SIXTY-TWO TEARS AGO

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 32, 8 February 1927, Page 8

SIXTY-TWO TEARS AGO

"THE POST'S" FIRST BIRTHDAY

Sixty-two years ago to-day the Evening Post" commenced publication—a single sheet divided into four pages measuring 17in by 10} in. Wellington was but a small spot on the map in those days, so small that few retailers, drawing attention in the advertising columns to their wares, deemed it necessary to give the addresses of their shops; everybody knew where everybody else lived. The first leading article published this day sixty-two years ago declared that a Jiberal course of policy would be pursued, and that the columns of the paper would be open to all temperately written communications. The following paragraph is of special interest:—

As Wellingtonians themselves apparently have not the ghost of a notipn in what direction their heronamed streets lie, we are at a loss to conceive how strangers are expected to find their way about; doubtless the Town Board will take steps to put them on the right road. We only hope it won't bo a case of the "blind leading the blind." There ought to be a grand street rechristening ceremonj'. At present, owing to the great influx of new friends, everyone seems in a chronic state of star or.comet gazing, very unbecoming an Empire city.

"The latest intelligence from the front," received via Wailganui, traces the movements of the Government troopa in pursuit of the Native rebels. Apparently the servant problem was a domestic wc,\- in 1862 as it is in 1927; Mrs. E. K.mounces the opening of a registry office "where good servants can -be always obtained"—farm servants, labourers, housemaids, nursegirls cooks, barmaids, etc." The news columns contain brief but comprehensive local items, messages from the other provinces, received by mail, and letters from the Homeland.