Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1903. Ourselves.

Manawatu Herald, 1 September 1903, Page 2

Manawatu Herald. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1903. Ourselves.

With the outward movement of time changes are wrought in every institution, and newspapers, like everything else, are subject to its allprevailing influence. With to-day’s issue The Manawatu Herald enters upon a fresh stage of its history. As will be seen by notice in our advertising columns the editorship is now taken 1 over by new hands. On the 24th of August, 1878, the first impress of this journal was issued, so that it is now just over 25 years since its existence commenced. Every centre of population of any importance soon acquires an organ of communication through which to obtain news of the outside world, and to express its views on matters o£ interest and importance—a mirror

in which public opinion may be reflected, and through Which it may be modified and guided. Foxton has been no- exception to the rule, and at this new stage it is interesting and fitting to review the changes which have taken place in the town j and district since this journal had its birth. At that time the adjoining towns of Shannon and Levin had* not yet begun their existence, and Palmerston North, which now bids fair to become one of the most flourishing towns in the Colony, a small and insignificant hamlet. Persons travelling between Wellington and Foxton to the other centres in the North were conveyed by coach or steamer through this town. By the opening of the Manawatu railway in 1886 Foxton was practically isolated from the through traffic between Wellington and the North. Previously the whole surrounding district—part of Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Rangitikei, as well as the whole of its supplies through the port of Fcxton, and through this port also, both by sea and land, travellers found their way from Wellington to the interior. The Wellington-Manawatu railway now connects the chief towns dn this coast with the Empire city, and flaxmilling and other industries have opened new prospects for the ultimate progress and welfare of the port, which cannot but grow concomitantly with the increase of the inland towns. The population of the town during that period has increased from about 600 to approximately 1500. When the Herald was in its infancy the question of connecting Wellington and Foxton by railway was the burning question of the hour, and the then proprietors of the paper threw their whole energy and influence in favour of Foxton being made the terminus. It is with regret that we record the failure of their efforts; By the diversion of the line to Palmerston an immense set-back was given to our progress. In one of the early issues of the paper* after a reference to the attempts made to divert the railway from Foxton to Palmerston (an attempt which at that time seemed to have little prospect of success) we notice the following remarks—“ Had they succeeded the whole of the South Manawatu would have been thrown 10 years back.’* How abundantly this prophecy has been fulfilled is obvious to those of oar readers who have grown with the history of our town. Not ten, but twenty years have been taken from our progress. But we have yet good ground to hope that in course of time the Main Trunk line to Auckland will pass through Foxton, which is undeniably the shortest and most practicable through route; and it will always be our aim to foster any movement in this direction. % The editorial history of the Herald can be given .in a few words. It was first edited by Messrs Russell Bros,, who carried out with skill and perseverance, in spite of many difficulties and discouragements, the labour necessary to establish the infant journal on a sound and permanent basis. At the present year of its existence it is interesting to recall how it was confidently predicted that the paper would not outlive six months, a prediction which time has amply refuted, though the labors of its founders will perhaps never be fully known. After about' 1 10 years the partnership was dissolved, and the paper was carried on by Mr John Bussell till 1880, when it was taken over by Mr t. S. Thynne, who carried on the editorial duties until prevented through illhealth from continuing. Before the journal had been a year in existence strong efforts were made to induce Messrs Russell Bros, to remove to Fielding, but they refused to desert their post, held manful -y to their labors in spite of initial difficulties and disadvantages, and remained faithful to Foxton and its interests. And their subsequent success in their journalistic enterprise was at once a reward and a justification of their steadfastness. The paper was at first issued bi-weekly, and charged 3d a copy ; on being taken over by Mr Thynne it was issued three times a week, and the charge reduced to Id, In taking up the work which has has hitherto been so ably conducted by our predecessors, we desire to place on record our recognition and appreciation of their labors, and ,of the part they have played in building up the journal, more especially through the vicissitudes of its early stages. Only those who take an active part in newspaper work can form an accurate estimate of the arduous and toilsome nature of the calling, and of the responsibility it involves. The labor of the editor, reporter, and the printer, commences with the day, and is carried on often long after other citizens have retired to their homes for rest. We desire to acknowledge also the splendid efforts made by our predecessors to secure the best interests of the town, and district through these columns, evidences of which meet ua prominently as we look through the early files of the journal. We recognise that the position which the Heald occupies to-day was won by the hard and patient work and the honest endeavours of our predecessors. Keeping in view how great an influence for good may be exerted in modern social business,

and political life, through the medium of the Press, it will be our highest aim—by continuing to support and advocate all movements which we deem of importance to the welfare of the district—by acting with courtesy, honor justice towards all, Whether individuals, contemporaries, or institutions, —by placing before our readers accurate information on all matters of interest and value, the latest and most reliable news, fair and honest criticisms of public men and public matters, carefully considered, and liberal views -by acting with fairness and impartiality in all things—by these means to continue faithfully and honorably the work our predecessors have begun, to merit the success they have attained, and to.exert the same influence for good; It will be our object to bo a credit and honor to their memory, and to carry on their work to greater fulness and completion. Like those who have borne the editorial burden before us, and faithfully discharged the duties of their high and useful office, we shall always work for the welfare of our town and district. Onr interests are those of our fellow-settlers, and necessarily Bo ind up with theirs; and having everything to gain by the progress of the Borough and the advancement and prosperity of its citizens, our readers may rest assured that the furtherance of their interests will aWays be the object of our best endeavours.