MR F. J. EARLE

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29220, 2 June 1960, Page 17

MR F. J. EARLE

(New Zeaiana Press Association) NELSON, June 1.

The death occurred today of Mr F. J. Earle, editor of the “Nelson Evening Mail” since 1926. He was 82. In 1953 he was awarded the 0.8. E. for his services to journalism, a profession he followed for 67 years. Born in Wellington he started work on the “Evening Press," Wellington, leaving there to join the “Nelson Evening Mail” in 1895. After a time he joined the staff of the "New Zealand Times” then the “Taranaki Herald,” “Evening Post,” Wellington, and "The Press.”

He returned to the “Post” as a Parliamentary reporter then later as chief sub-editor. For more than four years he was managing editor of “New Zealand Truth” leaving there to become managing editor of the “Nelson Evening Mail.” In 1940 he was appointed a director of the “Mail.” For many years Mr Earle was president of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists and during his term of office founded the “New Zealand Journalist.” Mr Earle was formerly active in both Rugby and soccer, both as ’a player and administrator. He is survived by his wife, three sons, and one daughter.

“The passing of Mr Frederick J, Earle, of Nelson, removes one of the very last of that group of pioneer journalists and newspapermen who laid the foundations of the press in New Zealand,” said Mr P. R. Scoble. president of the New Zealand Newspaper Proprietors’ Association, today. “A term of 67 years in journalism is a record which few could match in any country,” said Mr Scoble.