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For some past years, during the eighteenth century, personalities of the Isle de France had been asking the French authorities to transfer the military establishment of Port Sud-Est to La Pointe de la Colonie. They were major Visdelou de Bonamour, commandant de quartier, governor Fran?ois de Souillac, his intendant Motais de Narbonne and captain de la Martini?re. Their arguments were, inter alia, that in the first place there was no running water, access from the sea was difficult and, in case of heavy rainfall, water would pour down the mountain slopes and flood the plantations, while at La Pointe de la Colonie, there were a river (Rivi?re La Chaux) and a stream (Ruisseau des D?lices), fresh air, and access by land and sea.
But the financial implications were heavy and the Tr?sor Royal was at its lowest. The authorities turned a deaf ear to the petitions.
Soon after governor Isidore Deca?n arrived in 1803, however, he visited the south east region of the island and finally gave way to the requests regarding the transfer of the military establishment. Relying on the report made by the Director of Fortifications, he signed, in the name of the French emperor (Napol?on Bonaparte), an Order of transfer of the former settlement to La Pointe de la Colonie. This Order, countersigned by prefect Louis L?ger, was made public on 15 pluvi?se an 14 or February 4, 1806.
After stating the many reasons justifying the transfer, and thus creating the town of ?Mah?-bourg?, the Order designated the place and details of the establishment of the new military post, of the official buildings, of the church and of the priest?s house and apportioned the rest of the land in regular lots for housing purposes.
Four stamps are to commemorate the bicentenary of the creation of Mahebourg in February 2006. They feature four particular places and events of the village.
Rs 2.00 ? The Market
The two-rupee stamp illustrates the old African-style market, now demolished, and the new one with its elegant pastel shades and slender pillars. People of the region flock to this market renowned for its butchery products; the place is moreover a bustling meeting centre where shopping goes with socializing.
Rs 7.00 - Regattas
The seven-rupee stamp depicts regattas, old and new, a very particular feature of the seaside village. This activity was created, among others, to draw popular attention to Mahebourg, in the 19th century, at a time where it was losing some of its attraction to the profit of inland towns. For the occasion, four trains packed full with an enthusiastic crowd would run from Port-Louis to attend the many boat races. The Mah?bourg Yacht Club was created in 1874.
Rs 8.00 ? Le Lavoir
The eight-rupee stamp shows the picturesque lavoir or washing place, one rare specimen of the kind to be still in use. Dating from the French period, that is the early days of the creation of Mahebourg, it is situated close to La Rivi?re La Chaux. The iron rings fixed in the cut stones recall that horses were tied here while the washing was being done.
Rs 16 ? Pointe des R?gattes
The sixteen-rupee stamp features the Pointe des R?gates, past and present. This is the place where boat racing started. The two pictures also show La montagne du Lion in the background, a mountain that takes its name from the shape of a lion?s head at its summit, when seen from the sea. The Monument aux Morts, figured on the left, was inaugurated on December 30, 1899 in memory of the sailors who died during the battle of Grand-Port in 1810. The new waterfront appears in the picture on the right.
Souvenir Sheet
The portraits of Fran?ois Mah? de Labourdonnais (left) and of Isidore Decaen respectively recall the greatness of the French governor whose name was given to the newly-created village and the gratitude of the other French governor, who created Mah?bourg, towards his illustrious predecessor.
First Day Cover
Extracts from the Order of transfer of the settlement of Port Sud-Est to La Pointe de la Colonie and from the legend of the plan of Richemont, appear in the background. This plan, dated 1805, establishing ?Bourg-Mah?? with all its concessions drawn up, also illustrates the Official First Day Cover.
Technical details
Designer : Nurveen Ratty
(Graphic Designer, Mauritius POST)
New Photos : Iswarnath Govind
(Officer in charge, Mauritius Postal Museum)
Printer : BDT International
Size : 44.45 x 27.94 mm
Perforation : 14 x 2
Gum : PVA
Paper : Crown Agents Watermarked
Sheet Format : 50 stamps set in 2 panes of 25
Release Date : 4 February 2006.
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