On offer here is a nice clean example of a bank cheque from the National Bank of Tasmania.
It has small area of paper missing on the left hand side where it may have been taped to a ledger.Â
The cheque is counter stamped at the Launceston branch and made payable at the Stanley branch.Â
Dated March 16 1904 it is for the sum of two pounds stirling which in todays terms would be about 640 pounds or AUD$1150. It is made out to Mr E. Vale a local Stanley storekeeper from one James Batten.
Probably the most interesting thing about this banking instrument is the Three Pence Revenue stamp in the upper left hand corner which has been over stamped for the value of One Pence. A cost cutting measure to save on printing the smaller denomination. These stamps generally bring around $10-12 currently.
An add in the Wellington Times and Agricultural and Mining Gazette 16 August 1894 runs an add which states:
“To Dairymen, Circular Head – E.Vale of Stanley  begs to announce that he is prepared to supply MILK CANS and ALL OTHER TINWARE necessary for Dairying. Call and compare prices and workmanship.”
A truly unique snap shot of day to day business in early 20th century Tasmania.
