JOURNALISM IN THE DISTRICT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume III, Issue 20, 9 November 1880, Page 2

JOURNALISM IN THE DISTRICT.

There is a floating rumour to th© effect that Mr M'Minn, formerly connected with the Marton and Feilding papers, intends to start a second paper at Palmerston. The Palnierston people will be very foolish if they give their sanction or support to any such scheme. The business Li Paltnerston is not sufficient to support two newspapers ; in fact, as with the papers in other parts of the district, there is hardly enough to keep one going, with fait regard to the proper division of the literary and mechanical work. The simple result of a second paper being started at Palinerstou, would therefore be to divide between two journals what was barely sufficient to support one, and thus present to the gaze of the public two gaunt specimens of the newspaper species. It is hardly necessary to remind the people of Palnierston that nothing is so damaging to any town or district as a badly-advertised, badly- supported newspaper. From its advertising sheet the outside world forms its opinion of the prosperity or otherwise of a town or district, and the people of Palmerston will suffer loss if they starve their present organ for the sake of enjoying the luxury of starving another one. So far as the Manawatu Times is concerned, it is well known we have had many a tussle with that journal, and sometimes the fight has been carried out with warmth on each side. Nevertheless, however much wo have disagreed with our contemporary, we cheerfully admit he has fought the battles of his district with ability, earnestness, and fidelity ; in fact, the people of Palmerston might go very much farther before they would find 'a gentleman more able to advocate their interests, aud more zealous to promote the best welfare of their town and district. Doubtless he, like every other Editor, has made enemies. But what would be the worth of a guardian of the public interest whose pen was always dipped in honey, and who preferred the friendship of everybody to a consciousness of having done his duty ? Editors of newspapers are but human, and may err in espousing certain views, or in expressing them in their columns, but if any of the business people of Palmerston are hoping to revenge themselves upon the proprietor of the Manawatu Times for fancied or real slights by supporting a second organ, they will find in the end that they have punished themselves most.