The Waikato Independent SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1931. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.

Waikato Independent, Volume XXX, Issue 2432, 3 January 1931, Page 4

The Waikato Independent SATURDAY, JANUARY 3, 1931. UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.

The Waikato Independent, which has played its part in the development of Cambridge during the past thirty years and, in that time has seen the business part of the town practically double its size, enters the fourth decade of its existence under new ownership. This is the first issue undor the control of C. W. Vermeil -and Co., Ltd. The last ten years, during which Mr, Frank Penn has owned and edited the paper, have seen the town make marked progress, until to-day, with its wide, busy streets, modern shops and offices, imposing public buildings, picturesque avenues of shady trees, restful parks and modern comforts, it can fairly claim to be the prettiest and most up-to-date country town, not only in, the Waikato, but in the whole of New Zealand. We would like to take this opportunity of expressing the hope that the coming years will see Cambridge make even 'greater progress. The year just ended certainly brought reverses, but set-backs have been universal. It is evident, however, that the people of the Cambridge district have faced thcii' share of them with courage and unfailing optimism that should bring its own reward. At the present time, as everyone is aware, the prosperity of Cambridge and the magnificent' farming district of which it is the centre, is dependent to a'great extent on conditions ruling in the markets of the world, and over which wc have no control, but much can be done, and has been done in the past, by helpful co-operation in our own territory. By trading with and buying from each other as much as possible, money is kept circulating in our own district, to the benefit of all who live in it. Whether times are adverse or propitious, however, a local paper, such as the Waikato Independent, can do much for the district through which it circulates. By recording all local events of interest it brings its readers into closer touch with one another. It gives its support to all those local organisations and movements which aim at benefitting the community as a whole. It. gives publicity to the activities of local public bodies, and provides a medium for the expression of all shades of public opinion, whether on

politics ox - on local affairs. Last, but by no means least, it attracts to the town trade which might otherwise go elsewhere. In return it asks only for the support of the community which it serves. All this, it can be safely claimed, the Independent has endeavoured to do in the past, and we assure our readers that, given the same support, we will continue to do so in the future, to the best of our ability. The new management will do its utmost to maintain the high standard of service set by our predecessor, Mr Penn, and by those who owned and controlled the paper before him and, where possible, will endeavour to improve that service. In succeeding Mr Penn, we sincerely wish him every happiness, and long life to enjoy his well-earned retirement. We look forward to such years of happy association with Cambridge and its people as ho has had. In his staff Mr Penn has been particularly well served, and we hope that their continued association with the Independent will be to our mutual advantage. To our readers, both fai’mcis and townspeople, we wish a very happy New Year and a speedy end to thosb economic conditions which, in the year just closed, held out little hope of immediate prosperity.