OBITUARY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 2045, 23 October 1919, Page 3

OBITUARY.

MR. ALEX McMINN.

Old residents of the Maiuvwatu will deeply regret to learn of the death' of Mr Alexander McMinn,

who was well-known throughout . Now Zealand in journalistic circles, which took place at his home at Devonport, Auckland,' on Tuesday evening, after a short illness. Mr McMinn, when a young man of about twenty years of ago, came to New Zealand from 'Belfast (Ireland), landing at Auckland on St*. Patrick’s Day. He afterwards removed to "Wellington, but subsequently took np his residence in "Wanganui, where he was headmaster of the Grammar School. After a short - career in the teaching .profession he entered journalism on tlie "Wanganui Herald, which was then conducted by the late Hon. John Ballance. Mr McMinn proved himself a very vigorous and able writer, and in thos& days was recognised as one of the smartest journalists on this coast. 'After'leaving the Wanganui propriety, he joined the Rangitikei Advocate, but in 1880 Mr McMinn came to Palmerston North and founded the Manawalu Evening Standard, the first daily paper between Wellington and Wanganui, the first issue of the journal appearing on November 29th of that year. The paper was printed on the same hand-press which avus used for the first number of the Wanganui Herald, and later (he Woodville Examiner, which the deceased gentlemaiyilso established. Mr McMinn presented the first copy of the Standard to Mr Sylvester Coleman, then a well-known pioneer and former Borough. Councillor of Palmerston North. The introductory “leader” was contributed by the late Mr Ballance, with Avliom, as slated, Mr McMinn had been associated on the "Wanganui Herald in Ihe “sixties.” After having established the Woodville Examiner, Mr McMinn did not for Jong retain an interest in this venture, as he parted Avith the paper to Mr llaggcn. In 1891 lie disposed of his interest in the Standard to Mr F. Pirani (who subsequently sold to the present proprietors) and removed a few years later to Maslerlon, Avhere be occupied the position of sub-editor of the Wairarapa Daily Times under the late Mr Payton, then editor and proprietor of that journal, Air McMinn, about seven years ago, took up his residence at Auckland, Avhere be occupied a post on the literary staff of the Auckland Star np to (he time of his decease. Mr McMinn was a gentleman of robust constitution in Ins early days, and indeed until well past Ids prime in .life, lie travelled the roast between Wellington and Wanganui most extensively, and there Avere few men better known in (Ids respect in the early days. Forty years ago it was a common thing for him to make frequent trips between Wellington and Wanganui on horseback, traversing the old coach route along the.coast, and on more than one occasion he had as his companion the late Dr. dvoekstroAV, of Foxton and Palmerston North, avlio avus, in those days, medical health officer fur the Natives between llorowhenua and Rangitikei. The roads, such as existed in those days,-were frequently up, to the horse’s girths in mud, but the experience gave Air McMinn a Avidc circle of acquaintances and a big influence with the natives, he knowing all the big chiefs intimately. The deceased gentleman leaves a widow and four surviving sons — Francis Alexander (Dannevirke), Garnet (Taumarunui), Gordon (Bendigo), Leslie (Taikoroa),» and one'daughter —Airs Whalley (Pal--merslon North). The late Air ArehL bald'McMinn, the. Avell-knoAvn foot- , bailer, was JJlso a son.. Air McMinn was ahvays of a most cheerful nature, and bis. natural courtliness of manner and kindness in many ways endeared him to his numerous friends in journalism and in other pursuits. Their respect for him was always of that fine nature in which a gentleman of his calibre is held, and his death will be deeply regretted by a AA’idc circle of friends.