NEW PAPER PROPRIETORS

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1921, Page 4

NEW PAPER PROPRIETORS

ANNUAL MEETING. I BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, February 21. The annual meeting of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of New Zealand (Incorporated) opened this evening at 7 p.m. Mr yeliy (Christchurch “Press”) was in the chair. The President referred to the death of Mr R. Gwynne (of the “Waikato Times,” Hamilton), news of whose death had just been received. He was formerly a very regular memlier, and one who took a keen interest in its welfare. A vote of condolence with the relatives was passed, all members standing.

Mr Selig then delivered his annual address. He referreed to the deaths since last meeting of Hon. George Jones, M.L.C., Henry Weston of the “Taranaki Herald,” and W. A. Parkinson, who was proprietor of the Hawera “Star.’,’ Ho also referred to Nelson’s oldest paper, the “Colonist” which bad succumbed to the 1 exigencies of the times, and the loss in the councils of the N.P.A. of one of the proprietors, Mr Percy Bond. Mr Selig offered congratulations of the Association to Hen. G. .1. Anderson, one of the proprietors of the “Mataura Ensign,” on his elevation to the .rank of Cabinet Minister.

He Teforred at great length to the newsprint situation, giving considerable information gathered during recent travels with respect to the future. Other subjects dealt with were a memorial to those newspaper men and printers who fell in war, the paper-making industry, the Press Congress of the word, Labour, and the awards the Imperial Press Conference and reconstruction of the Association. He concluded his address ns follows: “Having with this meeting obtained our majority, it is fitting that the new organisation should carry on the good work that has been done in he past. I lay down office after a t#nn of 13 successive years in the position of President, and I hope I can fittingly apply the words, “Something done, something achieved.’ ”

A unanimous vote of thanks was accorded Mr Selig for his address and for the valuable work done during bis lengthy term of office. The Chairman here read a telegram from the Prime' Minister, who regretted, owing to pressure of work, lie could not attend the opening of the Conference. e

New members were elected as follows:—The “Northern Advocate”, the “Pahiatua Herald” Co., Ltd., and the “Grey River Argus” Co., Ltd. The meeting adjourned until the following morning.