The editor sees the page away

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 38183, 24 March 1973, Page 14

The editor sees the page away

“Will they fit?”— The checks for accuracy and typographical errors have been completed, but the final question remains as the editor of “The Press,” Mr A. R. Cant, watches this morning’s editorials being inserted into the forme of this page late last night (see picture). With him is the night foreman of the composing room, Mi - J. D.

Mr Cant will retire as editor of “The Press” next Saturday when he will be succeeded by the assistant editor, Mr N. L. Macbeth. Last night was his last working night at the office in the I Square after 16 years as editor. and 45 years with the company. Next week he will I attend a conference of the I Newspaper Publishers’ Association in Rotorua. The staff of “The Press” 1 bade farewell to Mr Cant last evening in a brief ceremony | in which Mr Macbeth and Mr S. V. Glasgow, the day editor and longest-serving member of the literary staff, paid tribute to the editor’s integrity and concern for the highest principles of journalism and respect for the English language. In reply, Mr Cant said the position of an editor was, at times, a frightening responsibility. He thanked all the I staff of “The Press” who had helped to make the newspaper a respected institution in the community, and reminded his fellow journalists] that on their integrity rested the future reputation of “The| Press.”

A cheque was presented byi Mr Glasgow on behalf of the staff, and Mr Cant and his wife were wished a happy retirement.

Late last night Mr Cant was given a rare accolade by the composing staff of the paper who offered him the noisy and spectacular “banging out” ceremony. This is normally reserved for apprentices who have com- ■ pleted their time and become] tradesmen in the printing in-] Idustry, but in the strict tra-i ditions of the craft it can be' given to people held in high esteem in the company who] ■are not themselves part of the printing trade.

The composing department of “The Press” placed their retiring editor in this class.