuous for its attractive period design. Since 1901, the bank has developed over 40 branches and agencies throughout Fiji. However with the introduction of EFTPOS and ATM's in the 90's, the bank closed most of its agencies and is now concentrating on quality customer service. Now there are only 7 branches and 4 service centres with 388 staff. Westpac Today Westpac looks after the banking affairs of some of Fiji's leading businesses and organisations, caters for the needs of many thousands of smaller customers and is known for its innovative services. It plays a leading role in trade finance and all aspects of commercial and personal banking. Today it is leading the banking industry in Telephone Banking, Bill Pay and EFTPOS. Westpac also provides a wide range of International Services, Credit Card facilities, Loans and Investment products, Commercial and Business Banking, Savings products, as well as Safe Custody facilities. As one of the first banks in Fiji to introduce EFTPOS and Telephone Banking, Westpac is continually searching for new ways to better serve its customers. Whether dealing with finances of small shopkeepers, village farmers or large corporations, Westpac's approach is always the same - offering professional, friendly services the WESTPAC WAY.