N.Z. PRESS ASSOCIATION

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14599, 24 February 1921, Page 5

N.Z. PRESS ASSOCIATION

THE YEAR'S OPERATIONS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The annual meeting of the Press Association was held to-day, when 'M members were present. Sir G. Fenwick presided. The annual report stated tliat 731,oriG words of original cable news bad been supplied during the year, an increase of 54,710. The excessive delay on the cable routes experienced during the war had disappeared, but there was still a certain amount at times, especially on messages for the evening papers. A new agreement for a cable service was entered into with the United Services, Ltd. (which included Renter), for a term of three years flora July last. Reference was made lo the increase of the press rales, certain modifications in which were to be proposed to the Postmaster-Genera] next day. The question of a reduction of messages would be a matter for consideration, but there was not a greit scope in this direction, ns they had already been reduced to meet war conditions. Members were invited to notice that occasional attempts had been made tn discredit the reliability of British cables dealing with the prices of commodities and the trend of trade. So far no evidence in support of this criticism had been laid before the management. If any was proffered, 't would be investigated, but there was every reason to believe thai the confidence enjoyed by (he Association's cable service would be maintained. It was mentioned that the Association's office bad been temporarily removed to another building in the same block, and that the directors were in treaty for a permanent office. The number of subscribers was stated at 71. Tiie chairman gave an address on the operations of the year. 'Jdie report and balance-sheet were passed. .Messrs L. Blundell and P. Selig, the retiring directors, were re-elected. Wellington was selected for the next p'ace of meeting. After the ordinary meeting, a special meeting was held, at which a number of amendments were made in the Articles of Association, the principal of which was to more clearly define the position of companies holding shares in the Association. At a meeting of directors afterwards, Mr G. S. Smith (Duncdln Star) was elected chairman for the ensuing year.