OBITUARY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2875, 13 September 1916, Page 6

OBITUARY

MR GRESLEY LUKIN

The dentli occurred yesterday of Sir. Gresley Lukin, editor of the "Evening l'ost, ' and one of Now Zealand's leading journalists. Twenty-three yearsago -Mr. Lukin came to Wellington a. stranger in search of health, and during the years which have since passed he has made himself an iullucuce in the City and throughout the''Dominion which will bo widely missed. 'Be w;as seventy-six years of age, and was a . native of Launceston, Tasmania. Fortune led him to follow a variety of avocations. He started out to bo an engineer, and for this pursuit he studied m the land of his birth. Moving oa to Brisbane in a couple of years, ho entered the Queensland Civil Service, and in two years' time had been promoted to the . chief clerkship in the Crown Lands Office. Three years later he was transferred to the Justice Department as chief clerk of the Supremo Court. In 1873 he resigned this office, and purchased the "Brisbane Courier" and "The Queonslander," which he conducted and edited for several years. In 1880 (or thereabouts) he disposed of his interests in these journals, and removed to Sydney. At the Sydney International Exhibition of 1879 Mr. Lukin represented Queensland as Executive Commissioner. Later ho returned to Brisbane, and founded "The Boomerang." 111-health overtook him, and in 1893 he camo to Now Zealand in the hope that tho climate here would benefit him. It did, and- he made Wellington his home. After landing here he contributed to tho leading papers iu N.ev Zealand and across tho Tasman. Ho worked in the Parliamentary Press Gallery for some time, and when the late Mr. E. T; Gillon was laid low by illness, ho carried on the duty of guidring the "Evening Post" editorially. W hen the deatli of Mr. Gillon caused! the editorial chair to be empty, Mr. Lukin was chosen to fill the vacancy. He has filled tho position over since. In 1910 he was one of New Zealand's representatives at the great Imperial Press Conference in London.

Mr. Lukin was one of those rare personalities who commanded both affection and respect. He was a strong personality—ono of the strongest New Zealand journalism has had —and no man was more deeply respected and liked by his associates. Withal, he was a disciplinarian, hut he was tolerant, patient, and kindly. He was an ideal leader of a staff of journalists, and a steadfast friend. He was a man of very deliberate, somewhat ponderous speech, but with 'his dear mind and keen sense of humour, ho always held one's , interest. Though, in the days which now lag more than a score of years in . the wake of Time, Wellington's bracing climate .restored Mr. Lukin to health, recent years have seen him a frequent, sufferer. He stuck to his work well, however, and every afternoon just after the paper left tho press a hansom ..would) rumble up to the precincts of the office, and the G.CKM. of the "Post" staff would quit the scene of his labours for tho day— always the same hansom, always the same "cabby," always the same hour. Some weeks ago he was again, laid aside by illness, and, though rumour spread, tho good tidings that he would soon be once again on the road to recovery, tho attack proved l fatal. He leaves behind him a record which any Jnan whose footsteps toil across the~ssi:ds of journalism can bo proud to emulate. One of his first public services was tho drafting of the Queensland Laud Act, nearly half a century back. Since then, 'in the field of journalism, he has ,e\er striven for the public good. He was a ivise and capable journalist, and one whom all working journalists looked up to as' a friend. He had the capacity for making strong friendships, and though oil occasion a vigorous. fighter, he disarmed personal animus by his genial nature, his delightful tact and his kindness of heart. Li Tecent years his activities have gradually lessened, but he continued at his desk directing the policy of tlie "Evening Post" up to the time of his last illness, ono of his favourite sayings being that ho preferred to wear out rather than to rust away. His death will he greatly deplored by all who knew him at all intimately* and he will be especially missed by those on the journal which ho served so ably for so many years.

THE MAYOR'S APPRECIATION.

A LARGE-HEARTED PUBLIC MAN,

"lii the passing away of Mr: Gresley. Lukin," states the Mayor (Mi - . J. P. Luke), "not only Wellington, but tha Dominion, lias lost ono_ of its most worthy and respected citizens. Comiug to New Zealand from Australia, lie quickly attained a- high position in literary and journalistic circles, ior many years before his death lie was acclaimed the central figure among his literary associates. His generous and clear vision, not confined to insularconditions, but of world-width, aided in building up a strong national character among the people of the Dominion. As an advocate of best conditions for our citizens, his valuable and unceasing support of, town-planning has created a spirit of municipal responsibility and enthusiasm that- has resulted in very much good. Many improve» ments in this city and district must be credited to his persistent advocacy. Mr. Lukin was constant- in his eu< deavour to break down old prejudices, and bring about happier circumstances for the masses of the people, and many true reforms, wcro initiatod and other* promoted by the large-hearted public man . who has entered into his rest.Citizens of Wellington unite with iu# in sympathy for Miss Lukin, her ljri>tilers'and sisters and friends." TRIBUTE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, On learning in Napier of the death of Mr. Lukin, llis Honour the Chief Justice, Sir Robert Stout-, telegraphed": "I know him since his landing in New Zealand. He was a great journalist and an upright, fair-minded and honourable citizen. His chief characteristic was his judiciousness; he could never ho one-sided, for he saw abvnyi not only both but every side of every question. Now Zealand has suffered » great loss in his passing away." Tim funeral will take placc at 9 o'clock this afternoon.