MR. T. LINDSAY BUICK

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 November 1933, Page 2

MR. T. LINDSAY BUICK

FAREWELLED BY PRESS ASSN.

(United Press Assn.)

WELLINGTON, November 8

Mr T. Lindsay Buick, a well-known member of the Head Office staff of the United Press Association, was the guest this afternoon at a farewell gathering in Wellington arranged by the Board of Directors of the Association and the members of the Head Office staff. The Chairman of the Board (Mr A. M. Burns) presided, and among those present were Messrs J. Combe, and L. J. Berry, W. H. Atack (former manager of the United Press Association), A. B. Lane (present manager), and all the members of the Head Office staff. Letters conveying good wishes to Mr Buick were received from other members of the Board. Mr Burns referred to Mr Buick’s long connection with journalism and 1 politics in New, Zealand. Mr Buick was elected to the House of Representatives for Wairau in 1890, and was selected by the then Premier, Mr John Balance, as organising secretary of the National Liberal Federation. He was re-elected for Wairau in 1893, and was Whip for the Seddon Administration in that year. He took up journalism in 1897, becoming part proprietor of the “Manawatu Daily Standard.” In 1903 he became one of the proprietors of the “Dannevirke Advocate.” He was a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society of London, and his literary work was well known to all book-lovers. In recognition of his research work in connection with the early history of New Zealand he was created C.M.G. a few months ago, an honour which was richly deserved. Mr Buick’s first introduction to the public as an author was in the publication of “Old Marlborough, or the Story of a Province,” which appeared in 1900. Since, then Mr Buick had published a number of works, the principal ones being “The Treaty of Waitangi,” 1930, “The French at Akaroa,” 1928, and the “Mystery of the Moa,” 1931. Mr Buick joined the Association as a temporary Parliamentary reporter in 1913. In those days the Association employed two representatives in the . Press Gallery, three reports being sent out daily. A “long” message was sent to the Metropolitan papers, and a “short” message, which was a condensation of the long message, was sent to the “B” class papers. A ‘skeleton” message of about 100 words was sent to the smaller papers, which comprised for the most part the triweeklies. The session of 1913 was the first “business” session of the Massey Government, when the Reform party began to give legislative shape to their election pledges. With a new Government, a new policy and an able and alert Opposition the session provided a strenuous introduction to Parliamentary Press work which stood Mr Buick in good stead. Later in the year he was appointed to a vacancy on the staff, then becoming one of its permanent members and the Association’s senior Parliamentary reporter. This latter position he held for 15 years and 18 sessions. In 1917 Mr Frank Cox, who had been the senior member of the staff, was, owing to illhealth, compelled to resign, and Mr Buick was then promoted to the post of first, assistant, which rank he has held up to the last, few days, when his resignation took effect.

Mr Burns said that on behalf of the Board of Directors, and of the whole of the subscribers to the Press Association, he desired to convey to Mr Buick their sense of his long service and loyalty to the Association, and to wish him much happiness and contentment in his well-earned retirement. Mr Buick had been a familiar figure in the office for many years, and there were many newspaper proprietors throughout New Zealand who would miss him when they called at the headquarters of the Association. He had very great pleasure in handing Mi- Buick a substantial cheque from the Board of Directors of the Press Association as his retiring allowance, and also a filing cabinet, which had been subscribed to by the staff as well as the Directors of the Association.

The Chairman’s remarks were supported by Messrs. John Coombe, W, H. Atack, and A. B. Lane.

Responding, Mr. Buick said that while he regretted parting with old friends and pleasant associations, there was also a sense of relief in relinquishing the burden. He looked forward to some years of pleasurable leisure, which he could occupy by writing the things he wanted to write. He was deeply touched by the kind gracious things which had been said by the Chairman and others, and the gifts he and in his relations with the staff, he had received were convincing evidence of the sincerity of the sentiments expressed. He could say truly that he had always been solicitous to give to subscribers the best service he could, had tried to preserve a pacific atmosphere, when the east wind was blowing. The service given by the Association was the wonder- of every intelligent visitor to New Zealand, and should be the admiration of every New Zealander, but unfortunately to some extent, the Press Association was doing its work unhonoured and unsung, because the public did not realise the great expenditure of forethought, industry and capital that are necessary to carry on its services.

Mr. Buick added a few reminiscences ,and concluded by warmly declaring his continued interest in the Press Association and its staff.

The Chairman apologised for the absence of Messrs. Blundell, Billens and Earle.