UNITED PRESS ASSN.

Hokitika Guardian, 18 February 1932, Page 3

UNITED PRESS ASSN.

ANNUAL MEETING

(By Telegraph—ter tress Association) AUCKLAND, February 18. The annual meeting of shareholders of the United Press Association of New Zealand was held here this afternoon, the Chairman of Directors, Mr A. M. Burns, of Christchurch, presiding. In moving the adoption of the report and statement of accounts for the past year, Mr Burns, before dealing with the operations of the Association, referred to the position in Hawke’s Bay, saying that pressmen throughout New Zealand would not withhold a tribute of admiraetion for the manner in which the proprietors and staffs of the ' Hawke’s Bay newspapers had grappled with the difficulties which had confront-

ed them since the earthquake. It was to the everlasting honour of the people of Hawke’s Bay that they commenced the task of rehabilitation of their prov- .- ince and towns with both energy and courage, and with a degree of cheerful 7 optimism that was as amazing as it was admirable.

The Chairman went on to say that the financial position of the Association should cause a feeling of satisfaction among members, particularly when they considered the stressful times through which all businesses had been passing during the past few months. The gen-1 eral expenditure had been carefully 1 watched and in spite of the extra expenses necessitated by the removal of the Head Office, and the furnishing ol the new offices, and othe- necessary expenditure on equipment, a consider- , able saving had been made. The Chair- | man stressed the point that the economies effected had in no way impaired the standard or the efficiency of the 1 cable service. i

Last year the Board of the Association had decided to remit for one year the cable and New Zealand service subscriptions of the four papers which had suffered so severely through the Hawke’s Bay disaster, the total remission amounting to £1.350. Shareholders would lip gratified to learn that as the result of the careful administration of the Association’s finances, and tlie favourable exchange, the Board of Directors found that it was unnecessary to call upon the reserve of the Association to meet this remission, which had been paid out of revenue. The Telegraph Department had worked in close co-operation with the Association throughout the year, and re- | lations had been cordial and harmonious.

In connection with the reporting of the tour of the New Zealand Cricket team in the Old Country, the thanks of the Association were particularly duo to Mr A. T. Donnelly, Chairman of the New Zealand Cricket Council, who accompanied the team on its tour, and who gai r e the Association’s representative invaluable assistance in carryin" out his work. The increase in the telegraphic rates 1 announced at the end of February last i had necessitated a rendustmont of tin* I inter-provincial news service of the Association. The Chairman paid a warm j tribute to the Agents of the Associa- i tion throughout New Zealand for the helpful spirit in which they entered into the scheme of the management j for reducing costs without impairing the standard and efficiency of the ser- ! vice. The cable service of the Press As- I sociation continued to keep New Zea-1 land people well informed of world bappenings, and to deserve the praise it received from discriminating readers j and from overseas visitors Tn recent ] months there had been great improve- ' mont in the quality and quantity of. items of commercial interest sent from Australia, and the improved service had met with the approbation of the business community generally. j The work of the Association’s staff I in the Parliamentary Press Gallery had been greatly appreciated by ■subscribers. metropolitan and provincial. The coverage of news from the Gallery had been extended in various directions—an improvement that had add-,

od greatly to the value of the Association’s Parliamentary service. The Hoard of Directors had given consideration to the infringement of the Association’s copyright hv radio broadcasting stations during the year, and had received legal advice t'mt the broadcasting of Association telegrams and cables, within the period of the copyright, was an infringement of copyright. Action had been taken to bring the matter under the notice of offending stations. The Association was prepared if neccessarv. to enforce its rights' and protect members bv legal

proceedings. 'Phe Chairman expressed his appreciation of the co-operation he had received during his term of office from : everyone connected with the Associa- , tion. and said, it was condorting to 1 feel that the very smooth working, of the whole machine had been to the i distinct, advantage of the newspapers ■f New Zealand.

Tn conclusion the Chairman expressed his pleasure at the fact that, having arisen from a cadetship in the office to the highly-prized position of Chairman of Diroeetors lie had been able to proiont a balance-sheet and report which showed that tile United Press Association was in a highly satisfactory position, both from a financial and news service point of view.