THE “AGE” DIRECTORATE

Northland Age, Volume 19, Issue 31, 3 November 1921, Page 5

THE “AGE” DIRECTORATE

MR. VERNON REED ACCEPTS NOMINATION. The following correspondence speaks for itself: — Mangonui Newspaper Co., Ltd., Commerce Street, Kaitaia, August 29th, 1921. Vernon H. Reed, Esq., M.P., Kawakawa. Dear Sir, At the last meeting of Directors of the Mangonui Newspaper Co., Ltd., I was instructed to write to you, with a request that you would allow yourself to be nominated for a vacant seat on the Directorate. In making this request my Directors recognise that you are a very busy man, and that your acceding to their request would mean putting an additional burden on your shoulders. But they are desirous of availing themselves of your business experience and knowledge of newspaper work, and trust you will accede to their request. Awaiting the favour of an early reply, I remain, Yours faithfully, W. Pollock, , Secretary. House of Representatives, 'W ellington, 14th October, 1921. The Chairman of Directors, Mangonui Newspaper Company, Kaitaia. Dear Sir, I am in receipt of your letter forwarding me a resolution of your Directors asking me to take a seat on the Board of Directors. I understand you desire my services on the Board owing to my long connection with, and experience of, the business of country newspapers, and I appreciate the compliment. Another aspect of the matter, however, presents itself to me, and that is the accusation that as Director I may use my influence on the policy ot the paper politically. I am prepared to accept a seat on the Board and to give my services on the business side of the Company, providing the policy of the “ Age ” politically remains independent. My reason, for making this condition is that I realise that it would detrimentally affect the paper were it to become a partisan paper politically, and it would be unfair were the columns of the “ Age ” not available to the expression of any political opinion. My ambition has always been that the “Age” should have the respect of all, be run on co-opfcrative lines in the interests of the common good, and lead in the advancement of the district by advocating a sound, sane policy of progress. The “ Age ” is a co-operative paper to-day, that is to say, the shares are held in small lots all over the County, and in my opinion the paper is being conducted on good lines and is a credit to the County. Yours faithfully, Vernon H. Reed.