VETERAN JOURNALISTS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19215, 2 January 1926, Page 10

VETERAN JOURNALISTS.

PRESS GALLERY TRSBUTE. A very happy ceremony took place in the press room at Ellnrslie racecourse yesterday afternoon, when Mr. J. Chadwick and Mr. A. Bruce, two of the oldest, if not the oldest, sporting journalists in New Zealand, were honoured by their associates of the Press Gallery. Mr. W. Morton, chairman of the g illery, mentioned that Mr. Chadwick commenced his career as a sporting writer in 1869 and since 1874 had contributed to the Weekly Press, Christchurch, under the nom-de-plume of "Spectator." Mr. Bruce, '"Phaeton" of the New Zealand Heuald, had written under that nom-de-plume, and been in charge of'the sporting columns of the paper since .1880. Both these were remarkable records and the gathering had been arranged in token of the great esteem in which the veterans were held by the members of the gallery. The Prime Minister, Mr. Ccates, at the request of Mr. Morton, then presented to Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Bruce Email gifts emblematic of the high regard felt, for them by their associates. Mr. Coates expressed his keen pleasure in making the presentation and referred to his knowledge of both recipients extending over a long period of years. The health of Mr. Chadwick and Mr. Bruce was enthusiastically toasted, and in their - replies both gentlemen related interesting reminiscences. Mr. Coates. who was accompanied by Mr. H. 0. Nolan, vice-president of the Auckland Racing Club, was warmly welcomed on his first visit to Ellerslie since assuming office as Prime Minister. Mr. W. D. Graham, of New Plymouth, whose wife is the owner of Te Monanui, winner of the Auckland Racing Club Handicap, entertained the members of the gallery and the success of Mrs. Graham's colours was toasted.