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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Nelson, Marlborough & Westland Provincial Districts]

Newspaper Press

Newspaper Press.

The “Grey River Argus” was established by Messrs Kerr, Keogh and Arnott in 1865. It is a penny morning paper, containing twenty-eight columns of closely-printed matter, on double demy paper. In politics it is neutral, but it favours Liberalism in its truest form. The machinery of the office is driven by a two horse-power steam engine, and is all of modern construction. The various departments are arranged in a systematic manner, and although in the one establishment, they are yet separate in themselves. The jobbing trade forms no inconsiderable portion of the business. The total staff of the office numbers sixteen.

The Hon. James Kerr, one of the founders of the “Grey River Argus,” was born in Dumfries, Scotland, on the 6th of October, 1834. He served his apprenticeship on “The Dumfriesshire and Galloway Herald,” and subsequently worked for two years on “The Dumfriesshire Courier.” Mr. Kerr went to Melbourne, Australia, in July, 1858, and was on “The Melbourne Age” for three years, where he was a fellow employee with Mr. George Fisher, who afterwards became well known as a politician in Wellington. In 1861, Mr. Kerr crossed to New Zealand, and obtained employment on “The Otago Daily Times,” when Sir Julius Vogel was at its head. After four years he went to the West Coast, and in conjunction with Messrs Arnott and Keogh established “The Grey River Argus.” In time the proprietary was formed into a company under “The Limited Liabilities Act.” Mr. Kerr is further referred to as a former member of the Legislative Council. He died at Westport on the 25th of August, 1901.

“The Greymouth Evening Star” was founded in the year 1866 by the late Mr. James Brown, who was known in his day as “Snyder Brown.” It was afterwards conducted by Mr. J. Tyrell, of Westport, and subsequently by Mr. Joseph Ivess. Mr. Joseph Petrie, who had the management of the paper for some time during Mr. Tyrell's proprietorship, also started a small paper named the “Mail.” In 1875 he bought “The Evening Star” from Mr. Ivess, and has since been closely associated with the paper. “The Greymouth Evening Star” Company, Limited, was registered in the year 1895. The building is in Mackay Street, and was erected in 1902; it is of two stories, in brick, and contains a full modern plant, including linotypes, and the latest printing machinery. The “Star” is a four-page paper, and contains thirty-six columns. It is issued every evening, with an occasional supplement, and has a large circulation in Greymouth, and the country districts of Westland generally. Its politics are of the Independent Liberal order, and interesting information is supplied by correspondents from all parts of the West Coast. Mr. Joseph Petrie, who is a large shareholder, is editor; and is further referred to as a former member of the House of Representatives. Mr. F. H. Kilgour is manager.