MR. SAMUEL SAUNDERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 22, 27 January 1943, Page 3

MR. SAMUEL SAUNDERS

(0.C.) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Mr. Samuel Saunders, rwhose death at Eastbourne, Wellington, occurred this morning, was editor of the "Lyttelton Times" from 1891 until 1914. He was born at Nelson in 1857, son of Mr. Alfred Saunders, superintendent of the Nelson Province, and married Helen Johnston, a granddaughter of Captain E. B. Cargill, first Superintendent of the Province of Otago. Three years later, in 1883, he was editor of the Ashburton "Guardian." He became associated with Sir W. Seward in the editorship of the Ashburton "Mail," and later joined the staff of the "Lyttelton Times." On retiring from that paper he took up journalistic work in Wellington, writing for, New Zealand and overseas papers. His father, who brought his political ideas with him from England,; was an uncompromising Liberal-but at the same time a lover of good horse*, and it is noteworthy that Samuel Saunders's connection with journalism began with articles on racing* hunting, and rural subjects. The boy v was sent to England to bei educated and returned to New Zealand with a first-hand knowledge of political movements there and, incidentally, with marked skill and enthusiasm in all forms of field sports. He joined the staff of the "Lyttelton Times" in 1886 as racing editor and leader writer. When the Hon. W. Pember Reeves resigned the editorship to become Minister of Education in. the Ballance Government Mr. Saunders succeeded him, and for more than 20 years thereafter made, the "Lyttelton Times" a leading exponent Of New Zealand Liberalism. Mr. Saunders leaves one son ancrthree daughters. His eldest son, Edward Saunders, a brilliant young journalist, died during the last wirr. Mrs. Saunders died a few years ago. Mr. Saunders was a man of outstanding personality, big physically and mentally. 'The Liberalism which he inherited became a bold radicalism. He loved New Zealand and was inspired throughout his journalistic career by an intense desire that this country should be spared the evils of the old, that its people should enjoy the full fruits of their labours, and that it should be made the happiest land on. earth. He was a close friend of Mr. Seddon, who often turned to .him for advice, but MrT Saunders did not hesitate to castigate the Government if it showed signs of weakening. Indeed, his journal was always a little in advance of the official Liberal programme. His retirement came when the sentiment of the country as the result of years of prosperity swung from Liberalism to Conservatism, but he continued to contribute political and historical articles to journalism in New Zealand and abroad for many years.