THE LATE W. A. PARKINSON

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 April 1930, Page 21 (Supplement)

THE LATE W. A. PARKINSON

AN APPRECIATION

(Contributed.) Of all that class of earnest men associated with the “Star” from its early beginning none was more remarkable than William Alfred Parkinson. Joining its staff as editor within a year from its inception, he brought that youthful enthusiasm which was a requisite to the youtiiiul and vigorous paper. His previous training on the “lSevv Zealand Times” and in the Hansard gallery iiad well fitted him for the post to which he was called. Ass a journalist the late Mr. Parkinson thoroughly exhausted every subject lie under l ook w elucidate, and they were few who would venture to controvert his views. There is a mine of solid information to be acquired trom a perusal of his leaders in the “Star,” and those who were privileged to read them will not but feel the vivid light in which lie portrayed everything that came under Ins review. As for those leaders, in development of subject, in skill and treatment, in elegance and simplicity of language, he won the unreserved and highly merited praise of all who were competent to form a judgment. To the reader he gave literary viands, rich indeed and luxuriant, but served with such exquisite simplicity and in a style so admirably suited to various tastes that none, we conceive, could grow tired of their relish or palled with the pleasures they afforded. He built up during his long connection with the “Star,” with those most competent to judge of his mental calibre, a record for soundness, acumen and accuracy. Naturally gifted with fiu-

ency or language, lie cultivated it inti a style of unsurpassed clearness, fiexi bility and power. In this style wen presented .some of the best production; of his intellect, whether we regarc logical acumen, depth of erudition 01 power of elucidation. Strength of principle, strength ol conviction and strengtn and honesty of purpose seemed to he the ruling traits of his character. He invariably seemed to possess a most powerful conception of whatever he propounded !•; the public, aiut having this conception, he always sustained it with invincible fortitude. The strength of his character appears from whatever align it is considered, it appeared m haprivate and public life, and the singular union of moral, intellectual and attractive force gave the stamp of uniqueness to a character which had gained a conspicuous niche in this community. All who heard him or knew him were charmed by his character and earnestness and ability. An incident which the writer recal.s will serve to illustrate his quickness of thought and his power to draw out the best in others. Early in the present century this writer was deputed by the Teachers’ Institute, of which he was then a member, to interview “Parky,” as he was familiarly known (but not called), to get his support for something which was then agitating the minds of the teachers—the subject the writer now forgets. It wa.s suggested that he write a leading article supporting our claims. Pointing to the editorial chair lie said. “Why not write it yourself:'’” This was done, and W.A.P. added a few deft touches, “to make it more palatable to the average reader,” ms he put it, and the article was soon on its way to the composing room, and appeared that afternoon as the “Star’s” leading article. I have said that the late Mr. Parkinson served an apprenticeship as a Hansard reporter before joining the “Star.” Few could equal him in cogency and force of argument in his political leaders. Let any of the old readers cast their minds hack to the leading article which would appear in the “Star” on the eve of an election. There is no doubt that that article meant hundreds of votes to the candidate whose cause the article championed. The late editor had a cosmopolitan mind. He believed in allowing expression to all sides, and he lived up to his beliefs. No shade of political' thought was excluded from its columns. Hut when it , came to the critical moment, the eve of the poll, when people were looking for a lead from their paper, there was no hesitancy. The issue was made clear-cut. He took no prominent part in local affairs. He could hardly do that, considering his position as editor. Hut Ins wise opinion, his .sound judgment and his shrewd common sense, were often sought by the heads of the various organisations, and hence there is no doubt he wielded a powerful influence on public opinion in this district. Nor was his influence felt only in this district. Extracts of articles from the “Star” were frequently quoted in other journals. He was the reporter par excellence. As a news gatherer he had few equals. He knew exactly where to go for the 'information he sought, and there wan no time lost in chasing up clues. As a lover of the interests of the community he had no equal. He championed those interests to the utmost of his power, and lent the columns of his paper to their advocacy without stint. Such wais his prestige and the popularity of his paper that it wielded a remarkable influence, and he was privileged and proud to live t-o see it one of the most important of our provincial papers.