PRESENT PROPRIETORS OF THE “STAR"

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 April 1930, Page 2 (Supplement)

PRESENT PROPRIETORS OF THE “STAR"

printed matter brea. This advance was made possible by the installation of a new machine. It. was announced af the beginning of April, on the second anniversary of the ‘“Star,” I hat the proprietary intended to enlarge, the paper, but the date originally fixed for doing so bad to be postponed"oil account of the new machine not being to hand as early as was expected. It was also announced that it was hoped, within a short period, to bring out the. papm as a full fledged “daily.”

With the erection of their own premises in progress, the enlargement of the sheet dependent only on the arrival of a new machine, and the contemplated daily publication, the proprietary had good foundation for pride in the rapid progress made by the young journal, for which the claim was made that it was the largest tri-weekly in New Zealand. For some

reference to those who were in charge of the literary side of Ihe enterprise. Mr. Galvin in his reminiscences details the apportionment of duties between the partners and how, after bis own retirement, the services were then secured of Mr. William Alfred Parkinson, a rising young journalist on the staff of the “New*Zealand Times,” and also a member of Hansard staff during the sittings of Parliament. It was necessary during Mr Parkinson’s absences on Parliamentary duty to have a locum tenons, and Mr G. A. Marehant, now living at Cardiff, and the late Mr James Kenworthy, of Patea, at different periods so acted. In addition, Mr Yorke, who had had some journalistic. experience on the “New Zealand Times” before corning to ITawera, during the session came in from his farm daily to lend a directing hand on the literary side. Mr Lines, who was a skilled, practical printer, took

Egmont Star,” a weekly paper containing a carefully compiled epitome of local, district, cable and telegraphic news which had appeared in the daily issue, reprints of the more important leading articles and letters from correspondents, and, in addition, much new matter, including a serial story. The “Egmont” was well received and very quickly obtained a satisfactory circulation, without adversely affecting that of the daily paper. • The weekly was also in demand for sending abroad to friends and drew a considerable number of subscribers from the ranks of former residents of the district who had removed to other parts. The “Egmont” ceased publication in that year which saw so many changes wrought in the old order of things—the year 1914. Another publication issued from the “Star” office that found great favour for a

27 years, 18 years as sole proprietor and the balance of the period as holding the controlling interest in the private company which was formed in 1912. AFTER THE BIG FIRE. The disastrous fire of 29th August, 1895, in which Messrs. W. J. Caverhill and Tourner lost their lives, swept over the “Star building. With the help that was readily extended by those in the position to afford it, a paper was issued the following day in very much reduced size, perforce. The small sheet was issued daily without break, and within a month a new printing machine had been obtained and sufficient plant gathered together* to enable the paper to be issued as before the fire, the first of tlie new issue being that of 28th September.

folds, euts-off and, if necessary, counts without any handling of the paper at a speed of: several thousand copies per hour. Long before the advent of the web printing press the four-page form of issue had been supplanted by the eight-page paper in a size more convenient for handling in despatch and also for the reader. Ths greater flexibility, capacity and speed of the web press has made it possible to meet sudden demands for extra space without inconvenience and also the issue of the larger papers which are now supplied. The whole of this special number has been printed on the “Cossar” press. Contemporaneously with improvements in other departments, the form of power for driving the machinery passed through the various stages of man, horse, steam, oil engine and gas engine power to the electric motors which are now in use in all departments.

PERSONAL NOTES. Mr. P. Galvin was born in Thomond County, South-West Ireland, in March, 1847. * At the early age of 12 years lie was apprenticed to Mr. John Knox, on the “Clare Journal,” six years later removing to Nona, the chief centre of the north riding of Tipperary. At the age of 20 years, prompted by a spirit of adventure, Mr. Galvin left his native Ireland, sailing for Australia on the celebrated “Black Ball” liner, which arrived at Melbourne towards the end of November, 1860, four days after the Melbourne Cup had been decided. The voyage took 90 days. Business was at a low ebb in Melbourne, and Mr. Galvin ventured to Bendigo, where he succeeded the late Mr. Joseph Ivess, a well-known newspaper man in New" Zealand,-on the “Bendigo Independent,” a position which lie held for two years, and then proceeded to Ballarat at the height of the gold fever. After a short period spent in the Government printing office at Melbourne, Mr. Galvin left Australia for -New Zealand and landed at Dunedin in 1874. The severe winter in the south sent Mr. Galvin to the. North Island, where he was associated with newspaper work at Wellington and Napier, except when he revisited Melbourne and Dunedin, until he eventually received an appointment in 1876 as compositor on the “New Zealand Times” at Wellington, rising to the position of publisher and then subeditor of the “’rimes,” with which was combined the editorship! of the “Mail,” a weekly publication of the “Times” company. Between 1870 and 1880, Mr Galvin was connected with the “Manawatu Daily Times” at Palmerston North. In ISBO, when on the point of returning to Australia, lie became associated with the late editor of the “New Zealand Times,” Mr. James C. Yorke, and Mr. Joseph B. Innes, and in the same year founded the “Hawera Star.” Subsequently he entered the Government service, joining the Mines Department. Although Mr. Galvin retired in 'l9lß (at the age of 71 years), he has since held several important .posts, being connected with the War Office branch of the Government Statistician’s Office, six years sessional clerk of the House of Representatives, ana, during more recent years, secretary respectively of the Rivers Commission and Alining Commission.

The late Air. Joseph Braden Innes was born in New South AVales in 1846. liis father was a journalist, being associated with Mr. James Fairfax at the inception of the “Sydney 'Aleruing Herald.” When'it was decided by a citizens’ committee to establish a second paper in Nelson, a printing plant run bv the late Mr W. 'C. Nation in Sydney was purchased and Air. Nation engaged to conduct the new journal, “The Colonist,” which was first published in ]SS7. Air Nation brought over his family and, with them, young Innes, who became an apprentice in the office, subsequently serving part of his time under the then works manager, Air W. T. Bond, father of Air. P. Bond, general manager of the “Star.” After serving his apprenticeship Air. Innes went to the goiaen West Const, and tried his luck at Hokitika, but soon transferred to Wellington, where he took a position on “The Independent,” and when was merged in the “New Zealand Times” he continued on the staff till, in 1880, he joined with Alessrs. Galvin and Yorke in establishing the “Star.” On leaving Hawera in 18S9 he purchased a bookseller’s aii.l stationer’s business in Alasterton, and later acquired from AH. John Watt the oldest established book and stationery business in Wellington. He carried on this business for about IS years and then established a printing business in Parish .Street, Wellington, which lie carried on until his death a few years later.

Mr. J. C. Yorke came 1o New Zealand to enter upon sheep farming an 1 started his colonial experience as cadet on an East Coast sheep station. Later he went to Wellington and was engaged as a Parliamentary Committee clerk, a position which afforded him an opportunity to show, that lie possessed journalistic ability, and he subsequently obtained a position on the literary staff of the “New Zealand Times,” Wellington. It was here that Air. Galvin met him, a meeting which led to Air. Yorkc’s settling in this district.

His farm, which was situated at, Inaha, opposite where 'the Riverdali factory now stands, occupied th j greater part of his time, but: in addition to time devoted to the “Star,” he soon took an active part, in local organisations and activities. He displayed an aptitude for this form of public service, and the list of official positions held by him during his resilience here would bo a very long one. As will be seen from another refercnc i in this issue, Air. Yorke, at his advanced age, is still in harness in South Wales, engaged in local government service.

The late Mr. Wm. Alfred Parkinson was Horn in 1853 in Now South Wales. As a boy ho went to Tasmania, and on Ist January, 1868, he was indentured

to Robert Harris, of Launceston, printer, and served a five years’ apprenticeship. He came to New Zealand in 1876 and joined the staff of the “New Zealand Times.” He joined Hansard staff on Ist July, 1879. In the latter end of 1881 he was appointed Editor of the “Star.” From that time, as already set out, his life* work was entwined with the fortunes of the “Star.” In private life he made many close friends. He was a great supporter of St. Alary’s Anglican Church: one of the keenest of bowlers; chairman for many years of the Gas Company, of which he was one of the original directors, and altogether lie lived a very full and useful life. By donation and bequest ho provided the fernery at the Park, the entrance at the new public hospital, and also made a bequest to his church.

A fact worthy of note is that so large a proportion of those engaged in literary work .on the “Star” in the earlier years of its history have lived to reach the age of SO years and over. Air. Galvin is in His 83rd year, tesidon:: at Kilbirue, in Wellington; Air. Yorke, resident at Dwrbach, Pembrokeshire, is also in his 83rd year; Air. Armit, resident in Wellington, is in his 86th yea? 1 . (The present Commissioner of Crown Lands for Taranaki, by the way, is his son.) Mr Marehant, just at present on a visit to the Bay of Plenty, is in his 82nd year; and the late Air. Kenworthy was 80 years of age when he died. STAFF APPOINTMENTS. In 1908 Air. Parkinson suffered a bereavement which seriously affected bis plans. His son Alfred Clere, wlfo was attached to the “Star” as one of the staff, died after a short illness at the early age of 25, on the 22nd of November. Tliis young man had shown great promise and would without doubthave made his mark in the career which was open to him as the only son of four who had entered the business.

About this time the proprietor, to relieve himself to some degree of the heavy burden of work and responsibility which filling the position of propri-etor-editor entailed, appointed Air. Fames as editor. This gentleman was followed by the late Air. John Christie, who died in 1917. Air Ernest Atkin succeeded Air. Christie.

Air. Parkinson, to give himself still more freedom from routine duty and to provide for possible contingencies, decided to turn the concern into- a private company, and on 'fist January, 1912, the- company of Yv. A. Parkinson" and Co., Ltd., came into- being. Air. Parkinson retained the controlling interest and had associated with him Ins' son-in-law,/ Mr. R. F. Page, who was on the staff, and Air C. H. Walker formerly of Wanganui. In the same year the decision was made to remove from High Street premises and erect in Regent Street the premise-s still occupied, the site being a few yards only from that on which stood the building in which the “Star” was first printed and published. The paper was first issued from the new office on 29th January, 1913.

THE GREAT WAR PERIOD. From this time the business proceeded normally till the Great War broke out. During the period of conflict and the earlier post-war years the experiences of the “Star” were on a par with all newspapers in the Dominion. They were troublesome times, but are too ' fresh in memory to require more than passing mention here. In February. 1920, Mr. Parkinson made another trip to England, and it was there, - after an operation, that ho passed awav on August 15 of that year. Joining the paper 18 months after its establishment, lie served theta ri-nus . proprietaries as editor for 11 years, for 19 yeais lie was sole proprietor. and for a. further nine yearn was rentrolling proprietor, in ail a connection of 89 years. Air. Parkinson stands out as the central figure in the history oi the ' Star.” and as cut’ of the notable men m tho history of Hawera.

(History of The “Star” Continued)

THE PRESENT PROPRIETARY.

Messrs IJa-ge and Walker acquired Mr. Parkinson’s interest in the “Star’’ and carried on the business till -the end of March, 1922, when Mr. Walker disposed of his interest in the paper. Mrs. Page,daughter, and three sons of Mr. Parkinson (Mr. G. IT. Parkinson, Dunedin; the Rev. C. T. Parkinson, London; and the late Dr. W. R. Parkinson, Nigeria) were then associated with Mr. Page as proprietors, and somewhat later Mr P. Bond, who, on Ist April, 1922, took up the position of general manager, acquired a proprietary interest. There nas not been any change in the proprietary since then. Mr. Atkin continued as editor till the end of 1923 and was followed by Mr. J. H. Hall, who at the end of 1923 took up the position of editor of the Christchurch “Snn.” Mr. L. A. Ahlett, formerly of Christchurch “Press” staff, filled the vacancy and still holds the position. RURAL DELIVERIES. This brief history covering' fifty years of newspaper activity in iiawera would not he complete without reference being made to the great services rendered the country districts by the “Star” in connection with rural mail deliveries. Before these deliveries were instituted by the Postal Department the “Star” had an elaborate system of deliveries covering the whole of South Taranaki where the population justified it, and in some eases where it did not. When rural mail deliveries were instituted the fact of a “Star” delivery in a particular locality being in existence was the basis of a mail delivery being put on. Even to-day the position is that the Postal Department would not bear tlie full cost of rural mail deliveries in a majority of cases, and the continuation is only assured by reason of subsidies paid to the maii contractors by the “Star.”

LONG SERVICE STAFF MEMBERS

Several members of the,present staff have given long service to the paper. Mr. George Watts has the pride of place with 40 years’ service,, and Mr. Clias. \V. Allen follows with 33 years.

Others with over ten years’ service are Mr. L. Wills, £0 years (including lour years' war service) • Mr. N. McCarten, 13 years (including 1£ years’ war service); Mr. \V. McLaren, 18 \ears; Mr. John Swanson, 11 years ; and Mr. A. Macßath 12 years. With the exception of Messrs Swanson and McLaren, ail the foregoing have not been in other employment than that of the ‘•Star” office. Two residents of Hnweva. Mr. C. O. Ekdahl and Mr. Edward Higgs, also were attached to the staff for long periods, the former for just on 20 years, and the latter for 2o years. Of the directors taking an active part in the business, Mr. Page joined the staff in 1901, and Mr. Bond was accountant for three years, 1886-1889, re-joining as general manager in April, 1922.

“‘'‘OWN CORRESPONDENTS” In Mr. .Joseph Guerin's article lie makes mention of a number of gentlemen who rendered yeoman service to the “Star” as contributors'to its columns. Some of these come under the head of “Own Correspondents,” wlio undertook the duty .cf supplying the news from their own particular localities.- The has been, and is, particularly well served in this branch of news gathering. In the early days it was not possible for members of the permanent staff to attend meetings and other gatherings in outlying parts of South Taranaki and “our own”- had do cover a greater range of subjects than is the ease to-day. / Gciod roads and motor vehicles now enable the “Star” to send staff reporters direct from the office to the regular meetings of no less than live county councils. This fact is typical of the speeding-up •which has taken place in regard to news gathering for a daily paper. Mr. Thos. Lloyd, iof Normanby, Mr. E. |G. Letts, Okaiawa, Mr. Mare F. Youllairc, Riverlea, Mr. J. A. G. Cosgrove, iManaia, Mr J. D. Proffitt, Alton, and Mr F. S. Tarrant, Kakaramca, are all long service “own Correspondents” who are still with it's while there passed away but 'recently one, of the most loyal of our contributors in Mr. John Finlay '(“Lest Wc Forget”). 'Sonic of the bid brigade no longer in active service are Mr. G. A. Mar-chant, Cardiff, Mr. A. 11. Moore, Opunake, and a valued contributor over many years, Mr. Alex Black ('“Fifty-one”), is now resident in New Plymouth. To attempt to give a full list of those past and present ixlto have rendered service as district correspondents and contributors is an impossible task, but- the “Star” is appreciative of these services and glad to include that recognition in -this "record.

“Sonic or our las; night's telegrams would lie better described as illegible scrawls. Samples on view at this office.” -.The foregoing was a paragraph in a prominent position in the issue of the “Star” of September 2Sth, 18S1. It must have been a i.ad case and an odd one. for good “copy’* has been the rule with telegraph operators throughout the years.