Empire Press Union.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 February 1922, Page 4

Empire Press Union.

annual acting of n.z branch

WELLINGTON, February 20. In the report submitted to the animal meeting, the committee of t ; hc ! Now Zealand section of the Empire; Press .Union referred tP t.he efforts during the year of the Council in ‘England to further the interests of 1 the union’s members, both at home and abroad, and the fruitful work accomplished. Among the principal activities of the Council during the past year were amendments made in the union’s constitution, and the promoting, of a. deputation to Mr Winston Churchill, Secretary of State for the Colonies, to urge him to secure consideration at the conference of Prime Ministers of the Empire held in London in May last of the subject of Empire Press communications and restoration of deferred Press rates .to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. It appeared to be a certainty that the practical result from the union’s activities in these important matters would be beneficial] alike to newspapers and the community at large. Under the head of developj ing speedy communications between the heart of the Empire and the Dominions oversea it was mentioned that it was proposed to establish an Imperial air service. “It is a source of pride to us to know,” adds the report, “that the Empire is not lagging' behind in the utilisation of the .great scientific discoveries the past few years have witnessed. Among those discoveries wireless telegraphy and telephony, and economic aviation, may justly be put in the foreground as matters of prime importance.” After referring to the visit of Lord Northcliffe, who referred in complimentary terms to the tone and standard of the New Zealand Press, the report mentioned that an important matter that had engaged the attention of the Council, and the details of which were still under consideration was the institution of a scheme of travel scholarships for journalists. Under this scheme it is proposed that a trust shall be appointed and a fund established sufficient to provide an annual income of not less than £ISOO. It is proposed that in addition to chief transportation expenses, a maximum allowance of £4OO per annum, shall lie made, and that three students shall receive a- scholarship in each year, the time allowed for holding it being one year with power to the trustees at their discretion to extend the period. It is also proposed that holders of a scholarship shall be of either sex, under thirty years of age, of British national-

ity, and born in the .Unjted Kingdom The delegates present at the meeting were: Sir George Fenwick (“Otago Daily Times”)) chairman; Messrs L.fj P. Blundell (“Evehing Post”), P. Selig.| “The Press”), A. A. Lucas (Nelsonl “.Evening Mail”), S. Smith (Dunedin i “Star”), H. Horton (“New Zealand l Herald”), Abbey Jones (Invercargill) “News”), R. J. Gilmour (“Southland Times”), .0. .WesW’.C'XarjwmKi aid”), J- .Coombe (“Manawatu Stand- ; ard”), A. Gopp’ing (“Stratford Post”),. W. C. Leys (“Auckland Star”), W. H., Atack (Press Association), ,G. Dixon (“New Zealand Times”), F • Pirani (“Feilding Star”), C. W. Earle (“Do minion”) R. P. Furness (“Marlborough Express”), A. McNicol, M.P., (“Dan. navirke News”), T. List (“Taranaki News”), and Dr. G. H. Scholefield (“Wairarapa Age”). In rnoing the adoption of .the annual report, Sir George Fenwick dwelt upon' the deelopments in connexion with wireless telegraphy, and laid emphasis on its alue as proved by the stirring rescue of the crow of .the Helen B. Sterling by H.M.A.S. Melbourne. He also mentioned the scheme for interchange of journalists pointing out that such a proposal, if adopted, could not; but bo of value to newspapers and their i staffs. Referring to the death of Mr, John Blundell, .Sir George Fenwick, stated that the deceased was a friend , to all of them, and in his death the, New Zealand Press and the Empir, Press Union had suffered a very great loss. On the motion of Sir George Fenwick delegates expressed sympathy with the relatives of the late Mr Blundell. '['he annual report and balance-sheet were adopted. Sir George Fenwick was re-elected president, and the following outgoing committee were reappointed:—Messrs L. P. Blundell, H. Horton, C. W. Earle, P Selig, W. C. Weston, J. * Coome, A. McNicol M.P., H. Brett and R. J. Gilmour. Mr W. Easton was 1 re-elected auditor, and Mr W. Dow ' secretary. !