A Great Editor

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24900, 13 June 1946, Page 4

A Great Editor

We record to-day with great regret the sudden death in Dunedin of Sir James Hutchison, who recently resigned the editorship of the “ Otago “ Daily Times ”. The heading of this article aptly describes the man who for 37 years was responsible for the conduct of one of New Zealand’s greatest newspapers. A survivor of the old school of journalism, Sir James Hutchison, while keeping abreast of technical changes in newspaper production, which were almost imperceptibly reflected by gradual change in the appearance of his paper, held fast to the principles which have fortunately endured in New Zealand journalism through the example and influence of such as he. Thus, accuracy and impartiality in the presentation of news were the keystone of his policy and the firm basis for the respect in which he and, through him, his paper, were universally held. He would have been-the first to deplore and condemn in New Zealand practices that have unfortunately grown up in other parts of the world—the practices of colouring and angling news to suit the policy of the proprietary and of importing into the news expression of opinion to emphasise a particular viewpoint. It is indeed certain that had he been required to do anything of the kind he would long since have relinquished the chair that he held with distinction to himself and credit to the reputation of his paper. This personal integrity was Sir James Hutchison’s outstanding characteristic; and its influence on his paper and on the men and women who served under him is incalculable. Although personally of a retiring disposition, Sir James Hutchison was a doughty and determined fighter for any cause that he believed to be right. This spirit was reproduced in all leading articles of the “ Otago “ Daily Times ”, for which he was responsible, and particularly in those which he wrote himself. His style of writing was clear, incisive, and cogent, and his thoughts were expressed with vigour and fearlessness. He believed most strongly in the influence of a free press, and his whole effort was directed to seeing that that influence was exerted for what he believed to be the good of the community in which hb lived. Conservative by nature, his thinking was nevertheless unhampered by conservative tradition. He could be broadly tolerant but once having taken up a cause, he pursued it vigilantly and fought for it tenaciously and valiantly. It was typical of his personal modesty that when, some years ago, he was honoured by His Majesty the King with knighthood he should regard it as a tribute not to himself but to the profession whose dignity and integrity were always his jealous care. Sir James Hutchison leaves behind a tradition of service and responsibility that will long serve as an example and inspiration to the men and women of his craft.