THE STORY OF THE EVENING POST

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 33, 8 February 1935, Page 14 (Supplement)

THE STORY OF THE EVENING POST

THE EDITORIAL "WE"

THE POST'S FIRST LEADER

FOUNDER AND FAMILY A Pioneer Enterprise

HP*HE Newspaper is the most .up-to-date of JL institutions. It must be. Last year's model can never satisfy today's buyers. As the paper records progress, so it. must reflect it. Yet this most modern of institutions owes much of its^ progress to one of the most, ancient institutions of humanity: the family. Several/of the greatest of English newspapers have won their place in the community life through the continuity of control and consistency /of aim's which family ownership has given.' Recent years have seen the family ownership of some of the' most famous papers replaced by company or party control. The "Daily Telegraph" and the "Morning Post" of London have changed hands, and though the Walter -family retains association with "The Times," it is no longer mainly a family concern. But family associations were of,singular importance in establish--ing the name and reputation.of these papers.' The reasdn;can be-readily seen. A newspaper' is personal and living. Should it become merely' mechanical it must die. It musf have ideals afyl aims, and when these fail' it' has no pur-: pose to serve.: So it has often that a journal, established by some man of"striking: personality, has died with him: The family, of^. course, does not 'invariably' assure 'succession in ideals. But it does give'a'reasonable prospect of this. Old journalists claim with some reason that it is "iri the blood." INTIMATE ASSOCIATION. • This explains why the history of the "Evening Post" for seventy years is also a history of the Blundell family. The "paper is not much younger than the colony and the Wellington' settlement.' It is actually five years older than the city, for Wellington did not* become a borough until 1870. Very closely its history has followed the'history of New Zealand and Wellington: The progress of all' three— country, 'city, and ' paper—has been linked, all growing together and postering each other's growth. But the more:intimate association of. the paper and the family,' has always been there also. It has never been obtrusive, for the last thing the family has' sought has ■ ■been anything resembling a newspaper dynasty; but.. when, on an anniversary the time comes1 to .tell .something of the paper's progress and achievements, the story becomes* partly one of the family.-?; ■,• ;-. • . -. • ■ ■ ' In ..the beginning the family was a source of strength. The Israelites- of -old knew the" worth of children in war: "They shall speak with the enemies in the gate." Henry Blundell, sen.,; had three sons, who stood'by him, working with him for long hours when the reward of enterprise was ..small. Had-it. not been for" this family help "The Post" might, not, have' survived the trials and privations of its early days::. ; , \..',■■'; A. .... ..;■ . ■-. ..:. :. .. • ... ■';, Henry -Bluncleli; himself ;had''enterprise andtenacity. ■:-. He 'was 47 years'■• old'when he ended 27.years association as manager of the "Dublin Evening Mail" and left Ireland to begin life anew in the colonies. Several years passed before success attended his courage. He stayed a while in Victoria, and then came to New Zealand. He managed the "Lyttelton Times," but could not see in this the prospect he sought, and again he went to Melbourne. For five years he and his, family were moving from place to,place. From Melbourne he came back to New Zealand, and he worked for a time with the "Otago Daily Times." Then, in partnership with Mr. D. Curie, and assisted by two of his, sons, Henry and Louis, he established the Havelock Mail." It did well while the Waka- . marina gold rush' lasted; Hut!when the gold prosperity showed signs of decline a change had to be made. The newspaper plant, small in those days, was taken first to Wanganui, but Wangariui had Native troubles, so down the coast the plant was brought to Wellington. A small building was secured in Ellers Lane, off Willis Street, to serve as a printing house. It .had convenient communication with Mr. R. Burrett's bookshop in Manners Street, and this bookshop was the first publishing office. A BOLD BID. The new venture was not assured of success from the start. Indeed* the prospects at the time must have seemed rather unfavourable, for there were two tri-weekly papers and one biweekly paper struggling for the support that could be given by a small. population. Possibly Mr. Blundell chose to make the attempt here rather than set out again on his travels with his family, partner, and plant. But having made the decision his bid was a bold one. "The Post" would be" a daily paper. The first issue was a success, ; but successful

From the success attending the issue of Daily Evening Papers in the other Provinces of New Zealand and in the sister colonies, the proprietors of the "Evening Post" are led to hope that the inhabitants of Wellington will hail •with pleasure the appearance of a journal devoted to their interests, in which they will endeavour, faithfully and concisely, to narrate the various and several political and social on dits of the day, simultaneously with their occurrence. A liberal course of policy will be pursued; and the bounds of moderation will riot be. overstepped in giving expression to the views entertained by them as journalists.

establishment was longer in coming. Indeed, it was found in the first few months that the business was insufficient for two partners, and Mr. Blundell in July bought Mr. Curie's interest. It was then that the strength of the family organisation was seen. With his sons, John, Henry, and Louis, and one or two juniors, Mr. Blundell tackled all the work of the paper. The perseverance displayed by the founder in his search for a promising location for the newspaper, with the consistent and steady support of his sons, was eventually rewarded, but there were many difficulties before this was accomplished. For some years the responsible work fell wholly upon members of the family. Mr.Henry • Blundell," sen., was director, manager, and editor, writing his leading articles, gathering news, and superintending and assisting the advertising, typographical, and publishing work. Mr. Henry, jun., was reporter and advertising ■canvasser, and Mr. John arid Mr. Louis, as expert compositors, attended to the type-setting with-'the assistance of juniors and apprentices. When the paper began to grow Mr. Louis transferred to the reporting staff, and Mr. John continued to supervise the composing. • SUCCESS ACHIEVED. ... Father and sons continued this unremitting application^ for several years, and it was not until 1874 that the head of the firm decided to rest. He had previously', engaged Mr. Frank. Gifford as editor,' and he then relinquished the^ active management, which thereafter was carried on by the. Blundell Brothers. Mr.. Blundell, sen., made a trip to his native Ireland, and afterwards he spent, much of his time travelling. He died when on a visit to Sydney in 1878, and was buried in Wellington. The outstanding traits in. his character, may be dis cerned ;in .the story of "The- Post's" beginning. Perseverance of a high order was demanded, and .no mean business ability, with a gift for choosing capable assistants. Equally important in the light of later years was another quality—independence of mind. This character he impressed.upon the paper. Though honoured by the confidence of his fellow-citizens he refused to enter public life, holding that a newspaper proprietor must not be bound. This principle has been maintained sjnce by the paper and -its proprietors. Support has always been given for movements for the public welfare, but hever in such a way as to prejudice the independence of the paper. SONS IN PARTNERSHIP. The partnership of the Blundell Brothers continued until the death, of Mr. Henry Blundell, jun., in 1894. Mr. Henry Blundell was a man of marked personality, forceful, genial, and generous, extremely popular with the staff of "Thci Post" and; with/the public with whom he came in contact in directing the' commercial .'side of the .paper. When he died "The Post" proprietary was . converted .into a company confined to members of the Blundell family, with .Messrs. John and Louis as directors. Both now found their attention had to be wholly devoted to management, but in this management they continued to take the closest personal interest in_ their employees, maintaining those relationships which had been established when proprietors and employees worked side by side. Mr. John_ Blundell retired from the active management in 1917, and the directorate was then reconstituted to comprise Mr. Louis, of the original brothers, and the members of the third generation, Messrs. Walter and Percy (sons of Mr. John), Ernest (son of Mr. Henry, jun.), and Leonard (son of Mr. Louis). After some years of quiet retirement Mr. John Blundell died on January'll, 1922. Mr. Louis continued as "the Senior Member" till his death on November 5 last year. To him "The Post" was a life work and a life hobby, its employees his friends, and its progress and reputation his all-absorbing interest. Throughout almost the complete 70 years of its existence he worked for it and watched it, ever maintaining the principles and ideals set by the founder. Members of the fourth generation of the family are now with "The Post" in various departments, carrying on the principle of personal activity and intimate working association in the enterprise. '

■ While fully; aware, of the 'responsibility devolving 'Oh. anyone who..undertakes to criticise the "powers that be," our columns will' be open to all temperatelywrittencommunications, and though: we -do riot' hold ourselves responsible for the opinions'expressed, we shall insert any that-may be sehtus, with the exception of those of a personal nature. ' .."■: ' •

Gur cotemporary mothers' on the world-renowned-Mrs. Partington the idea that "Sweet are the uses of' advertisements"-; and'we-trust it will be generally allowed that the .'-'Evening Post," from the fact of-tits being daily brought before the public eve,'possesses incomparable advantages which strongly recommend it to the consideration of air those, who/have benefited by a judicious use of the advertising medium; and as may be seen in another column, oiif scale of charges is framed with a view of placing publicity within the reach of everyone' in the community. '■-■■ In' conclusion, while expressing our intention of doing bur utmost'to please, we feel assured the people of Wellington will kindly give us their support; and; remembering the difficulties we have to contend with—wans of proper accommodation!, etc.—look with an indulgent eye on our.' earnest' efforts to gain their patronage and approval.

tfnlu fnoZTesl^Lliod tfh*™ #• T^ *T T', li " "°* a l°m Ufefor « ™™PaP^ nor is it, in these days, even a long life for a man; the tin sty. W UVentS' .»* e*w^:« <«**** ™»*™ fe mAribaZ grease,, And the period closes with one of ISa^tS a\^tiZi h^7ae^7 eaTU- U f °f "^ «*«%»«*■ *«<? 'fte^ W*r before record, M such faithfulness industrial revolution T" 1 ° of r tM °f a ***** colbn »< Italso co'«c^ »«'* ** P«M «« ifte rte i/me, measured not TvJsr a thertan/fr A "f \ f r f «"'' of nato reached almost to the supernatural It has embraced also have got beyondM*oF fa?&Z* o^ ?T^t ™^»orld has stood back and contemplated in alarm its achievements, realising that in someday they to do his biZg ThJe ha! hahed; l? Xmd ha*; thai™»kind has made a machine that he can no longer order been great changes in he Zt-ZT*^ «> P^red for all to see. There have played to the people as & Z drama oflhehJa»l *?h° f patnClJ a? d J^ Passing of the feudal system, the rise of industrialism; but none of these was dis* N 7I A i eVC° * Snel*S adds ils SCene ' Breat or small' i 0 the *»iftpltytrials and^uZhsVf thZ co^W^^^SS^fe'^ "^ °Ut °f «** have shared in the I__J_J ielT C2f2 i- "Vf^ ihe^ haf s? Tr™e3- and rejoiced overtheir share m l»ars. To-day they face,-with the rest of the world, perhaps the severest Hal mankmd has ever faced. It is easy to say that our troubled days will surely pass; but if history is long, man's me severest Lite is short, and we know only too well that an episode that is historically brief can swallow the whole life of a man limes of trial, even if they pass, impose a mighty test upon those whose lives are embraced by them, and that is particularly true to-day. Such times must be met with courage, to bear the hardships of the moment; but with more than courage—with foresight and daring, with a sense of history to come, a willingness to sacrifice, a recognition that the welfare of the future is Well purchased at the expense of immediate welfare. We have, in the past - seventy years, shared in constructing a very Wonderful World. Now We are trying to find out what to do with it

Evolving

a Policy

DISCERNING visitors to New Zealand pay high compliments to the country's Press, for its accuracy, fairness, and completeness in news presentation, and the informative and judicial qualities of its editorial comment. The praise of critics with world knowledge has been earned because the pioneers brought with them the great traditions of the British newspapers, and because their successors were imbued with similar ideals. Without these traditions and t guidance of able men interpreting the aims of British journalism all the efficiency and improvements of the newspaper craft would not have produced a Press winning and deserving the trust of the people. A newspaper is im- • personal, yet it reflects the personality of those who guide its destinies. That is why on this anniversary occasion a little may be said of the men^who have guided the policy of "The Post through seventy years. : A.FORTUNATE CHOICE. . The first editor was the founder, Mr. Henry Blundell, sen., to whose work reference has already been made. When the business of the paper grew he decided to separate management and editorial control. He retained personal control on the business side. Chance seems to have had a hand in deciding this—the right man for the editorship, Mr. Frank Gifford.. presented himself. The circumstances were narrated some twenty years ago by Sir Robert btout, who was personally acquainted with many of the early editors. Mr. Gifford was a young man of superior education who came to New Zealand in the early sixties. Having had no particular industrial training he took the first job he could obtain—bullock-driving; but while in Wanganui" he wrote contributions and letters to the "Wanganui Herald." which was, founded and was then being edited by Mr. John Ballance. So impressed with the contributions was Mr. Ballance that he invited Mr. Gifford to call on him. On their meeting Mr. Ballance found that the bullock-driver was a classical scholar, with, a knowledge of modern languages, well read in English literature, and able to quote every English poet of eminence. Mr. Ballance suggested that Mr. Gifford would find scope for his talents on the Press, and later he gave him a letter of introduction to Mr. Blundell. When he presented the letter Mr. Blundell asked him if he could write an article on a certain subject. Mr. Gifford sat down at once and wrote, and after reading the article Mr. Blundell engaged him. That the first choice was a wise one was proved by the reputation which Mr.; Gifford gained for "The Post.'! _ To quote Sir Robert Stout: "In the late sixties and early seventies no other journal was so much quoted as the 'Evening Post'—it was known from one end of the colony to the other; it was the slave of no party; its articles were brilliantly written and highly critical. As a^ consequence it often displeased both the political parties in Parliament Its keynote was ever a'judicious independence." VIGOUR AND BRILLIANCE. Among other early editors were Mr. C. W. Purnell, Mr. H. Anderson,.- Mr. C. RousMarten, and Mr. D. M. Luckie. Mr. Anderson was an able and vigorous writer, and he had a reputation, which may have ibeen undeserved, of being ready to fake direct action with truculent callers. Mr.; Rous-Marteh was a man of many parts,' the trusted confidant of Ministers, an enthusiastic student of railway traction whose articles were accepted by English technical papers, and a leader of Wellington's musical organisations. Mr. Rous-Marten left "The Post" in the early eighties, and, after acting for some time as a political correspondent for New Zealand journals, he went to London as correspondent for "The Post" and other papers. Mr. D. M. Luckie had practised journalism in Scotland before coming to' the ■ colony; and he quickly established a reputation for brilliant writing and for his editing of the "Daily Southern Cross" afterwards amalgamated with the Auckland "Herald/ He had daring and a vivid imagination, and Auckland for many years remembered the hoax he played on the city with his "Kaskowiski" story. This was an;account —published as fact—of how a Russian cruiser, the "Kaskowiski," had entered Auckland Harbour, demanded a monetary pay-

ment from the city, and held leading citizens to ransom. Mr. Luckie's purpose, which he achieved, was to draw attention in striking manner to the defenceless state of Auckland. Mr. Luckie later retired from journalism and became Commissioner of the Government Life Insurance Department, but he maintained throughout his life a warm interest in the welfare of the Press. HARD-HITTING LEADERSHIP. Coming to the days within living memory two names at once occur: E. T. Gillon and £resley Lukin. Mr. Gillon was a great and forceful editor. As Mr. Gifford owed his introduction to "The Post" to John Ballance, so Mr. Gillon was indebted for his advance in journalism to the-recognition he won from another journalist and political leader. Sir Julius Vogel." Mr. Gillon acted as a correspondent from one of the Utago mining towns for the "Otago' Witness," then_ edited by Vogel. who recognised his capabilities and found a position for him on the city staff. Then he edited the "Bruce Herald" (Milton), and finally came to Wellington to combine free-lance journalism with work on the staff of Parliament Here he was .correspondent for the principal southern newspapers and associated editorially for a while with one «tv d P°st's" competitors. His editorship of Ihe Post" was in two periods. He resigned after one term to contest a seat in Parliament —for The Post" principle of personal,aloofness from politics applied even to its editor. Then after several years as manager of the United Press Association (of which he was one of the founders! he returned to the editorial chair. In editorial method he was slashing and uncompromising. There was never the least doubt of his opinions. His points were:,driven home—hammered, perhaps, conveys.the exact meaning. Yet. fighter as he was. he was scrupulously fair. His code of honour was the highest, and New Zealand journalists have to be thankful that it fell to this fearless man to establish, once in the Supreme Court and once before a Government Commission of Inquiry, the principle that when a newspaper, has.honourably acquired information it shall .hot" disclose the source. On both occasions Mr: Gillon ran the risk of committal to prison, but that made no difference to him where a great principle was at stake. , '.','-' GUIDANCE AND REASON: , Mr. Gillon died in 1896, and his successor was Mr. Gresley Lukin, whom he himself had chosen as his locum tenens when he became ill. Mr. Lukin had come to New Zealand from Queensland with a high journalistic reputation, and had quickly gained a wide knowledge of l\ew Zealand affairs. His appointment was in many ways a fortunate one. The colony had'up to that time been enerossed with its own' business, but the prosperity of the nineties/ the extension of educational opportunities, the improvement of means of travel, and the Impenalism of Mr. Seddon all tended to promote^a wider interest. Mr. Lukin shaped "The Post editorial policy to: encouragethat interest. Whereas, Mr; v Gillon>had, written principally on New Zealand .qviesUbns, Mr. Lukin gathered round him writers.who could deal informatively with the greatest variety of issues in which the colony was talcing anever keener interest. Yet New Zealand questions were not neglected, nor was there any lack of definite «t£ °L any weakening of independence in policy. lhe Post' method in those days reflected the personality of Mr. Lukin. He was a leader, leading because he had the confidence' of those who worked with ,him. He Mmself/told the staff^when.he first took controlV^ThV'Evening Post staff is to be organised on the lines of a little constitutional republic of which T am the president.":,To the public also the attitude was one of reasoned guidance, with no weakening or wavering on principle; but full recognition ol the tact that a definite policy required definite elucidation. Outside the office MrJ Lukin commanded the respect of men of .differing views^and of all classes. His personal charm won for him a wide circle of friends. Within the office he was the friend of all. He knew the messenger boys as well as he knew the senior members of his staff; IN LATER DAYS. The editorship of Mr. Lukin began when New Zealand, as has been shown, was entering upon a period of material expansion and wider mental outlook. It ended in September; 1916, when the Dominion; to the ordeal by war, had attained full nationhood within the Empire. Mr. Lukin's successor, was Mr. Joseph Parker, who -had been for, some time previously his chief assistant arid locum tenens. It is not permissible to> write of the:present editor,;but some reference may be made to the times', and their problems. They were (and still are) most difficult times, for which there is no precedent. The, Napoleonic Wars ended with a world of nations stilly self-contained. Events of that period afforded no clue for escape from a labyrinth of world-wide national interdependence. The responsibility upon those charged with informing and guiding public opinion was immeasurably greater. Great mistakes could have been committed in the name of democracy. Undoubtedly democracy has made mistakes, but their ill-effects have been mitigated by the sane and patient public opinion in, the formation of which the newspaper Press has played an important part. In, administration the Press has had its own,difficulties, often acute, though little is said of them. Newspaper production is a great industry demanding expert knowledge and administrative skill. A newspaper, no more than any other enterprise, is not produced by pressing a button. Concerning, the problems of production and administration, however, the reading public can know little. Readers form their opinions on results. I'The Post can feel pride in the, fact that the sum of these results is the retention, and even the strengthening, of public confidence, after a period of exceptional trial. ••'-.. ■ . i When.the "Eyening-Post" began publication, a very small staff was sufficient.for its activities; and many small newspapers today,are produced by very few people. But a city daily newspaper requires a^ large • staff, and the employees,, of The Post" number over two hundred. .In the editorial and literary department .there are forty-nine. , The commercial and'advertising staff has.forty-one members. The news-compos-ing and stereotyping departments require thirtysix, and the rotary presses, have twenty-five guardians and. attendants, . In the joh-printing section forty-four people areengaged, and tho ' process" and photographic, department requires fifteen, ■' . . .