FORMER COLLEAGUE'S TRIBUTE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26177, 13 June 1946, Page 4

FORMER COLLEAGUE'S TRIBUTE

Mr E. C. Huie, of Waikouaiti. writes to the editor as follows:

“As the only surviving member of the Otago Daily Times literary staff at the turn of the present century, I would like to extend to the present editor and staff my sincere condolences in the death of Sir James Hutchison. I remember him affectionately as a friendly and sympathetic colleague who lived for the Otago Daily Times, and gave it loyal and devoted service. When I joined in 1899. the staff consisted of Mr George Fenwick, as editor, Mr James Hutchison, associate editor, Frank Joseph, leader writer, Charles Fraser, sub-editor, Silas Spragg. chief reporter, Donald Cameron, Horace F. Bastings, Harry Griffen, Charles Manning and myself as reporters. “Mr Fenwick (afterwards Sir George) was largely occupied with managerial duties, and the literary staff looked mainly for guidance to Mr Hutchison. We could always rely on him for advice, assistance and information. He never failed us. He combined great industry with a remarkable knowledge which was almost encyclopaedic. His knighthood was a fitting recognition of his distinguished services to journalism, and under his guidance the Otago Daily Times maintained the reputation built up by the late Sir George Fenwick as a sober and dignified organ of public opinion Dunedin is indeed the poorer for the loss of a notable citizen, and his memorial is the standing and the reputation of the paper he edited for so many years.”