"THE DOMINION."

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1310, 13 December 1911, Page 6

"THE DOMINION."

ANNUAL MEETING .OF THE WELLINGTON PUBLISHING CO. A SUCCESSFUL YEAR. The annual meeting of shareholders of llio Wellington Publishing Company was held yesterday at the company's offices, Mr. .1. Dutluc, chairman of directors, presiding. Tho annual report and balance-sheet, presented to the meeting, showed Unit the progress during tho year had been highly satisfactory. The advertising business mid the circulation of tho paper had both increased substantially, mid there was u small prolit on the year's transactions. T'hu chairman, in moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet, complimented shareholders on tho progress made, and expressed the confidence of tho directors in u continuing increase of revenue, lie considered shareholders had every reason to bo gratified with the position of The Dominion, and especially in view of the fact that it. had attained to a self-supporting position so soon in the faco of very great opposition. As one of the original promoters, ho might say thnt while not losing sight of a legitimate return for capital invested, j they wcro more moved by a desiro to establish a first-class colonial newspaper, worthy of this city, the capital of Ne.w | Zealand. They had deplored the existing want of a high-toned paper, such as could be compared with the morning journals of the principal cities of tho Empire, and, like them, whilo seeking to assist all that was sound and progressive, yet prepared to denounce, at whatever cost, all that was vicious in legislation or administration by any Government, whether then in office or thnt may attain thereto. Conducted in this spirit, Tjib Dominion had already attained to an enviable position. Its circulation was large and colonial—it extended from Auckland to lnvercnrgill. Its repute no a journal that could be relied upon for facts and honest opinion was the basis of this circulation, and explained why its contents were so freely quoted or used by district newspapers. The Dominion", whilo following tho course indicated, and building up the position it aspired to, had so far had an unpleasant task, in tho exposing of many regrettable features in our public life, but ho hoped as a result that he might modestly say that The Dominion- had been a not unimportant factor in tho enlightenment which so evidently and effectively influenced tho expression of public opinion on Thursday last. He would like to add that The Dominion was tied to no particular interest—it stood for what was best in the public interest. It was independent in the best senso of the term, and would never degenerate into a party hack. Mr. 3 aims Macintosh seconded the motion, which was carried after complimentary remarks by shareholders. The chairman moved a vote of thanks to the editor (Mr. C. Earle), manager (Mr. A. Blanton), and staff. Ho referred in eulogistic terms to the work of the staff of the paper, and especially dwelt on the harmonious relations which had always existed between the proprietary and the employees, and, indeed, throughout the whole establishment. Mr. Coombe seconded the motion, and Mr. Buchanan also supported it, the meeting cordially approving. The editor and manager responded on behalf of the staff. The election of Mr. James Macintosh as a director in place of Mr. W. Muir (retired on account of ill-health) was confirmed, and Mr. H. Williams and Dr. G. E. Anson were re-elected directors. A special vote of thanks was passed to the directors, who were complimented by shareholders on the satisfactory position to which they bad been abte to bring the company's affairs. Messrs. Hunt and Menzies wore reelected auditors. At the subsequent meeting of directors, Mr. J. Duthie was elected chairman for tho current year..