Congratulations!

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 1, 23 March 1927, Page 1

Congratulations!

FROM THE PRIME MINISTER OF NEW ZEALAND

Prime Minister’s Office, Wellington, March 18, 1927. ST is a common remark of careful * observers of national and international affairs that the newspaper press to-day wields a very powerful influence. This power carries with it a great responsibility. Not merely by expressions of editorial comment, but by honestly informing and reflecting public opinion on vital questions of the hour, the Press is in a position to serve the highest . interests of the country. New Zealand journalism has justly merited the appreciation which is frequently accorded by competent judges from abroad, and if THE SUBT maintains these high standards it will render a real service to the community T trust that the new jour- ySS nal will take an honoured r a place among the newspapers of New Zealand. Prime Minister.

MR. 7 H. E. HOLLAND, M.P. (Leader His Majesty's Opposition) 1 have been ashed to send THE SUN a message on the occasion of its first appearanceand in response I heartily join with all of those who will tender their greetings. May THE SUN’S day of life be long and may its.light never be other than the light of truth. THE HON. SIR MAUI POMARE (Minister /or Coolc ancl other Islands) The efficiency of Democracy as a form of government, depends very largely upon a free and enlightened Press whose criticism is ever honest and helpful. New Zealand is already possessed of a number of journals of this t>ype, and I am confident that nothing but good can come from the publication of another newspaper devoted to the same ends. JThe proprietors of THE SUN are serving of congratulation and encouragement upon their enterprise in establishing another newspaper in Auckland, which, with a large and rapidly increasing population, affords room and opportunity for such a paper. I am sure, after an acquaintance with the THE SUN’S sister contemporary, “The Sun,” Christchurch, that thd public of Auckland will have no fault to find with the quality of the news matter or with the standard generally of their new evening paper, and that any criticism appearing in your leading columns in regard to the activities of the Government and other controlling authorities in matters of both local and national importance will be characterised by understanding, fairness and helpfulness. MR. GEORGE BAILDON (Mayor of Auckland). As Mayor of Auckland, and one who has been actively engaged in local government for many years, it has been natural for me to take an interest in all enterprises that make for the progress and a'dvancement of the city and the province.

In' recent years that progress can only be described as phenomenal. The advent of THE SUN, Auckland’s new evening newspaper, is an indication of the great development that has been, and will, in my opinion, continue

to .be made in this the most populous district in the Dominion. It therefore gives me great pleasure as mayor of the city to tender you a word of welcome.

THE HON. W. DOWNIE STEWART (Minister of Finance). On the occasion of the first issue of your paper I am glad to have the opportunity of expressing my good icishes for the future of THE SUN. One of the features of New Zealand life which impresses most visitors from abroachis the high standard of New Zealand journalism, and I am sure that the fine traditions which have been established in this respect will be maintained by your paper. Those toho are engaged in public affairs realise the enormous importance of a healthy, fairminded and well-informed press as a guide to public opinion, and I shall look forward ivith interest to the progress of your venture. THE HON. SIR FREDERIC LANG, M.L.C. I am very pleased to hear that THE SUN is to begin publication on March 23. Auckland is tc be congratulated on its new evening paper. I congratulate the proprietory of THE SUN on their enterprise, imd wish the paper every possible success. MR. GEORGE FORBES (Leader of National Party). 1 wish to congratulate you on the success of the initial stages of the launching of a new Auckland daily newspaper ivhich, I i understand , takes place to-day. 1 am sure t*hat you will maintain a similar high sta?idard of journalism in your ?iew journal ds has been done in your popular Christchurch one, and that the

additional “ Sunshine ” that you will contribute to the- enlightenment of Auckland icill prevent the growth of any narrow parochialism, in what is the City of New Zealand. My best wishes for the success of your paper.

MR, H. R. MACKENZIE (Chairman Auckland Harbour Board). 1 desire to congratulate THE SUN Newspapers, Ltd., on its enterprise in starting the publication of another nevjspaper in Auckland. With the rapid increase in the population of Auckland City, the establishment of new industries and the opening up of new lands in the province, no one is able to prophesy what the future of the city and port will be in a few years' time, and there should easily be room for three newspapers to operate successfully. Ir laying out its scheme of harbour icorks the board has planned for 25 years ahead, and in establishing another newspaper you are also providing for the future requirements of the city and province. 1 trust that the venture will be a success, both socially and financially.

THE HON. J. A. YOUNG (Minister of Health). No factor plays a Anore important part in directing the destiny of modern society than the Press. The addition to the newspaper world of a well-organised, well-edited, and well-got-up journal, such as I believe THE SUN will be, proclaiming a policy of public welfare, and withal dignified in its bearing and expression, can, if it does not do more, but add to the importance and standing of the community in which it is established. Let me say that the advent of THE SUN on March 23 will symbolise the birth of yet further evidence of the course of progress in the Auckland City and Province. That vision and courage in your principals, which induced them to launch this great enterprise will, I trust, be duly rewarded. THE SUN should provide a welcome addition to the newspapers of the Dominion, and I tender to the new journal best wishes for a success ful and unending career.' THE HON. SIR ROBERT STOUT, M.L.C. I have much pleasure in wishing your new newspaper venture every success, as I understand it is to be no mere party or political organ. The newspapers at present in Auckland are second to none • in Australia or New Zealand. Auckland is, however, our most populous city and district, and no doubt there is room for another educational agent—which a newspaper is. May the rays of THE SUN give us the light of reason and good fellowship which we, in common with the rest of the world, ever require. THE HON. R. F. BOLLARD (Minister of Internal Affairs). The establishment of a new daily newspaper in any country is an interesting event. Particularly is it so in New Zealand, where there are many excellent journals serving the interests of the people and the districts they represent. If THE SUN, Auckland, follows along the lines of its progenitor in the South —in its impartiality in the treatment, of Dominion and world-wide affairs and provides a demanding public with reliable news of the day—then its success in conjunction with the paper s long - established contemporaries will be achieved.

THE HON. R. A. WRIGHT (Minister of Education). I am fully convinced that a newspaper wisely conducted and imbued with high ideals is one of the most potent factors in the life of the people in this, or indeed, any country. The Press of New Zealand has justly established a reputation throughout the world for the high tone of its journalism. Every additional newspaper Is a further means of educating the people, and as THE SUN is entering the arena with a new publication in Auckland, I am sure it will maintain the high ideals of its contemporaries, and as a result be appreciated and supported by the public of Auckland and the surrounding districts.,