JUBILEE CONGRATULATIONS.

Southland Times, Issue 17193, 12 November 1912, Page 6

JUBILEE CONGRATULATIONS.

THE MINISTRY AND PARLIAMENT. THE HON. THE PRIME MINISTER Hw Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I duly received your letter of the 22nd instant, informing me that the Southland Times ■will attain its fiftieth anniversary next month. Permit me to tender my hearty congratulations to your readers and those responsible for the management and production of the paper on witnessing the jubilee of its existence. The Southland Times has played an Important part in the remarkable expansion of the province of Southland during the last half century. That the journal and its readers may continue to prosper is my earnest wish. Yours truly, \V. F. MASSEY, Prime Minister's Office, Wellington, 20th October, 1012. THE HON. THE MINISTER OF FINANCE. sliio Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir—l have to express my great interest in the information that the Southland Times will attain the age of fifty years on the 12th November next. The good work that the N.Z. press has done is so well recognised by us all that it is hardly necessary to coSment on it. Still, when an influential newspaper like yours marks its years of Mtogress, St is fitting that public men should acknowledge how much the country owes to the good influence of its good newspapers. It may be a slight exaggeration to say that we could do without books nowadays, but the feeling has been growing upon me more and more ai .the years go by that good newspapers are to a large extent taking the place of educational works in the process of training our people and especially our national character. I think it may be said that the standing of a nation may be estimated by the condition of its press. Estimated in this way, I have no hesitation in saying that New Zealand stands very high indeed. Yours sincerely, J. ALLEN. Wellington, 25th October, 1912. 1 * ' THE RT. HON. SIR J. G. WARD, Bart., P.C., K.C.M.G, Jhe Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —In appreciating the prosperity that we southerners now enjoy we must not forget the debt of gratitude we owe to the old identities, many of whom have passed away, who welLand truly laid the foundations upon which our prosperity has been built. Bound, as I am, by material, social, and tender ties to the place of ray boyhood, I take a deep interest in all that pertains to its welfare, progress, and advancement. On all sides to-day we see evidence of commercial, industrial, and social progress, and when we compare what now obtains with the old days of small beginnings a spirit of pride and patriotism should Inspire us and help us to greater achievements in the years to come. My earnest wish is that the district and its public institutions will continue to advance, and that comfort and happiness will ever attend the people of Southland. The Southland Times has had great influence in various directions for half a century in helping on the progress of Southland, and its fiftieth anniversary marks a most important epoch in the history of the province and of itself. It has kept well ahead of the requirements of its readers, ' and, though I have not seen eye to eye wixh it on many occasions, nor it with me, I readily pay my tribute to its worth as an educational factor, and compliment the proprietors upon their enterprise and congratulate them upon the fiftieth anniversary of one of the most excellent morning papers published in the Dominion. Yours sincerely, J. G. WARD. Wellington, 9th November, 1912. J. A. HAN AN, Esq.. M.P. * Xko Editor, As The Southland Times. ‘ Dear Sir,—l congratulate you on the occasion of the jubilee of the Southland Times. Its long career, the developments that have taken place in methods of production, the size of your newspaper, -and the nature of the information and reading matter furnished, testify to the energy and enterprise of the proprietors of the journal, which has loyally supported all efforts and movements calculated to promote the advancement of Invercargill and the furtlbr development of Southland. In recalling past history we are enabled to make a cornparistfft between the old and the new, and we realise the steady and gratifying progress of our district and its institutions, it is a record that gives ground for just pride in the achievements of the past, from which we draw lessons of service and inspiration for the present and the future. Yours sincerely, J. A. HANAN. House of Representatives, Wellington, Sth November. _ G. JAS. ANDERSON, ESQ., M.P. Xhe Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Allow me to offer my felicitations to the proprietors of the Southland Times upon their paper having obtained its jubilee. The Times has kept pace with the marvellous progress of the town of Invercargill and the province of which it is the metropolis, and its proprietors deserve the reward of their faith and enterprise. Yours truly, G. JAS. ANDERSON, House of Representatives, Wellington, Ist November. J. C. THOMSON, ESQ., M.P. XUe Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir,—One can hardly realise that half a century nas passed since the first number of your enterprising journal was issued, and it is fitting that you should appropriately mark the occasion by publishing a souvenir edition. Being a Southlandcr, I can recall the period when the Times was quite a modest production ; but even in the early days it was ably conducted, and missed no opportunity to advance the interests of the province, of whose great progress and rapid development it is an admirable reflex. Having seen most of the newspapers published in the Dominion, it affords me pleasure to say that the Southland Times can hold its own with the best, alike from a literary and from a news standpoint. Its columns arc up-to-date, containing as they do full and accurate reports of all local events and a foreign news service equal to that supplied to any journal in the Dominion. A newspaper has a great responsibility in directing public opinion, and that responsibility the Times has discharged with discretion and sagacity. Its advocacy of all the schemes for promoting the well-being of Southland has been characterised by intelligence and earnestness, and the province owes much to Its influence. That it has progressed with the province, is evidenced by irs pages, and. as a Sonthlander, I feel proud of the high position to which it has attained in the newspaper world. I wish it continued success. Yours sincerely. J. C, THOMSON. Hu use of Representatives, Wellington,G49th October.

Messages from Representative Men.

Generous Appreciation of SO Years’ Achievement.

THE SUPREME COURT RENCH. HIS HONOUR THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR ROBERT STOUT, K.C.M.G. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sir, —I heartily congratulate rou on the jubilee of your journal. The Southland Times was the first newspaper I read in New Zealand. I came in the good ship “ Lady Milton ” to the Bluff early in 1564, and there was brought on board by the pilot a copy of your paper. Since then, though not resident in Southland. I have very often seen your newspaper, and though 1 may have often disagreed with its views on political questions, I have recognised its fairness and the high character it has always maintained. When the. late Mr Dennistou was editor 1, on some occasions, was a leader writer in your columns. No one could have met Mr Denniston but must have been delighted with his literary knowledge and his struggle to maintain what he conceived to be right. I also knew and appreciated your father, who had the management, and later the editorial conduct, of the paper. Southland has grown and will, I believe, grow still more, and, though its climate may be considered harsh compared with the climate of the North Island, I believe that in the future it will be found that the people born and bred in Southland will he the most stalwart of our population. May I be permitted to say that I cordially wish your paper well and to see Southland progressing and prospering even more in the future than it has done in the past. Yours faithfully, ROBERT STOUT. Wellington, 29th October, 1912. HIS HONOUR SIR JOSHUA WILLIAMS The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I beg to offer my hearty congratulations to the Southland Times on its approaching jubilee. I did not know the Southland Times in Its infancy or early childhood, but during the last thirty-seven years it has been my lot to visit Invercargill at regular intervals, and I have made its intimate acquaintance. I can bear testimony to its sterling honesty, its fairness, and its literary ability. In reporting legal matters it careful and accurate. The Southland Times may boast, I think, of being the farthest south daily morning paper in the British and the most distant from the centre. As at the centre of the Empire, so at its extremity we have reason to be proud of British journalism. Long may the Southland Times flourish. JOSHUA STRANGE WILLIAMS. Dunedin, Ist November, 1912. HIS HONOUR MR JUSTICE DENNISTON. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Your confidence ths.t I would be keenly interested in learning that the Southland Times will celebrate its jubilee on 12th November is well founded. My own New Zealand jubilee anticipated that of your paper'by only three months, and I was one of the less than one thousand inhabitants of Invercargill mentioned by you as witnessing its birth. It was barely short-coated when I left your city, but I have still many ties in, and associations with, it, and I have watched with much interest the contemporaneous advance of the province and of the Times. The fact of my father’s association with the paper as its one time Editor, and with your father in his later occupation of the same office, supplies another reason for interest on my part in the coming event. I appreciate your reference to the share these two had in setting and maintaining the standard of literary workmanship which the Times has always aimed at, and the high political and ethical ideas which animated them and which you have continued to maintain. No one can more heartily than I do congratulate you on the attainment of this important epoch in the life story of the Times or more sincerely wish it a long and prosperous career in the future. Yours faithfully, \ J. E. DENNISTON. A ( Christchurch, 2nd November, 1912. MAYORS OF BOROUGHS. THE MAYOR OF INVERCARGILL. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sir,—The approaching jubilee of the Southland Times recalls to my memory the morning of its firs: publication in November, 1862, fifty years syne. We all gave the little stranger a hearty welcome. Its editorial and news columns aroused in us great expectations of the possibilities of Invercargill from the influx of men -into Southland on their way to the Arrow River gold diggings. A conversation during that day with the Editor Mr Fitzgerald, afterwards Resident Magistrate at Hokitika brought out the fact that he took considerable interest in the work of local government, and was in favour of the Town Board Ordinance being amended so as to give power to the Town Board to undertake the supply of gas and water. It is an interesting and cred.table fact that all the men who have since those days occupied the editorial chair have advocated a policy of progress in sanitation, water supply, gas and electric lighting. To the editor of a newspaper whose proprietors have shown the conspicuous enterprise which has characterised those connected with the Southland Times from its infancy to the present day in catering for the information and education of ;ts readers, it may he some satisfaction in hearing from one, who has been a constant reader of its columns for fifty years, that the enlightened and elevated standard of thought which has always pervaded its pages has tended in no small degree to the moral and material welfare of the entire community. i wisli the Southland Times the same progress and prosperity which I believe is in store for Invercargill. Southland has all the potentiality in (he south which Auckland hrs in the north to make Invercargill the second city of the Dominion. Yours faithfully, * \V. B. SGAXDRETT, Mayor. Town Hall. Invercargill. 30th October, 1012. THE MAYOR OF CAMPBELLTOWN. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sj r As Invercargill is my birthplace I naturally feel pleased to congratulate you on the jubilee of the Southland Times. That confidence which the founders of the Times placed in tire future of Intercargill and the district of Southland has been amply exemplified. The transformation of Southland, from swamp, and tussock, and scrub, to fertile fields and prosperous homes, with evidence of the modern conveniences of civilisation everywhere, lias been greatly assisted by the honest and fearless advocacy of the Times for this part of New Zealand. The Bluff Harbour, since the inception of the Times, has been exalted from a whaling station to one of the leading ports of the Dominion, and the Times has kept a jealous eye upon its welfare. 1 trust that the high tone and intelligence which have pervaded the columns of the Southland Times for fifty years will be maintained with progress and prosperity in the future. Yours sincerely, W. HINCHEY, Mayor. Bluff, 6th November. THE MAYOR OF GORE. The Editor, The Southland Times. Si r _The marked evidence of progress and prosperity in Southland makes it difficult to realise that a lifetime has scarce yet passed since our sturdy pioneers first pitched their tents in the primitive wilds of southern New Zealand. The history of the Southland Times is that of the progress of Southland. and the early issue of your jubilee number serves to draw attention to the youthfulness of our lusty young Dominion. To its free and enlightened press much of New Zealand’s progress Lb

The Editor,

The Editor,

The Editor,

due. The development of a satisfactory system of local government and administration to which much of our progress is attributable would be well nigh impossible without the benefit of the criticism and publicity afforded by ths press. The Southland Times has played its part nobly and well in the past, and, as regards the future, the universal message from Southland should be : “ May you still prosper by the ways of Justice and Truth, developing in the spirit of your motto the maximum of light with the minimum of heat." Tours faithfully, D. L. POPPELWELL. Mayor. Gore, sth November, 1912. THE MAYOR OF WINTON, The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear, Sir, —Congratulations on the attainment of your jubilee. I have had connection with the Times since the seventies. From the time of its inception it has stood well in the forefront of journalism, and has held its own with the leading dailies of the Dominion. May it ever continue to shed its influence on the side of justice and truth and be true to the highest ideals of its founders. Yours sincerely, J. P. Me WILLI AM. Winton, Ist November, 1912. THE MAYOR OF RIVERTON. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Kindly accept hearty congratulations on your jubilee. The wide circulation of your journal fully demonstrates the great interest taken in its columns, and, whilst reflecting the greatest credit on its proprietors, is certainly conclusive evidence that the principles aimed at ; meet with the ready response of its readers. I wish the Times the continued success it now enjoys. Yours faithfully. L. W. PETCHELL, , Mayor. Riverton, 9th November. CHAIRMEN OF LOCAL BODIES. THE CHAIRMAN, SOUTHLAND EDUCATION BOARD. The Editor, The Southland Times. «. Dear Sir, —The important period in the history of the Southland Times, namely its approaching jubilee, is a fitting occasion on which to give expression to the appreciation felt by those who have been associated with the public bodies in Southland, to the press of the province for the great assistance it has rendered in promoting the interests and welfare of the community. The Times during its 50 years’ existence really constitutes a priceless history of the province of Southland ; and the expansion and material growth of our district can be accurately gauged from the record contained in its files. Fearless and impartial, the able men who have controlled its affairs have materially assisted in moulding public opinion, and keeping on a high standard of rectitude and purity local public administration. While criticism is not at all times pleasant-to those criticised, straightforward, honest criticism assists to impart and preserve the best traditions of our race in the conduct of public affairs. With the truly wonderful developments your journal has witnessed during its 50 years of life, I am sure that these are insignificant compared with what it will witness during the succeeding 50 years. All of us who love our native land and the adopted land of our fathers are proud that we possess a press virile, pure, and ably conducted, to assist in promoting the welfare of our country. The transition of your own journal from its humble birth to Its present strength is typical of the confidence the proprietorship evidences in the expansion of Southland, and that all your confidence may be more than warranted is the wish of all, who, with you, share in the belief of the future greatness of this country. That you npay richly share in the fruits of such development is the desire of all who are striving to do their part in promoting such expansion. Joining with, I am sure, many others in wishing your splendid paper all the success it richly deserves. I remain, Yours truly, JOHN FISHER, Chairman Southland Education Board'. Education Office. Invercargill, Ist November, 1912. THE CHAIRMAN, BLUFF HARBOUR BOARD. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —All local bodies depend entirely on the daily paper for conveyance to the public of a full and fair report of their proceedings,'and, as far as the Bluff Harbour Board is concerned, you have not failed us. If a newspaper wishes to make and retain its influence in the community, it must set itself a high standard and exercise extreme discrimination in its choice of what shall appear in its columns. I believe you are making an honest effort to maintain this level, and in congratulating you on having reached 50 years of publication, I wish for you many years of useful public service and prosperity to the Southland Times, Yours truly, ; R. A. ANDERSON, Chairman, Bluff Harbour Board. Invercargill, sth November. THE ACTING-CHAIRMAN, SOUTHLAND HOSPITAL AND CHARITABLE AID BOARD. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —In the absence of our worthy ChairmEpi (Mr A. F. Haxvke), it gives me very great pleasure indeed to learn that your journal has reached the jubilee mile-stone, and I feel sure I am expressing the sentiments of my fellow members on the Southland H. and C A. Board in offering my hearty congratulations. The inhabitants of Southland are anxiously looking forward to the publication of your jubilee number, and feel «ure the progress of the Southland Times has been in every way in keeping with the progress of the district as a whole. Those in public positions can best appreciate the outspoken and impartial policy of the journal of which you are the able head. It is also pleasing to record that during the long and useful existence of your journal its policy has been for progress on safe lines, and it is as well written and edited as any newspaper in New Zealand. You will be glad to record, I think, that Charitable Aid calls in Southland are as low now as they have ever been and the financial condition of the Board was never better, which will probably mean a further reduction in the H. and C.A. Board rates next year. In conclusion J trust your paper will continue to progress as in the past. I remain, yours truly, JAMES WARD, Acting-Chairman, H. and C A. Board, Invercargill, 9th November. THE CHAIRMAN, SOUTHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL, The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —In view of your jubilee, which takes place on the 12th inst., I would like to offer you my congratulations on this important occasion and state as a public man that I have always found you extremely fair in your criticism of public men. In my opinion when you think it in the public interest r.o comment adversely on their actions you are not afraid to do so. Your comment, however, if adverse, is always Void of bias or personal feeling, and full of consideration for those who give their time and service to the public. You are always ready to help through the columns of your paper anything that stands for progress and the advancement of the people and their country. I am fully sensible of the powerful influence a paper that does not show extreme bias has over any community, and I am of the opinion that you have conducted your paper in such a way as to establish the confidence of a large and appreciative people. Personally I think nothing is more conducive to good government than sound healthy criticism. The presence of a reporter at any public meeting ‘has always a good effect. I sincerely hope your paper will advance in the future as much as it has done in the past, and will continue to keep abreast of (if not lead) public opinion. 1 extend to you on behalf of the inhabitants of the Southland County their heartiest good wishes for a long and prosperous career. Yours sincerely, JOHN R. HAMILTON, Chairman Southland County Council. Winton, sth November/ ■

MINISTERS OF RELIGION. THE REV. GEORGE LINDSAY, MODERATOR OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF NEW ZEALAND. The Editor. The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I esteem it a great privilege to have the opportunity of sending you a congratulatory message; on the occasion of the jubilee of the Southland Times. It is nearly a quarter of a century since I became a reader of the Times, and with pleasure mark the contrast of its appearance now from then. I regard it as no small honour to be able to speak of the late Robert Gilmour, senr., at one time the proprietor and editor, as one of my personal friends. This fact has naturally led me to take a deep interest in the development of the Times. I have noticed with, much satisfaction the enterprise and energy of the proprietors in enlarging the paper from time to time, and their efforts to supply their readers with information calculated to be helpful to them in prosecuting their daily calling. It is gratifying to note that a healthful moral tone has characterised the leading articles, showing an evident desire to encourage what is wholesome and elevating as well as informing. There has also been a contention for a high standard of commercial morality and a readiness to mark with approval industrial efforts which have had as their object the prosperity of the town and district. 1 heartily wish and trust that the Southland Times may greatly prosper and long continue to exercise an Influence for good upon the community and whole Southland district. Yours very sincerely. GEO. LINDSAY. St. Clair, Dunedin, 4th November. THE REV. RUTHERFORD WADDELL, M.A., D.D. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sir, —Having heard that the jubilee of the Southland Times is at hand, may I do myself the pleasure of offering you my heartiest congratulations. In my earlier journalistic days the Times was one of my most valued exchanges. Its news space was then comparatively limited, but its articles had distinction. This goes without saying when it is remembered that Mr Thomas Denniston occupied the editorial chair. His keen insight, his fastidious taste, and his pungent and pellucid style gave compelling interest to whatever he wrote. When the Times passed into the sole proprietorship of the late Mr Gilmour its progress, especially in the news department, was very marked. In more recent years I have not had the privilege of seeing the paper so frequently, but I have had the greater privilege of a personal acquaintance with you, the present editor. Knowing something of the principles and ideals with which you entered upon the noble profession of journalism, I feel sure that the high traditions which have been transmitted to you from your predecessors will be not only maintained, but extended and enriched. Manifest evidences of that are already apparent in the paper. Our great novelist has truly said “ Our finest hope is finest memory.” Because of this we have reason to expect great things from the Times in the years to come. But notable as has been the past, I may yet be permitted the prayer that, even Cast in some Diviner mould May the new cycle shame the old ! Yours sincerely, RUTHERFORD WADDELL. Dunedin, 24th October, REV. JOHN FERGUSON, ST. STEPHEN’S, SYDNEY, FORMERLY OF FIRST CHURCH, INVERCARGILL. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —On the occasion of its jubilee, I have unqualified pleasure In bearing witness to the high value I place upon the service rendered by the Southland Times, as a public journal, during all the years now thirty-two, in which I have been in touch "with it. For fqurtsen years, 1880-1894, I was a regular and appreciative reader. The day did not begin well if the Times failed to appear before breakfast. It was the voice of the outside world, the human note of the dawn. Knowledge of yesterday was necessary food for the new day. First I read the “cables,’’ then the “locals” very precious, for on occasions they were very few; “leading articles” were my next choice, followed by the reports of boards and public meetings, etc. Such was the order of my interest. The Times had a clear voice, especially in all matters pertaining to righteousness and social wellbeing. It was always on the side of cleanness, honour, uprightness, straightforwardness, and goodwill. Respecting religion and the honest beliefs of men, it always expressed itself with proper and sympathetic deference. Against what was scandalous or outrageous in social or political life, it set forth its criticism, protest and rebuke, in no uncertain fashion. Such was the temper of this journal in the youth time of Southland. In the days I am thinking of, the leading articles were specimens of refined literary taste. The editor was Thomas Denniston, a splendid # and rare example of the cultured Scottish gentleman, polished and courteous, of a fine old school. His style of writing was of a type now but rarely seen in a newspaper. Macaulay was his admiration. Every word had its own precise value. There was one right word for the sense and that word must be found. He had a delicate perception of shades of difference in word values; herein he was fastidious to a degree. Sentences, too, had their rhythm and balance, and must be so composed and put together that the reading of the article was the joy of being in touch with a work of art. I have known Mr Denniston turn back, when inside his own door —beyond Stratbearn—at two o’clock in the morning, and walk right into his office to alter a word in the leader, or to make quite certain of the accuracy of a quotation, or to read a final proof. The grip was I fear sometimes sacrificed to the grace, the message to the music of its expression. I remember well his successor, Robert Martin, a man of genius, to whom production was a labour. He was an honest thinker, a mystic with a touch of the cynic, when his mood was and it often -was. His big body was a burden tc him, and his splendid dreams seldom found suitable framework of interpretation. We never got his best, yet we know what great possibilities were in him. If I mistake not Robert Gilmour, that shrewd, straightout, ruggedly honest, prudent and far-seeing manager, whose good things, so far as concerned reward of patiejpt and laborious investment, had yet to come, also made himself familiar with the editor’s chair. Hq read the signs of the times with an intelligent eye. When there was political controversy afoot the correspondence columns had notable contributors. Among them I can think of George Lumsden, a veteran, J. Walker Bain, M.H.R., Dr Hodgkinson, M.H.R., James Mackintosh, M.H.R., and the man from Makarewa—was not his name Buxton? If there was public discussion on, say, Temperance or Sabbath Observance or Bible in Schools or Baptismal Regeneration then the incisive and vigorous pen of the Rev. Andrew' Hamilton Stobo was in evidence, undeniable as well as unsparing. These are all gone with . others, their comrades and friends. Peace to their memories; honour to their worth and to their labours ! Men of another generation now control the destinies of the Southland Times, whose fifty years invite happy reminiscences and hearty congratulations. May they prosper exceedingly and see many joyous and fruitful years! May the Southland Times also flourish like the spreading green bay tree, -whose roots are by the river of the Water of Life ! ’ May it yield fruit abundantly, and may the leaves of the tree be for the healing of the nation. Yours sincerely, JOHN FERGUSON. St. Stephen's, S> dney, Ist November, PRESSMEN. MR GEORGE FENWICK, OTAGO DAILY TIMES. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sir, —It gives me very great pleasure to send a few lines of greeting to the Southland Times on the occasion of its jubilee. There is probably no one in New Zealand to-day who has had a longer connection with its newspaper press, in one capacity or another, than I have had, for it is within two months of 53 years since I entered the office of the Witness, then the only newspaper south of Christchurch, and it is no doubt fitting that I should be among those whose good -wishes will appear in the Southland Times on the fiftieth anniversary of its first appearance among the newspapers of the colony. Ido not intend and you -will probably not expect me to indulge in. historical reminiscences, for I quite understand the difficulty you will experience in finding room in your anniversary issue for all the interesting matter that will crowd in on you ; and yet the receipt of your letter of invitation to send you a few words has necessarily brought back memories of bygone years boyish memories of the time, indeed, when Invercargill was not even in existence, for although it had been named by Governor Browne at a banquet in Dunedin in 1856 (the year of my family’s arrival), it was not until the following year that the first sale of sections in the new town took place. In ISSO the mails to Invercargill were carried on horseback by a coloured man, whose cheerful and humorous nature I well remember, for he was the delight of a few of the small boys of the Dunedin of that day, and on his periodical returns after his long ride to and from the far distant southern town he was cordially greeted. How different from the inter-communication of the present day ! But I must skip all such memories and come to the golden era o£ 1861, which changed the primitive little town of Dunedin into a place instinct with bustling commercial life and started into vigorous existence New Zealand's first, daily newspaper—Lhc Otago Daily Times. Its ohice was the starting point for several newspapers which were founded in these stirring times. 1 well remember the secession from -its staff of the men who started the Lake Wakatip Mail and the Grey River Argun, and I think the office contributed also to the founders o! the Southland Time*.

which has now reached its fiftieth year and'the dignity of “big newspaper " size, with its accompaniment of a rotary web press and the other marvellous machinery required for modern newspaper production. But not only arc you to be congratulated on the position the Times has reached from the mechanical and business standpoint. Let me also congratulate Southland on having as its daily morning newspaper a journal conducted for many years on strictly honourable lines of policy, whose fairness and watchfulness in the interests of the important part of the Dominion it has so faithfully served have earned for it the goodwill and respect of the people. That the Times may go on and prosper is my sincere greeting at this interesting period of its history. Yours faithfully, GEORGE FENWICK. Dunedin, 20th October. SIR A. de R. BARCLAY. SYDNEY. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Congratulations on the jubilee. As a former sub-editor of the Southland Times. I shali always have a warm interest in its progress. I look upon the Southland Times as, perhaps, the best example of the remarkable journalistic enterprise of New Zealand. Here we have a fine metropolitan press, but the majority of the provincial papers are comparatively poor. There are towns twice the size of Invercargill which have papers not as good as yours was tcu years ago. And, after all, when the four principal centres of New Zealand were at the stage at which Invercargill is now, their newspapers were very primitive things. As a journalist of some experience, I say unhesitatingly that the people Of Invercargill ought to be proud of their morning newspaper. A. de R. BARCLAY. Daily Telegraph Office, Sydney, 27th October.

THE NEWSPAPER PRESS.

FRATERNAL GREETINGS. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Upon reference to the files of the Otago Daily Times, I find in its issues of November 15 and 19, 1862, acknowledgments of the receipt of the first copy of the Invercargill Times. The acknowledgment on the earlier of these dates was purely formal, but on the 19th November an appraisement of the new publication was furnished in the following terms, among others : “ This recruit to the already well-filled ranks of New Zealand journalism puts In a very good appearance, whether as to dimensions, typography, or literary quality, and promises to be a credit to the province it aspires to represent.” It affords me the greatest pleasure to congratulate the Southland Times, not only upon the celebration of the fiftieth anniversary of its birth, but also upon the rich fulfilment of the promise which its first issue offered. It was a courageous act on the part of its founders to establish, as they did, a second newspaper in their district at a time when its population was small and scattered, and when few facilities existed for circulation throughout the country, and the fact that the Times triumphed over the difficulties which must have beset it in the earlier years of its life, established itself firmly as one of the permanent journalistic institutions of the Dominion, and has developed and expanded to the extent of which the issue of to-day supplies an example, may legitimately be regarded with pride by its proprietors. The attainment by the Times of its jubilee constitutes a tribute alike to the enterprise and foresight of those who launched it upon the sea of journalism, and to the vigour with which it has been conducted from that period onward, and it also affords a proof of the confidence which the public of Southland has reposed in it—a confidence inspired by the high personal character of those who, throughout the paper’s career, have been associated in its management, and by the Uniformly lofty tone that has characterised it. I hope that the success of the Southland Times in the days to come may be even more pronounced than that which it has deservedly won in the past fifty years. Yours faithfully, JAS. HUTCHISON, Editor, Otago Daily Times. Dunedin, 4th November, 1912. 3*o Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I gladly say a few words of congratulation on the fact that the Southland Times has just attained its fiftieth birthday. Those of us who guide the destinies of the metropolitan press are always proud of the success of our immediate neighbours in the profession, and the growth of the Southland Times, the high place it deservedly holds among the press of the Dominion, and the enterprise of its proprietary, are factors that are synonymous with the material advancement and prosperity of the entire Southland district. That your journal may still further extend its usefulness, help the advancement of Southland industrially, commercially, and socially, by every means in its power, and reap the full reward of its public spiritedness is the sincere wish of Yours fraternally, MARK COHEN, Editor, Evening Star, Dunedin, Ist November, 1912. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir,—Please accept my hearty congratulations on the jubilee. I remember the Southland Times when it was under the editorship of the late Mr Dennistou, whose work was characterised by sound literary taste and a line journalistic spirit. The paper has consistently maintained the best traditions of New Zealand journalism, and the enterprise of the proprietors has kept, it abreast of the rapid progress made by the flourishing district in which it is published. W. H. TRIGGS, Editor of The Press. Christchurch, 4th November., The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Please let me join in the congratulations you and your colleagues will receive in connection with the jubilee of the Southland Times. Your paper has occupied a prominent place among Now Zealand journals for many years, and you and the members of your staff have worthily uphold'the high traditions bequeathed to you by its founders. Under your capable guidance it has borne an important part in developing the resources of one of the most favoured provinces of the Dominion, and in shaping the ideals and aspirations of its people. May it long continue to enjoy a useful and prosperous career, and always remain a credit to everyone associated with its publication. Yours very truly,. S. SAUNDERS, Editor, Lyttelton Times. Christchurch, Cth November. The Editor, The Southland Times. I very heartily congratulate you on your Jubilee. You have a fine district and a fine people around you, and your enterprise and prosperity iuive been typical of all Southland. Yours sincerely, A. G. HENDERSON, Editor, The Star Christchurch, sth November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I am vmv hit-Tested to notice that you arc on flic eve of the fiftieth anniversary of Hie Southland 'nines. Kindly allow me to extend my heartiest feli' icatioi.,;. i regard your paper as in every respect in the first flight of New Zealand journal-:, both, in matter and make-up, ft is obviously in health and wealth a r-.-liex of the community in which it is JWoducod. -day its power and usefulness increase. Yours sincerely, P. C. FREETH. Editor, N.Z. Times Wellington, 1 cli November. The Editor. Tie- Southland Time:!, Dear Sir,—The jubilee of a newspaper is a memorable event in its history. It n mans that for fifty years the newspaper has been conducted with those qualities which alone count for success in journalism—business acumen, lugn cuaracter. conspicuous ability, broad-mindedness, and cnb-rprise. That the Southland Times has attained the horiourable distinction of having completed half a century of its existence is something of which if may be juffiy proud, and on which it deserves the warmest Congratulations of New Zealand journalistsWishing you anti it continued success. Yours faithfully, W. S. DOUGLAS, Auckland, sth November. Editor, N.Z. Herald.

The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, The members of the Auckland Star literary staff send fraternal greetings to their brethren of the Southland Times upon the occasion of the jubilee celebration. They offer congratulations upon the fact that ’ the prestige of New Zealand journalism is so well sustained in the capital of progressive Southland. T. W. LEYS, Editor, Auckland Star. Auckland, 3rd November, 1912. The Editor, The Southland Times. gi r> i n sending you our very cordial congratulations lam reminded of the old saw— At ton a child, At twenty wild, At thirty strong, if ever ; At forty wise-, At fifty rich, At sixty, good—or never ! The Ashburton Guardian was 30 last week ; the Southland Times wall be 50 next month. Let us hope your jubilee will find the Times enjoying all four of the last-mentioned felicities, the reward of half a century of good, clean, and honest journalism. Yours sincerely, , W. H. SIM.MONDS. Editor, Guardian- 1 Ashburton, 22ud October. I’he Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —On your jubilee day I have pleasure in congratulating you upon the attainment of the fiftieth birthday of your journal, and feel assured that the people of Southland appreciate deeply the devoted service you have rendered to the advancement of the province and the Dominion. Such a record as your paper possesses must act as an inspiration to the staff, and certainly tends in no slight degree to uplift journalism in New Zealand. May the turning of the half century be a landmark denoting the dawn of a new era in the march of progress which the Southland Times has made and so well deserved. M. E. LYONS, Acting Editor, Westport Times. Westport, Ist November. The Editor; The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —We are pleased to offer felicitous congratulation to our esteemed southern contemporary, the Southland Times, upon the celebration of its jubilee. It is a far cry from the 12th of November, 1862, to the 12th of November, 1912, hut it is extremely gratifying to note that our contemporary, which in the early sixties was an insignificant triweekly, has, by its consistent championing of every movement tending to assist in the march of progress which has been so noticeable in the fuller development of the southern province, and by its up-to-date methods, progressed with the district, and tc-day the Southland Times is an influential and widely-read daily, produced by the latest mechanical appliances, and its modern printing plant i.s housed in commodious and up-to-date premises. During the fifty years covered by our contemporary’s life the Southland province has made wonderful strides, and whilst we acknowledge the truth of the old saying that “ ’Tis not with mortals to command success,” we congratulate the Southland Times that, by its constant advocacy of the possibilities and potentialities of the Dominion as a whole and Southland in particular, it has deserved success,, for it has been a great factor in bringing about the substantial success which Southland enjoys, and that success has m£.de-possible the conspicuous achievement which it celebrates to-day. We congratulate our contemporary upon the celebration of its jubilee, and we extend to the proprietors and to the staff our best wishes that the journal’s sphere of influence may be further extended, and that continued prosperity may crown their every effort, . A. E. LAWRENCE, > Editor, West Coast Times. 1 Westport, 4tb November. The Editor, The Southland Times. ■ Dear Sir, —I hive learned with interest that your paper is about to celebrate its jubilee. Please accept from “ The Colonist ” hearty congratulations upon so auspicious an occasion, and good wishes for the future of the Southland Times. Yours faithfully, HASTINGS BRADDELL, Editor, The. Colonist Nplson, 2nd November. The Editor. ' The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Heartiest congratulations. The Southland Times has always impressed me as being a fine type of newspaper which, whilst supplying for all classes of readers an extensive news service, has always fully lealised its editorial responsibility. Yours truly, K. G. LUCAS, Editor, Nelson Evening Mail. Nelson, 4th November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Please accept my hearty good wishes on the occasion of the jubilee of the Southland Times. May I express the hope that the prosperity which has attended its career during the .past fifty years may be manifested in even fuller measure in the future. Such enterprise as that shown by your journal merits the public confidence, and it is pleasing to know that the Times occupies a high place in the regard of the people of Southland. Yours sincerely, ROY P. FURNESS, Editor, Marlborough Express. Blenheim, Ist November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Greetings. From the north end of the South Island we send cur hearty congratulations on the attainment of the jubilee of our esteemed contvfuponiry. the Southland Times. A good, honest, straightforward paper is the very best asset a city can possess, and if Invercargill is as progressive, bright, and cheerful as the Times, it must bo indeed an ideal place of residence. May you and yours continue to prosper with the times. Kia-ora Yours fraternally, • NECOL AND .MADSEN Proprietors, Marlborough Press. Picton, Ist November. The Editor. The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —The editor and his colleagues on the staff of the Wanganui Herald extend their heartiest congratulations to the Southland Times on the attainment of Its jubilee. The same indomitable spirit of pluck and enterprise, which was a a essential qualification for launching a newspaper underinking In the days when the Maori war and the gold fever wore the predominating features of the little islands which in after years were to loom large in Ho horizon of Imperial affairs, has been characteristic of the management of the Times since the first number was issued up to the present time, when it can proudly lay claim to being one of the largest and most influential journals outside the four cities. The Times has grown with Invercargill, and its power and influence continues to extend. As a critic it has been bold and fearless ;it has always supported progressive movements having for their object the advancement of the best interests of the country, and its news columns have been ever interesting ami up-to-date. The Herald trusts that the Times may continue to nourish and that Mr Giimour may long be spared to continue to direct its literary affairs,, F, WEBB JONES, Editor, Wanganui Herald. Wanganui, Ist November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dmr NR. —Piease accent m.v sincere congratulations. The happy event which you arc commemorating on 12th November is one of which you and your staff may well be proud. The Southland Timm; is recognised as one of the most influential provincial newspapers in the Dominion, and deservedly enjoys the reputation of trying to live up to the high standard of journalistic rectitude set by its great namesake in the .Mother Country. My wish is that the next half century will be marked by even greater progress than you have experienced during the past fifty years. Yours faithfully, J. BALL, Editor, Wanganui Chronicle. Wanganui, 29th October,

The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Permit me to congratulate the Southland Times upon the completion of its first fifty years of existence. During the period covered it has worthily sustained the true principles of journalism, and, while it has grown with its district, has itself helped to shape and to stimulate the development of Southland. Wishing for the Southland Times as marked progress and usefulness during the next half century as it can boast in regard to the fifty years concluded. Yours faithfully, JOHN W. Me DOUG ALL. Editor, Daily Telegraph. Napier, 4th November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I learn with much interest that the Southland Times will, on' November 12th, celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of its first publication. ’ Like the Taranaki Herald, which a few weeks ago celebrated its sixtieth anniversary, the Southland Times has played an important part in the history of the district in which it circulates, and I trust that its prosperity will always be commensurate with that of Southland and with its own < deserts. Yours fraternally, W. .1. PENN, Editor, Taranaki Herald New Plymouth, October. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Congratulations on attaining your jubilee. The Times is a credit to Southland and New Zealand journalism. It has made truly, wonderful headway during recent years. The success achieved has been fully merited. For that reason I have no doubt you can look to the future with confidence. With best wishes, I am, etc., THOMAS C. LIST, Editor, Taranaki Daily News. New Plymouth, Ist November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —Please accept our congratulations on your journal attaining the age of 50 years. It must be gratifying to those associated with the Times to recognise the paper has reached that age and that it has shared in the prosperity of Southland. That your journal has been progressive is evidenced by the building occupied and the plant used to produce the paper. The Times Is undoubtedly one of the most progressive provincial journals in New Zealand, and we have pleasure in congratulating, you on both its appearance and age. ■ We are, Yours faithfully, NASH AND COOMBE. Palmerston North, Ist November. The Editor, <• The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —You will have the hehrty congratulations of the whole of the Dominion newspapers upon your jubilee. I desire cordially to add those of the Manawatu Times to the number. The progress of the paper, which to a large extent typifies that of the district, is evidenced in the excellence of its columns. Again, hearty congratulations. Yours truly, ■ H. T. B. DREW, Editor, Manawatu Times. Palmerston North, 2nd November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I beg to offer my hearty congratulations on the 50th birthday of the Southland Times. The paper has a record of which all connected with it may be justly proud ; and which appeals especially to old journalists because of its continuity and steady advance with the district it has so long served. The people amongst whom it circulates should feel a personal interest and pride in the Times, because its growth and prosperity reflect their own enterprising and progressive spirit. May the Times and the district long flourish together. Yours fraternally, W. T. WOODHOUSE. Editor, Wairarapa Daily News, Carterton, Ist November. The Editor, The Southland Times Dear Sir. —The jnembers of the Wairarapa Standard’s literary and mechanical staff desire to extend to the management of the Southland Times their hearty congratulations at the latter's attaining its jubilee, and to express the hope that it will long continue to occupy the position which it has always held in journalism in Southland—that is to say, the front rank. The Editor, The Southland Times. Sir, —It affords me pleasure to join with the press of the Dominion in congratulating your excellent journal upon the attainment of its jubilee. During recent years the progress of Southland has, I am aware, been phenomenal, and 1 am assured that the Southland Times has played no unim- ! portant part in promoting the general prosperity. May That prosperity continue, and bring with it the sweets that the enterprise of your paper so well deserves. • Believe me to remain, 1 Yours fraternally, ARTHUR H. VILE, Editor, Wairarapa Age Masterton, Ist November. The Editor, x - The Southland Times. Dear Sir, — As one who has been editing in New Zealand for 42 years, and who therefore has seen the great development of the newspaper press from small beginnings, I heartily congratulate you on the attainment of your journal’s year of jubilee. May the Times long continucMo do good work in the public interest. Yours faithfully, W. H. SMITH, Editor, Raugitikei Advocate Martcn, 3rd November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —It is a long way from a small two-roomed building and a primitive hand press to the handsome premises and modern printing plant that to-day mark fifty years of circulation from the progressive office of the Southland Times. Daily newspapers are not now born in the primitive fashion of fifty years ago. They have to meet the high standard created by papers like the Southland Times, that have blazed ihe track in New Zealand journalism. The Evening News only came into existence three years A youngster of that age cannot be expected to congratulate a veteran. He can only hope to grow up like him. Yours faithfully, ARCH. McNTCOL, Managing Directoi. Dannevirke, 3rd November. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —I desire to congratulate the Southland Times on attaining its jubilee, and also upon its advance with the progress of the town of Invercargill and Southland generally. ' It is a paper of which any community might well be proud—fair in its comments on all public matters affecting public interests, and scrupulously impartial in its reports of meetings of public bodies and institutions of every description. As long as it maintains its present high standard of journalism it cannot fail to receive the support and approbation of the public generally. Yours sincerely, JOHN NORRIE, Editor. Tuapcka Times. Lawrence, sth November. -THE BLUFF PRESS. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir, —We heartily congratulate the Southland Times upon the attainment of fifty years’ valued service to province and people. The Times has progressed as the province has progressed, amf it has the honour of being the first daily newspaper south of Dunedin to publish eight pages permanently. Public life in all its branches has received equity and attention, and sporting and athletic circles arc under a deep debt of gratitude to the Southland Times for its enterprise in coping with the desires of a very large section of the public. BLUFF PRESS. J. W. H. BANNERMAN, Editor. Bluff, Ist November,

OTAUTAU FARMER. The Editor, The Southland Times. Dear Sir,—Allow me to add my meed of congratulation to the proprietors of the Southland Times on the occasion of the celebration of the jubilee of the establishment of that progressive journal, v With the steady advance of Southland as a whole, and Invercargill in particular, the Times has ever kept well abreast of the onward march, and its readers have had presented to them a full and accurate news service combined with a wide range of editorial matter. Its fairness in all questions is the subject of favourable comment by the public generally. The get-up of the paper is sufficient to inspire confidence in the mind of its many thousand readers, and everyone must feel that there is nothing put in it just to fill up. May the of the Times never wane, and may it continue to flourish in the future as much and more so than it has done since 185* WJJ iLIAM JACK, Otautau, Ist November. THE TAPANUI COURIER, The Editor, The Southland Times. ' " ‘ " . The Southland Times has been read and appreciated in Tapanul by the Courier staff since 1876. There is a community of interest between Southland’s capital and Tapauui district, and business between the farmers with Bluff and Invercargill has grown slowly. Thousands of carcases of sheep and lambs leave Tapanui branch annually for Mataura. Wallaeetown, and Ocean Beach, the first-named getting the lion’s share. Oats are also consigned to Invercargill and Bluff in considerable quantities, and during the boom times of J. G. Ward most of the grain grown in Tapauui went south. Invercargill merchants have not taken the leading part in commerce with Tapanui that they should have done. For the last twenty-five, years this district has drawn on Southland mills for its timber supplies, since Tapauui bush was cut out, and fair trade is still done in sawn timber with Moiyneux Valley from Edievale. Bluff is the natural port for Tapanui district, including Moa Flat, and the Invercargill Chamber of Commerce sbould support railway extension from Edievale to tap the Moiyneux Valley at Benger, 13 miles distant. Such an extension over easy country would largely benefit Southland trade. There is fair train service between Tapanui and Invercargill, and on Saturdays southern residents can come up, arriving at 1.30 p.m., leaving again same afternoon at 6.30 to catch the second express at Waipahi for the southern city. The branch railway is managed from Invercargill, and the city people should transact more business here than they do with a little push and enterprise. Wishing the Southland Times every prosperity and a big sale for th» jubilee number. THE WESTERN STAR. On the 12th'November the Southland Times will have attained the age of fifty years. On-that date the occasion will be fittingly celebrated by the issue of a jubilee number of this popular journal. When first established the paper was printed by the hand-press at 6d per copy. The population of Southland at that time was just over 3000, and that of Invercargill 1000. Since then the town and district have made rapid strides, and the Southland Times has progressed accordingly. The Times is now a penny daily,, of never less than eight pages, frequently twelve, and often sixteen pages on Saturday, and reaches the home of nearly every settler in Southland. We take this opportunity of. congratulating the proprietors on tha approaching jubilee of one of the foremost journals in the Dominion. LAKE WAKATIPU MAIL. The attainment of the jubilee of any undertaking or concern in the Dominion is a very notable event for those who have had to pilot it through strenuous times. These remarks have a particular application to the Southland Times newspaper, which celebrates Its jubilee on the 12th November, 1912. A newspaper, above all concerns, has a very difficult course to steer. It is the cynosure of the town or district which it serves. If it errs it is given little quarter. Its mission is a most important one, and almost invariably it fulfils it admirably. The Times proprietary is to be highly commended for the great advances it has made, both as regards the quality and quantity of its reading matter, and in respect of its production mechanically, bringing it into line with the most modern papers of the day. We congratulate the Times on reaching its jubilee. NORTH OTAGO TIMES. The Editor of the North Otago Times tenders to the Editor Of the Southland Times hearty congratulations on the completion of his journal's fiftieth year. The great progress of Southland has been well reflected in the growth of its morning journal, which has exercised a potent influence in the promotion of the permanent welfare of the community ' that it has served faithfully and well. May Southland continue to grow in importance and prosperity, and that expansion find full reflex iu the Southland Times.