THE METROPOLITAN MORNING JOURNAL

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1404, 26 January 1899, Page 27

THE METROPOLITAN MORNING JOURNAL

(From “The N.Z. Times,” Jan. 23.)

This morning’s issue of the "Times” marks a new era in the history of the journals issuing from this office; and such being the case, it is fitting that for once wo should lay aside a little of the reticence and mystery which ordinarily surrounds newspaper enterprises and newspaper men in their relation to the outer world, in order to give to the reading public some insight into the methods by which a firstclass daily journal is produced in thi3 the penultimate year of the nineteenth century. It is perhaps well that we should not dwell upon the history of the "New Zealand Times,” which is the lineal successor and representative of the first paper printed in Wellington. Suffice it to say that in all its career —chequered and critical though

that has at some times been—it has striven to maintain the highest ideals of journalism and to serve the best interests of the public; and while itß politics, like its fortunes, have known changes, it has ever kept steadily in view the welfare and advancement of New Zealand. As to what success has crowned these efforts, the public appreciation must -be allowed to speak; and it speaks with no uncertain sound in the largely increased circulation of the "Times,” more especially during the past two years, s The " Times,” and its weekly issue, the "New Zealand Mail,” have established themselves firmly in the public regard; and their widely-extended circulation throughout the Wellington provincial district, and far beyond it, may be expected to still further increase as the result of the improvements now introduced. An eight-page penny morning paper for Wellington is now an accomplished fact; and its permanency is assured by the acquisition of freehold premises, capable of enlargement to suit a growing business, and hy the introduction of the latest machinery and appliances for the production of daily and weekly journals in every way worthy of the progressive capital of a progressive colony. A JTOBWABD POLICY. About a year ago the directors of the company decided upon a forward policy which had for its main planks the acquisition of central and commodious premises and the purchase of machinery calculated to {facilitate the mechanical production Of their journals, A valuable property

ENLARGED TO EIGHT-PAGE FORM. COMMODIOUS AND CENTRAL OFFICES. LATEST AND MOST IMPROVED MACHINERY. THE LINOTYPE. THE LANCASHIRE FAST PRINTING MACHINE. ' A REVOLUTION IN THE PRINTING TRADE. MARVELLOUS EVIDENCE OF HUMAN INGENUITY.

on Lambton quay was purchased, and it was taken possession of in August last. In -the composing department linotypes were introduced towards the close of last year. A new printing press was also imported, on which this morning the “Times” is printed for the first time. The " Times,” by appearing in eight-page form, now brings itelf on a level in point of size with the morning papers published in the other centres of the colony. The change is a permanent one, and it will be welcomed on all hands, as well in the districts served by the railway systems and steamer services as in the city and its suburbs. THE PRINTING HOUSE.

A more central site than that now occupied by the "New Zealand Times” Company could not be found in Wellington. It is one of the most central business positions

in the most central city of Maoriland. Situated on the west side of Lambton quay, it faces Grey street and the Queen’s Wharf. From the latter busy cargo and passenger distributing depot, the office and printing house may be reached in a couple of minutes. All tramcars pass it, as well as the omnibuses and coaches that ply to the suburbs. Immediately alongside the premises will be the city depot of the cable tramway which is to serve the heights of Salamancal road, the newlyopened Kelburne Estate, and, in the not distant future, Karori. The valuable property owned and occupied by the company extends from Lambton quay to Wellington terrace. To the Quay it has a frontage of 32 feet; below the Terrace the width of the land is greater. The buildings devoted to the various departments of a modern news and jobprinting house have a total depth of 127 feet. On the Quay frontage there is a block, two stories high, with a floor space of 66 feet by 28 feet. The main block at the rear is three stories high, with a floor space 53 feet by 23 feet, and in addition there are a machine-room 28 feet by 20 feet and a publishing-room. THE DEPARTMENTS. The offices of the company’s commercial and literary staffs are located in the block on the Lambton quay frontage. Accommodation is provided in bright and convenient departments. Leaving the Quay and passing through the main entrance the visitor finds himself in a roomy space before the advertisement counter. Folding doors admit him to a passage, on the left of which are the counting-house, the general manager's office, the commercial editor’s rooin (also the office of the " New Zealand Journal of Insurance, Mining and Finance”), and the publisher’s office. To the right of the passage is the office. The board-room is at the foot of a staircase which leads to the upper floor,

where are reached in turn the rooms occupied by the reporting staff, the editor of the " Mail,” the sub-editor of the "Times,” the readers, and the editor of the "Times.” Another room is set {part tor the storage of nti.tionery. On each floor passages lead to the block occupied by the mechanical departments. The ground floor of this block is devoted to press, book and job-printing machinery. In an adjoining room the new machine for printing the "Times" and "Mail” has been erected. A special room is also provided for the publisher’s staff. On the first floor of the block is the job-composing room, completely furnished for the outturn of every class of job and fancy printing, including theatrical and book work. The "Times” and " Mail” composing staffs have the second floor to themselves. Five English linotype machines are conspicuous objects in this room.