NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2703, 24 February 1916, Page 8

NEWSPAPER PROPRIETORS

ANNUAL CONFERENCE. By Telegraph—l'rees Association. Rotorua, February 23. Tho allium] meeting of the Press Association was held to-day. There were present: —Messrs. L. Hhimlell (chairman), Fenwick, Brett, Horton, Pirani, Selig, tho Hon. G. Carson, Smith, Jhiir, Weston, Walker, Copping, Dnigan, M'Nieol, Coombc, Geddis, Eames, List, J)iinviddic, Hynian, IVhitlock, Alackayj Bond, Lucas, Atkin, Cell, Hnie, East' tiw.vnne, Furness, A. Jones, Darley,' M'Cullough, linrlo, Benjamin, James, Keating, Parkinson, and Gotliard. The annual report, amongst other things, showed that owing to the war the cable service had greatly increased. The total words supplied was R37.580, which was an increase of (50 per com. over a few years ago. Unfortunately the cable routes, owing to blocks anil pressure, of Government and military work, had been very congested, anil much delay had at times occurred. The report dealt with tlie recent heavy increase in Press telegram rates, and at a later stage tlie meeting passed a resolution strongly protesting against increases, and determining to bring the matter again beforo the PosrmasterGeucral. The report also stated that negotiations had been going on Tor now sable contracts, and two had been made for a fresh term with' the Australian Cable Association and the Reuter"Times" service. Sympathetic reference wa-s made to the death of the late Mr. E AV. Knowles, who had long been a director and twice chairman of tlie association. Tho chairman (Mr. L. ttlundell) delivered an address covering itlie work of the association from many points of .view, and mentioned that "a deputation from tho New Zealand Alliance had waited on members, asking for support from the l'ress, especially with regard to early closing and anti"shouting" both in the interests ofsoldiers. Tlie deputation had received a sympathetic hearing. • Messrs. G. Fenwick and C. S. Smith were, re-elected directors.

The noxt meeting was fixed for Wellington.

EMPIRE PRESS UNION'

The annual mooting of the New Zealand branch of tho Empire Pross Onion was held to-day, Mr. George Fenwick (president) occupying the chair. There was a large attendance. Tho president referred to the great services the council 1 of the union bad rendered the I'ress of the Empire in connection with the reduction of cable charges, ctc. Ho paid a tribute to the memory of Lord Burnham, tho first president of tho union. Mr. H. Brett moved a vote of condolence with the relatives of Lord Burnham, and this was carried. Mr. Fenwick was re-elected president. The retiring committee was re-olected..