THE “NEW ZEALAND TIMES."

New Zealand Times, Volume LXIX, Issue 3646, 24 January 1899, Page 5

THE “NEW ZEALAND TIMES."

The first- appearance of tlie “ New Zca land Times ” as an eight page paper was made the occasion of a pleasant function during the early hours of yesterday morning. When the now machinery had started printing the enlarged paper the members of the literary and composing stalls, together with Mr J. A. Plimmer (representing the directorate) and Mr R. E. Bannister (general manager) gathered together in the editor’s room, Mr Plimmer being in the chair. Mr J. L. Kelly (editor of the “ Now Zealand Times ”) said they had assembled cn the occasion of the production of the “New Zealand Times” as an eight-page paper. For the first time in its history Wellington had now a first-class morning journal. The “Times” had had many ups and downs in the past, but from its financial stability and its present management, he felt sure it had now entered upon an era of prosperity and one of permanent' success and rapid progress. He would ask them to drink the health of the directors of the “Now Zealand Times” Company and the general manager. It was teethe enterthe directors and their general manager, and to their far-seeing insight into the requirements of- the city, that they were indebted for the production of tho papdr in its present shape.' They were men of business, they knew the value the’ public expected for their money, and they spared no pains nor expense to produce a journal which would Jm a'credit to the capital city of the colony. He paid, a high compliment to the energy and ability displayed by Mr Bannister in the preparations for the first issue of the new paper. The “Times” as it appeared that day, though a great im-. provement on previous issues, must only be looked upon-as a foretaste of what was coming. They had many difficulties still to contend with, and this issue was produced under conditions which made - it surprising that it should have been produced at all. iHo coupled-with the toast the names of Mr Plimmer and Mr R. 13. Bannister. .(Applause.) Mr C. Wilson (editor of the “ Mail ”) also wished success to the new venture, remarking that they wore now moored to tho wharf, of success, and he thought tho verdict of the public would be strongly in favour of their now production. , On behalf of tho staff, he congratulated 'the directors on the paper .that'had been turned out, and he believed it would not only be a credit to tho town, but also a big commercial success. He was pleased to hear that the first copy of the paper printed on the now machine was to he presented to Mr John Plimmer, the “ Father of Wellingtoh,” who had taken a groat interest: in the “ New Zealand Times ” for several years. There would be no prouder man in Wellington than Mr Plimmer when ho got that paper.- (Applause.) ' Mr J. A. Plimmer responded. On Dehalf of the Board of Directors ho thanked Mr Kelly and Mr Wilson for the way in which they had put the toast, before,the gathering, and for tho hearty manner in which it had. been received. The directors intended to do all that lay in their power to make the “New Zealand . Times ” Company a success commercially, and to bring out a paper which would be received with pleasure not only in the city but in the country districts. (Ap-plause.)-v.-His father, Mr John Plimmer, had always taken a great interest in the paper, and hojdianked them on his behalf' •for, the kind remarks that had been made about him. Ho wa& sure ho would receive tho first copy of the enlarged “Now Zealand Times ” with very great p’oasuro. (Cheers.) Mr R. E. Bannister also responded.; It might, ho said, surprise many of. them to know that ho served his apprenticeshin as a printer on the “Times,” and it/gave him very great pleasure to sco >tho success of that journal, in the prospects .of-which he had always had groat:faith. Tho paper was to;bo run on' independent Liberal . linos, and that course, would ho steadily adhered to. Ho paid a high compliment- to tho ability of the literary staff, and expressed the belief that they would produce a paper equal if not superior to any in New Zealand. (Applause;) ■■■-. In conclusion, ho proposed the health of Mr, A., Ashholt, chief ’of- the composing staff,, and Ms companionship? Mr 'Ashholt' had "been connected with the paper for 18 year's, during which time he had carried out his arduous and responsible duties in'a most exemplary manner. (Hear, hear.); ! ; The toast was heartily drunk, and Mr Ashholt suitably replied. , . i Mr Plimmer proposed the health of the literary staff, which was drunk with musical, honours, and. responded to by Messrs Kelly and Wilson. j