The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
Auckland Newspaper Press
Auckland Newspaper Press.
The United Press Association. The sub-editors of the Auckland morning and evening papers are the local representatives of the United Press Association, which is described on page 456 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.
New Zealand Institute Of Journalists, Auckland Branch. Officers: Mr. F. Baxter, president; Mr R. M. Hacket, secretary and treasurer. The objects of the institute are set forth in an article on page 456 of the Wellington volume of this work.
Daily Papers.
“The New Zealand Herald,” the only twopenny morning daily paper published in the colony, is one of the oldest, ablest, most prosperous, and most influential of New Zealand newspapers. It may in a very modified sense be called a Conservative journal, but its great influence arises less from its party allegiance than from its independence, and its persistent habit of speaking out the truth, as it conceives it, under all circumstances. The “Herald” was founded on the 13th of November, 1863, by Mr. W. C. Wilson, who was a native of Scotland, and possessed all the industry and practical shrewdness usually ascribed to natives of that country. He had previously been part proprietor of the “New Zealander,” but severed his connection with that journal to start the “Herald,” the first editor of which was Mr. David Burn. Mr. Burn was succeeded by Mr. T. F. Von Sturmer, who, in turn, gave place to a journalist popularly known as “Snyder” Brown, from the pen-name attached by him to his humorous comments on current affairs. the “Herald” had to encounter the strong opposition of the “Daily Southern Cross,” but in 1876 Mr. A. G. Horton, J.P., who in 1864 had successfully established the “Timaru Herald,” purchased the “Cross,” and a few months later the two papers, with their respective weekly issues, were amalgamated, the “Cross” being merged in the “Herald,” and Mr Horton becoming a partner of Messrs W. S. and J. L. Wilson, sons of the founder, who was then dead. The “Herald” thus became, and still is, the only morning paper published in Auckland. It is admirably printed on good paper, and the general arrangement of its matter is excellent. On Saturday it publishes an eight-page supplement containing specially written articles on various subjects of colonial interest. The proprietors take an active part in the practical management of the paper, and combine great business capacity with an intimate knowledge of all the varied details of modern journalism.
“The Auckland Weekly News” is one of the largest weekly papers published in New Zealand, and is essentially a country settler's paper. It contains a complete summary of the news of the week, and twelve pages of first-class illustrations of the events of the day. The paper deals with every phase of farming life, and special sections are devoted to reports from country districts, to sporting, athletics, market quotations, to ecclesiastical news, to mining and agriculture, the garden, the farm, the dairy, exhibitions, and poultry. Serial stories are also published, and several pages are given to interesting and instructive literature for the family circle.
Mr. W. S. Wilson.
Mr. A. G. Horton, Partner in the firm of Messrs Wilson and Horton, was born in the North of England, in 1842. He commenced his acquaintance with journalism on the staff of the Hull “Daily Express, and after arriving in New Zealand served a year on the staff of the “Christchurch Press.” Prior to his twenty-first birthday Mr. Horton established the “Timaru Herald,” which he soon made a good property. About eight years later he sold that paper, and subsequently purchased the “Daily Southern Cross.” An amicable arrangement was soon effected between him and the Messrs Wilson; the “Cross” was merged in the “New Zealand Herald,” and Mr. Horton became a partner in the firm. Through his influence page 270 this firm had the distinction of introducing the first Webb-printing machines, and the first English-made linotype machines to New Zealand. Mr. Horton is a director of the New Zealand Insurance Company, and for a number of years hold the office of chairman of the local Board of Directors of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. Owing to the numerous claims of his business, he has had very little time in recent years for public affairs, but during his residence in Timaru he represented that town in the Provincial Council of Canterbury.
The Late Mr. G. M. Reed.
Mr. Henry Brett, the principal Proprietor of the “Auckland Star,” the “New Zealand Graphic,” and the “New Zealand Farmer,” is noticed in an article begun on page 125 of this volume, in the section which deals with the ex-mayors of Auckland.
Weekly Papers.
“The Observer,” a society journal, was founded on the 18th of September, 1880, and after various changes it fell into the hands of Messrs J. L. Kelly and Baulf, with Mr. Kelly, who wielded a vigorous pen, as its editor. Since 1891, the paper has been owned by Messrs Geddis and Blomfield, under whose guidance it has had considerable prosperity. The present owners have introduced several new and attractive features, and have run the journal upon such popular and successful lines that it has gained an extensive circulation. The “Observer” cartoons, by “Blo,” hitting off the passing humours of the hour, have a colonial reputation, and have done much to popularise the paper, and extend its business.
“The New Zealand Illustrated Sporting And Dramatic Review And Licensed Victuallers' Gazette” was founded in 1890 by Mr. Harry Hayr, and was subsequently taken over by Messrs Arthur Cleave and Co., the present proprietors. It deals with the drama and sporting life in New Zealand in a very capable manner, and its illustrations, in both branches of its work, are extremely creditable. The paper is issued weekly, and has a large circulation all over the colony. As its name implies, the journal is the official organ of the licensed victuallers.
“The New Zealand Graphic” is another evidence of the enterprise of Mr H. Brett. It was the pioneer of illustrated journals in New Zealand, and although it has now several rivals in the field it continues to hold a leading position. For high-class artistic merit its engravings compare favourably with the best work of the kind in Australasia, and no other colonial journal so completely fulfils the ideal of a family magazine. The “Graphic” was established in 1891, and has made itself popular all over the colony. Its pictures, social news, stories, sketches, and miscellaneous notes supply weekly entertainment to thousands of homes, and on the occasion of any public function its special numbers are always looked forward to with eager interest by its readers. Mr. A. M. Ferguson, the present editor of the “Graphic,” has been in charge of the journal for several years.
Monthly Papers.
“The New Zealand Farmer, Bee, And Poultry Journal,” a monthly illustrated paper devoted to agricultural, horticultural, and pastoral affairs, was first issued in January, 1885, with Mr. G. L. Peacocke as editor. The paper deals with every branch of rural life, such as farming, gardening, stock-breeding, dairying, poultry and bee-keeping, and special articles are devoted to the homing pigeon fancy. In addition to these subjects, there are reports from local correspondents in the provincial districts, and an eight-page supplement of home reading for the family circle. All the principal agricultural and poultry shows in the colony are specially reported in the columns of the paper. The “Farmer” also publishes portraits of prize-winning stock. It is the only exclusively agricultural journal in New Zealand, and its proprietor, Mr. H. Brett, spares no expense in making it the leading periodical of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It is especially noted for its reports of market quotations for stock and produce in every centre of the colony. The paper circulates all over New Zealand, and has also numerous subscribers in Australia and Tasmania.
Mr. G. L. Peacocke, the Editor, came out to New Zealand in his early childhood, but afterwards lived for a number of years in England, where he was called to the [gap — reason: illegible]ar at the Middle Temple in 1877. His early life having been spent on a New Zealand farm, he is practically familiar with the conditions of colonial farming life, and has, in addition, made himself acquainted with the theoretical side of agriculture and stock breeding.
“The New Zealand Primitive Methodist, a purely denominational journal devoted to connexional news and leading topics of the day, was founded in 1889 under the able editorship of the Rev. A. J. Smith, who wished to establish a periodical to promote Christian work. When, in 1891, Mr Smith sailed for England, the position of editor was taken by the Rev. J. Guy, who retained it for three years. The Rev. C. E Ward then took it over until the arrival of the Rev. W. Laycock, the present editor, who is referred to in another article. The paper has been successful from the first, having paid its way, and in 1900 it produced a surplus of £60, which was devoted to the New Zealand missionary fund. It now commands a wide circulation.
“The New Zealand Illustrated Magazine” was established in 1899 as a periodical for the publication of characteristic colonial literature, special articles, short stories, and notes on current topics. It numbers amongst its contributors many journalists of high standing, and is the only successful illustrated magazine on general topics in the Australasian Colonies. It is published monthly, is octavo in size, and is well and profusely illustrated.
Mr. Thomas Cottle, the Editor of the “New Zealand Illustrated Magazine,” is a colonist of thirty-seven years' standing. He has been engaged in a variety of pursuits, and is well known as a writer of short stories.