Cap. 9 Art. 175Purchasing or having in possession certain paper before it has been duly stamped and issued.

The same punishment established in article 173 shall apply to any person who, without lawful authority or excuse, (the proof whereof shall lie on the person accused), knowingly purchases or receives, or takes or has in his custody or possession any paper exclusively manufactured or provided by or under the authority of the Government of Malta, for use as envelopes, wrappers or postage stamps, and for receiving the impression of stamp dies, plates or other instruments provided, made or used by or under the authority of the Government for postal purposes, before such paper has received such impression and has been issued for public use.