Modern Journalism.

Manawatu Herald, 19 June 1902, Page 2

Modern Journalism.

SPEECH BY THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE. The Lord Chief Justice (Lord Alverstone) presided over the 39th anniversary dinner of the Newspaper Press Fund, held at the Whitehall Rooms, Hotel Metropole, at which some 150 persons were present, including Lord Pirbright, Judge Kennedy, Sir Douglas Straight, Mr Arthur ABsckett, and Sir Geo. Lewis. In proposing the loyal toasts, Lord Alverstone announced, amid cheers, that the King had shown his interest in the fund by sending a handsome donation of 25 guineas. The chairman, in proposing ‘‘Prospertity to the'Newspaper Press Fund, referred to its advantages and claims for support, remarking that it had claims on everyone who had been successful in journalism; everyone who had money to spare, and everyone who took an interest in the welfare of a deserving class of meni‘>vHe referred to the growth of the DailyvPress during the last 50 years, and pointed out that there was now no town of importance without its daily and, in most cases, its evening papers. The respeetable portioa of the Press was an absolute necessity to Otu daily life. (| He meant by “ respectable portion, ky * greatest portion of the Press, au«. was perfectly satisfied that honest, independent, and right - thinking journalists, and right-thinking contributors, despised and scorned the gutter Press as much as the outside public did. (Cheers,) Those connected with the literary side of journalism had a very difficult task to perform. TheyJ must be prepared to guide and not follow public opinion. He touched upon the subject of personal journalism and said public men could not complain, provided their doings were recorded in good taste, and without ill-feeling. Honest criticism was one of the best safeguards to public life and in that connection he regarded the Press as a great power for good. The fund was deserving of support, and all desired to see a free, public-spirited and enlightened Press, and it was right that these, who embarked upon a journalistic career, should have such a fund as the Newspaper Press Fund to help them in case of need.