EMPIRE PRESS UNION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 16 February 1927, Page 9

EMPIRE PRESS UNION.

ANNUAL MEETING OF N.Z. BRANCH. (BY TELEGRAPH—TRESS ASSOCIATION.) WELLINGTON, Feb. 16. The annual meeting of the’ New Zealand branch of the Empire Press Union was held to-day,' Sir G. Fenwick, chairman, presiding, and there was a large attendance of members. After the annual report had been dealt with the meeting passed a vote of condolence with the family of the late Sir Henry Brett. Mr G. C. Codlin was elected an associate member.

Sir George Fenwick was re-elected chairman, and the same committee was re-elected, with the substitution of Mr C. S. Smith and Mr W. Blundell for Dr. Scholefield and the late Sir Henry Brett. The other officers were re-elected.

Tn his address, Sir 0. Fenwick made an allusion to the good work of the union in obtaining reductions in cable tariffs, thus al 1 owing a larger quantity of news to he published. He slated that the New Zealand branch had 65 members, a very large number in proportion to any other country, a. feature which had been frequently commented upon with admiration by overseas members. He made feeling reference to the death of Sir Henry Brett, who was not only a very old friend of his own, but was also a member of the- branch for many years. He alluded with regret to the demise of the New Zealand Times, which appeared to indicate that \Y: 1bngton could not support two morning papers. He concluded by 4saying that he had been, chairman for 17 years, and lie had proposed to retire this year. In response to pressing 'requests to reconsider; his decision, he had agreed to allow himself to be nominated again, but only on the understanding that it was to give time to prepare the way for liis successor next year.

Messrs Selig and Horton spoke warmly ‘of the interest taken by the Home members of the union in visiting members from overseas, and of the good effect the recent conference’ in Anstrn1i a produred.