The first issue of 2012 begins with a detailed article about New Zealand pre-decimal map stamps, by resident NZ member Brian Marshall. Brian examines the history and provides some unique background information about the very popular early map issues from New Zealand. Next up, Roger Kirby describes a unique find with a personal connection this article about the beautiful map stamps commemorating Admiral Byrd’s second expedition to Antarctica. Be sure to check out the small note on page 3 mentioning a “stamp will,” a topic which should get more discussion. In late 2011 we learned of the sad news about the passing of two members of the Society, Dr. Martin Ira Glassner (d.2010) and Dr. Jack Child (d.2011). The next article in the issue is submitted from Peter Bleekrode in the Netherlands and describes the Zuider Zee and how that history is depicted on the very unique M.C. Escher designed Netherlands scB81. Society President David Wolfersberger has an update to his Maps and Trains articles with information about related stamps in a special category. The next article is the 3rd part of an article that first appeared in issue 34, and is a reprint of a richly illustrated French article on the History of Cartography as depicted in stamps, submitted by Maurice Touchette of Canada, with translation by Pierre Moise. Tom Tarabicos tells us about Greek history through cartophilately, in an article on page 10. Next, member Ang Kiang Kee of Singapore provides details on the massive South to North Water Diversion Project underway in China, and depicted in a souvenir sheet from China. The issues is rounded out with Society News, checklist updates and some sharp looking new issues.