In September 1920 the ABM Review carried the news that a Mr H.G. Simpson, a teacher on Thursday Island in the Torres Strait (formerly a member of the Yarrabah Mission Aboriginal School staff), had volunteered to coordinate the sale of new and used postage stamps for ABM. By December 1928 he had raised almost $30,000 in today’s money:

Stamps.

The Australian Board of Missions has a department for the sale of used and unused postage stamps to philatelists in aid of its funds. To date it has raised a sum approaching £300. The Hon. Secretary is Mr H.G. Simpson, Box 62, Thursday Island, Queensland, who will be pleased to answer any inquiries when accompanied by stamped addressed envelopes.

Packets are sold for five shillings to one pound, composed to suit the stated wants of purchasers as closely as possible. Approval selections are submitted to collectors known to the Honorary Secretary, or who furnish references.

Gifts are solicited of collections and albums or loose stamps, especially early issues of the Australian States and the Pacific Islands. Common used stamps under twopence are not required. High values Commonwealth are sought after, especially kangaroos and kookaburras.

It would be of great assistance if stamps could be cleaned from the adhering paper by floating them on the surface of water in a saucer or plate for a few minutes, afterwards peeling them and drying them on blotting paper.

The following kinds of stamps are not wanted by those who collect:—torn, pen-marked, with perforations missing—being generally cut with scissors, those punctured with initials of firms (Government punctures such as OS and NSW are useful), those with corners missing or heavily postmarked. The countries mostly in favour are Papua (including British New Guinea), New Zealand, Fiji, Solomons, New Hebrides, Samoa, Tonga, Gilbert and other Pacific Islands, and the Australian States.

(Church papers kindly copy.)

We think that H.G. Simpson would be chuffed to know that 105 years since he volunteered to raise funds through stamps there are a band of donors and stamp volunteers across the country who follow in his footsteps. They give us stamps, sort them and sell them to raise funds for mission. Thank you to everyone involved.