UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1919, Page 2

UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —UOirBIUBTT.J

WELLINGTON, Feb 26

At to-day’s annual meeting of the N. Z. Press Association, the annual report was read congratulating the shareholders at last on being able to meet free from the shadow’ of war. The absence of the Chairman (Hon. G. Carson), through illness, was regretted also the death of Mr Dimviddie, of the “Napier Herald,’’ » very old member of the Association.

The number of original words of cable supplied during the year was stated at 800,727, which in respect to the amount of international news, was a record. In October last 90,332 words were supplied, which is a record for a single month. Reference was made to the probable renewal of the present cable contract with the Australian Cable Association, which, indeed was understood to be practically arranged at a satisfactory price. The report also alluded to the phenomenal interruptions of telegraphic communication by snow storms and the dislocation of work during the epidemic. The telegraph department was warmly congratulated on the way it had carried out, its work under the worst conditions ever experienced, and the directors stated they had specially conveyed the thanks of the Association to the Department. Exception was taken to flic action of the Government in inferfereing with and preventing the publication of the signing of the Armistice till long after it was known in other parts of world. The report and balance sheet were adopted without discussion. ; Messrs G. Fenwick' and' C- S. Smith were 're-elected directors without opposition. Akaroa was selected as the next place of meeting. The New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union also met this afternoon,, twenty being present, and Mr Femviek (Chairman), presiding. The report and balance sheet were adopted, after but little discussion. A resolution was passed agreeing to raise the subscription to the present union to five pounds instead of three per full member. The proprietor of the Mercantile Gazette was elected a member and the chairman to the present committee reelected.