N.Z. PRESS ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 July 1931, Page 6

N.Z. PRESS ASSN.

NEW OFFICES OPENED

(By Telegraph—Per Press Association)

WELLINGTON, July. 9

The foT.-nal opening of the new offices occupied by the United Press /Association took place this afternoon at Brandon House, and was attended by representative newspaper men. The visitors were afterwards entertained at afternoon tea at Kirkcaldies by the Chairman of the Association, Mr A. ( M. Burns. Among those present were Messrs Blundell (Wellington) and T. C. List '(New Plymouth), Directors of the Association: Walter Blundell (Evening Post) H. Bell (Dominion), W. H. Atack, (ex-manager), L. Berry (Secretary, N. P. A. ;) If. J. Fleming, K. L. Usmar (Parliamentary Press Gallery) and A. B. Lane (Manager). Mr Burns said that during the half century of its existence, the Association' had occupied various premises in the immediate vicinity of the new site. He referred to the remarkable growth of the cable service. The first year for which there was a record, 1889-90, showed that 76,000 words were received. Last year the total was nearly a million. The number of Press messages in New Zealand had increased from 94,066 in 1877-78, to 587,656 in 1930; and the revenue collected by the Telegraph Department from these messages had increased from £7,940 to £78,600. One of the finest cable and telegraphic services in the world had been built up, and the Association was performing an excellent service to the press and public of. New Zealand. Messrs Blundell and List referred appreciatively to the interest which the chairman had taken in the Association. Mr 'Burns had once been a member of the staff, and had risen to the position of chairman. Others present spoke of the goodwill manifested towards ,the Association, and wished it continued success in its' new surroundings.