NEW EDITOR

Southland Times, Issue 21834, 11 October 1932, Page 7

NEW EDITOR

CHRISTCHURCH PRESS MR FREETH FAREWELLED AT SYDNEY TRIBUTES TO WORK (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright.) (Rec. 8.50 p.m.) Sydney, October 10. Mr Hugo Freeth was farewelled by the Sydney Morning Herald staffs on leaving to assume the editorship of the Press, Christchurch. Mr Brinsden Fletcher, editor of the Herald, eulogized Mr Freeth’s fine work and manly character among his colleagues. He said that while regretting his departure all felt they should share in congratulations that the guest was going to edit a paper which played an important part in New Zealand’s development. It recalled the days of Samuel Butler and the writing of “Erewhon.” Mr Freeth should be able to hold high the ideals of journalism in which he had been trained, partly in his homeland, but during the past decade on the Herald Mr Stewart, assistant manager, on behalf of the proprietors added congratulations, and said the regret at the loss of a fine colleague was countered by the knowledge that he was going to an important position. He would undoubtedly uphold the high traditions of journalism which he had imbibed during his stay on the Herald. He was also prominent in various social activities connected with the paper, and would be njissed by every department. The presentation to the guest included a painting of Sydney Harbour and Library with fittings of Australian wood.

Mr Freeth, replying, said he was overwhelmed by the eulogies, but would always recall his association with the Herald as one whereby his training had greatly benefited. He felt that what he had learned here would be useful in the work before him.

Various departments had already farewelled Mr Freeth at a social at which presentations were made.