"FAREWELL."

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19985, 21 July 1930, Page 7

"FAREWELL."

JOURNALISTS FOREGATHER RETIRING COLLEAGUES HONOURED. Proof was given of the popularity of three Christchurch journalists, two of whom are retiring from the profession, and the third is leaving shortly for Wellington, by the attendance of a very large number of their colleagues at a complimentary smoke concert held on Saturday evening, under the auspices of the Christchurch branch of the New Zealand Journalists' Association. Nearly every member was present, or s?nt an apology, Those being honoured were: Messrs W. G. Atack and J. Drummond, of the Christchurch "Times" staff, and Mr S. V. McEwen, Christchurch representative of "Truth," who has been appointed editor qf the "New Zealand Referee."

Mr H. A. Gilbert, president of the branch, occupied the chair. Among the. felicitous messages which he read was a telegram from Mr Usmar, chairman of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, which read: "Please convey, on behalf of the Parliamentary Press Gallery, our best wishes to Messrs Atack and Drumon the occasion of their wellearned retirement from active journalism in New Zealand- The Gallery appreciates all they have done to help raise the status pf the profession In the. Dominion. Kia Ora." The chairman said the occasion was almost unique. Mr Atack had been for 51 years a, journalist, which must be a New Zealand record. He was known from one end of the Dominion to thp other for his sporting activities, and had occupied every office in the branch except that of secretary. Mr Atack, with one or two others, was responsible for its formation, and had been elected a life member. Mr Drummond had been a member of the "Times" staff for 32 years. The speaker had nevor heard an unkind word said of him, or by him. - Mr Drummond was more than a journalist; he stood in a unique position as an authority on natural history, anc l had been responsible for valuable historical research. A communication had bwn sent to the Council of the New Zealand Journalists' Association, lecommcnding that he also bp elected a life member. (Applause.) Mr J. S. Kelly made interesting reference to his association with Messrs Drummond and Atack from the closing years of last century to the present day. Mr H. McD. Vincent said Mr Drummond had done a great dfial to develop the traditions of journalism.

"Full of Honour." Mr B, O'Neill said that both Messrß Atack and Drummond were retiring from their profession full of honour. Mr Drummond was one of the most lovable men, and an adornment to journalism. Ho had made considerable contributions to the literature of the country, and all Pressmen hoped t' la t h# would find time to add further to its store. Mr McEwcn must be one of the youngest editors in the • Dominion, but this was an age of young men. The toast of "Our Guests" was enthusiastically honoured. Mr A tack, responding, said that he was retiring with feelings of regret. He strongly advised Christchurcb journalists to take the initiative in establishing a national. superannuation scheme for the profession. Recalling "scoops'' of aa earlier day, Mr Prummond said they gave a pleasure which was not ephemeral, but lingered. They gave the same joy as the discovery of a diamond, and made those responsible for them feel that they bad achioved a literary masterpiece. Writing up contemporary history was mainly the making of a record of the doings of small people, -but it was they who made a nation. Sometimes Pressmen felt very restive at local body meetings, and the men responsible for this class of work were very much to be admired for their painstaking diligence. Mr Drummond reminded those present that Cobbptt had served two years in prison for writing tin article deemed to be libellous, but which in these days would bo regarded as vqry fair comment. He had always thought of journalism as a very honourable profession, and he could not imagine any work more interesting. He valued the friendship of his colleagues more than anything else, "If I am to lose my close connexion with my friends, I have the consolation of gaining a closer acquaintance with mjr bugs and beetles," concluded Mp Drummond.

Mr McEwen said that his association with Christchurch jaurnalista had been a very happy one. A nymber of other toaatg were honoured, interspersed with musical and elocutionary items.