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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]

Auckland Newspaper Press

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Auckland Newspaper Press.

In his recily written history of the Press in Auckland, Mr. G. M. Main, of the “New Zealand Herald” staff, mentions newspapers which are now forgotten even in the places of their origin. The “New Zealand Advertiser and Bay of Islands Gazette” was published on the 20th of June, 1840, as a weekly, by G. A. Eagar and Co., at Kororareka. The paper was strongly opposed to Captain Hobson, the Governor, and the police were favourite subjects of attack. It was discontinued at the beginning of 1841. “The Bay of Islands Examiner” was established in June, 1840, as a weekly, and ceased publication in 1841. In December, 1840, “The New Zealand Government Gazette” was printed at Paihia, at the Church Missionary Society's printing office. The new series of this paper commenced in Auckland on the 7th of July, 1841. “The New Zealand Herald and Auckland Gazette” was commenced on the 10th of July, 1841, and died in April of the following year. It was printed by John Moore for the trustees of the Auckland Newspaper Company. This was the first newspaper printed in Auckland, and it was issued as a weekly, at 1s a copy. On the 8th of November, 1841, the “Auckland Chronicle and New Zealand Colonist” was published (price 1s), but ceased the same year. It was revived in October, 1842, but passed out in July of the following year. Phœnix-like, it rose from its ashes in a short time, but finally died hard in the year 1845. “The Auckland Times” commenced in August, 1842, and bore the celebrated imprint, “Printed in a mangle, and published by John Moore, for Henry Falwasser, sole proprietor,” There is a tradition that Mr. Falwasser started a leading article in “canon” and ended with “nonpareil,” having gone through his whole assortment of “founts.” This paper existed for two or three years. “Te Karere o Niu Tireni,” a Maori publication, commenced on the 1st of January, 1842, and died towards the close of 1845. “The Bay of Islands Observer” (a weekly) was started in the middle of February, and died in the following October. On the 27th of June, 1842, the “Auckland Standard” appeared, and ceased on the 25th of August. “The Bay of Islands Advocate” was established at Kororareka on the 4th of November, 1843, as a weekly, price 1s. “The Southern Cross” was started on the 22nd of April, 1843, and published as a weekly. Its title was suggested by Dr. Logan Campbell. Among its editors were Mr. Terry, Dr. Martin, Messrs D. Burn, T. S. Forsaith, Hugh Carleton, R. J. Creighton, J. Macabe, H. H. Lusk, Mr (afterwards Sir Julius) Vogel, and Mr. D. M. Luckie. After being many years owned by Mr. W. Brown (of Messrs Brown, Campbell and Co.) it passed through various phases till Messrs Creighton, Scales, and Tothill took it. It became the “Daily Southern Cross”—the first daily paper in the province of Auckland—on the 20th of May, 1862, and its enterprising new proprietors reduced its price from sixpence to threepence. In 1876 it was purchased by Mr. A. G. Horton, who, on entering into partnership with Messrs W. S. Wilson and J. L. Wilson, amalgamated it with the “New Zealand Herald.” “The New Zealander” was commenced on the 7th of June, 1845, as a weekly, price sixpence, and was printed by the late Mr. John Williamson, who subsequently entered into partnership with Mr. W. C. Wilson. This paper greatly improved until, in 1859, it became the leading newspaper in the colony. In 1863 Messrs Williamson and Wilson dissolved partnership, but Mr. Williamson carried on the paper, with Mr. G. M. Main as its printer and publisher. Messrs Mitchell and Seffern took it over from Mr. Williamson, and on the 3rd of April, 1865, brought it out as the first penny morning paper in New Zealand. “The New Zealander” was transferred to Mr. Williamson at the end of 1865, when he reduced its issues to two a week. The paper ceased publication in 1866. Among its editors were Mr. Terry, Dr. Bennett, Dr. Pollen, Mr. George Smallfield, Dr. Kidd, Dr.
Photo by Dr. Logan Campbell.Office of the “Southern Cross” Newspaper. (Established in 1843).

Photo by Dr. Logan Campbell.Office of the “Southern Cross” Newspaper. (Established in 1843).

page 268 Giles, R.M. “The Anglo-Maori Warder” was started on the 25th of April, 1848, and existed for some time. “Ko to Karere Maori,” or “Maori Messenger” was published by the Government on the 10th of January, 1849, in English and Maori, for circulation among leading natives. It existed, with various changes of size, till 1860. “The Pensioner Settlements' Gazette” was started about 1851, and published at the “New Zealander” office. It was edited by Dr. Bacot. “The Auckland Temperance Telegraph” (fortnightly, price sixpence) was established on the 8th of November, 1854, as the outcome of a temperance revival, but it died in its first year. In the end of December, 1856, the “Auckland Examiner” (a weekly) was founded by Charles Southwell, a tragedian and lecturer. He published a series of pen-and-ink sketches of public men, but on the 7th of August, 1860, the paper ceased publication, a fortnight before his death. On the 7th of February, 1857, the “Auckland Weekly Register” was started as an offshoot of the “New Zealander,” but died in December, 1860. Mr. John Moore starled the “Independent” on the 3rd of October, 1859; it was printed and edited by its owner, but its career was short. “The Telegraph” was started in September, 1859, as a bi-weekly, and lasted till February, 1860. The “New Zealand Herald” was founded on the 13th of November, 1863, and is described elsewhere in this section, in a separate article. “The Albertland Gazette and Ocean Chronicle” had its first two numbers printed on board the “Matilda Wattenbach,” on the voyage from London to Auckland in 1862, and on the 1st of August, 1863, the third number was published in connection with the New Albert-land settlement. The paper was published monthly, but died on the 19th of June, 1864. “The Southern Monthly Magazine” was established in 1863, and ran for three years; its co-editors were Mr. H. H. Lusk and Dr. Giles, R.M. “The Auckland Weekly News and Farmers' Gazette” was first published about the end of 1863, but was short lived. On the 7th of January, 1865, the “Argus” was started as a weekly, but died in December of the same year. A German paper, the “Neu-Seelændische Zeitung,” was published on the 18th of March, 1866. The “Evening Post” was started in 1866, but lived only a short time. About 1866 there was published a Maori paper “Te Waka o te Iwi” (the Canoe of the People), edited by Mr. C. O. Davis. On the 5th of May, 1866, the “Penny Journal” was first published, and lasted till the 29th of June, 1867. “The Auckland Budget” was started in 1867, price one penny, and was edited by Mr. S. J. H. Wilkins. In March, 1868, the “Auckland Free Press” was brought out by Mr. R. J. Creighton, with some of his old “Southern Cross” staff as coadjutors; but it failed owing to the commercial depression which set in after the withdrawal of the troops from Auckland. In 1868 the “Evening News,” the second evening paper in Auckland, was begun, and the “Evening Newsletter” was also published as a sort of monthly summary at the same office; the “Morning News” was published in 1871 under the same management, but succumbed in December of the same year. “The Auckland and Thames Leader” was established in December, 1869, and the Auckland “Evening Star,” in 1870. The “Star” is referred to in a separate article in this section. “The Universe,” started in 1870, was limited to one issue. In the latter part of 1870 the “Morning Advertiser” made its appearance, and was a “live” paper during its twelve-months' existence. “The Christian Times,” begun in 1870, lasted some time. The Colonial Forces had their organ, for in January, 1872, the “New Zealand Volunteer Gazette and Colonial Forces Record” was published. Its successor, in 1876, was the “Volunteer News and Army and Navy Gazette.” “The New Zealand Muse,” begun in April, 1880, was printed in French and English. The “Echo” was brought out in 1874 in opposition to the “Star,” with which it was afterwards incorporated. The rise in Templary in Auckland was shown by the “Templars' Standard,” which began in February, 1874; it was followed by the “Weekly Templar Columns” in May, 1876. “The Auckland Free Press” (a weekly) was started in 1878, and lasted till 1886, when it died hard. The “Free Press” anticipated the “Free Lance” (another weekly) by a week, and in fact “jumped” the name which that journal intended to assume—“Free Press.” It was afterwards incorporated in the “Observer,” when Mr. Wickham amalgamated his interest with the subsequently established “Evening Bell.” The “New Zealand Labour” was started in 1879, and the “Labour Advocate” in 1880; both were short lived. On the 18th of September, 1880, the “Auckland Observer” was founded; it is referred to in a separate article in this section. Early in 1880 the “Patriot” was established. “Freeman's Journal” was begun in 1880, and conducted for some years with considerable success; it was succeeded by the “Advocate,” which lasted eighteen months. “Le Neo-Zealandais,” a French journal, was published in 1882. A weekly paper named “Labour” was started in 1884, and was succeeded in 1885 by the “Watchman,” which lasted about a year. “The Telephone,” an evening paper, began in 1884, but was merged into the “Evening Bell” after a short existence. Auckland's first sporting journal, the “Little Pink 'Un,” was first printed in 1885, but it did not last. “Truth” was started in 1885, but “Truth” was short lived; the Aucklanders did not want “truth.” “The Bit o' Blue: A Temperance Bulletin Extraordinary,” (illustrated), was started in March, 1885, but soon died. “The Auckland Evening Bell” was established on the 12th of May, 1885, when it took over the business of the “Telephone;” this paper lasted three years. In 1885 the “Newton Bulletin” was begun, and lasted till 1888, when its plant was disposed of to establish the “Manukau Gazette.” “The Spectator” was founded in 1885, but had a short life and a merry one, which ended in legal proceedings. “The Korimako” (a Maori temperance journal) was established in 1885, but it did not live long, and a similar fate befell the “Waitemata Messenger,” begun in 1886. In 1886, the “Rationalist” was established, and lasted a twelve month. The Temperance party started the “Leader” in 1886 as a weekly; and it existed for some years. On the 22nd of December, 1887, the “New Zealand Protectionist,” a political and social journal, was founded, but it was short lived. The “New Zealand Primitive Methodist,” a purely denominational journal, which still flourishes, was established in 1889. “The Sporting Review” was founded in July, 1890, and is referred to in a separate article. “The Tribune” was born on the 18th of October, 1890, but it gave up the ghost on the page 269 6th of December of the same year. “The Prohibitionist and Temperance Advocate” was first printed on the 1st of May, 1891, as a weekly. It was also during 1891 that “The New Zealand Graphic,” referred to in a separate article, first made its appearance. “The New Zealand Magazine” was brought out on the 1st of October, 1899, and is the last on a list which indicates that the newspaper and periodical Press in Auckland has had a somewhat eventful history. Of the older journals only three remain to the present day—“The New Zealand Herald,” “The Auckland Weekly News,” and “The Auckland Star,” which the student of the subject will perhaps regard as an illustration of the Darwinian doctrine of the survival of the fittest.

The United Press Association. The sub-editors of the Auckland morning and evening papers are the local representatives of the United Press Association, which is described on page 456 of the Wellington volume of this Cyclopedia.

New Zealand Institute Of Journalists, Auckland Branch. Officers: Mr. F. Baxter, president; Mr R. M. Hacket, secretary and treasurer. The objects of the institute are set forth in an article on page 456 of the Wellington volume of this work.

Daily Papers.

“The New Zealand Herald,” the only twopenny morning daily paper published in the colony, is one of the oldest, ablest, most prosperous, and most influential of New Zealand newspapers. It may in a very modified sense be called a Conservative journal, but its great influence arises less from its party allegiance than from its independence, and its persistent habit of speaking out the truth, as it conceives it, under all circumstances. The “Herald” was founded on the 13th of November, 1863, by Mr. W. C. Wilson, who was a native of Scotland, and possessed all the industry and practical shrewdness usually ascribed to natives of that country. He had previously been part proprietor of the “New Zealander,” but severed his connection with that journal to start the “Herald,” the first editor of which was Mr. David Burn. Mr. Burn was succeeded by Mr. T. F. Von Sturmer, who, in turn, gave place to a journalist popularly known as “Snyder” Brown, from the pen-name attached by him to his humorous comments on current affairs. the “Herald” had to encounter the strong opposition of the “Daily Southern Cross,” but in 1876 Mr. A. G. Horton, J.P., who in 1864 had successfully established the “Timaru Herald,” purchased the “Cross,” and a few months later the two papers, with their respective weekly issues, were amalgamated, the “Cross” being merged in the “Herald,” and Mr Horton becoming a partner of Messrs W. S. and J. L. Wilson, sons of the founder, who was then dead. The “Herald” thus became, and still is, the only morning paper published in Auckland. It is admirably printed on good paper, and the general arrangement of its matter is excellent. On Saturday it publishes an eight-page supplement containing specially written articles on various subjects of colonial interest. The proprietors take an active part in the practical management of the paper, and combine great business capacity with an intimate knowledge of all the varied details of modern journalism.

“The Auckland Weekly News” is one of the largest weekly papers published in New Zealand, and is essentially a country settler's paper. It contains a complete summary of the news of the week, and twelve pages of first-class illustrations of the events of the day. The paper deals with every phase of farming life, and special sections are devoted to reports from country districts, to sporting, athletics, market quotations, to ecclesiastical news, to mining and agriculture, the garden, the farm, the dairy, exhibitions, and poultry. Serial stories are also published, and several pages are given to interesting and instructive literature for the family circle.

Mr. William Scott Wilson, Senior Partner in the firm of Messrs Wilson and Horton, Proprietors of the “New Zealand Herald” and the “Auckland Weekly News,” is the eldest son of the late Mr. W. C. Wilson, the founder of the firm. He was born in Hobart, Tasmania, in 1835, and accompanied his parents to Auckland in 1841, in the ship “Sophia Pate.” This ship on leaving Auckland, made for the Kaipara, but was unfortunately wrecked, and the majority of Mr. Wilson's fellow passengers were drowned. Mr. Wilson served an apprenticeship as a printer in the “New Zealander” office, and subsequently assisted his father in establishing the “New Zealand Herald,” much of the success of which has been due to his ability and liberality. Although never taking an active part in political or municipal life, Mr. Wilson has identified himself with the general welfare of the community. He is a director of the South British Fire Insurance Company, and other leading commercial institutions.
Mr. Joseph Liston Wilson, Partner in the firm of Messrs Wilson and Horton, is
Hanna, photo.Mr. J. L. Wilson.

Hanna, photo.Mr. J. L. Wilson.

a son of the firm's founder. He was born in Hobart in 1837, and came to Auckland with his parents four years later. He also served an apprenticeship as a printer in the “New Zealander” office, and assisted in founding the “New Zealand Herald.” Mr. J. L. Wilson has been intimately connected with the commercial prosperity of Auckland, and is a director of the Auckland Savings Bank, Auckland Gas Company, New Zealand Insurance Company, and New Zealand Accident Company. He has for many years been president and a staunch supporter of the Young Men's Christian Association, and is a warm adherent of the Wesleyan Church, though his sympathies and support are freely given towards all kindred institutions which have in view the moral and spiritual welfare of the community.

Mr. A. G. Horton, Partner in the firm of Messrs Wilson and Horton, was born in the North of England, in 1842. He commenced his acquaintance with journalism on the staff of the Hull “Daily Express, and after arriving in New Zealand served a year on the staff of the “Christchurch Press.” Prior to his twenty-first birthday Mr. Horton established the “Timaru Herald,” which he soon made a good property. About eight years later he sold that paper, and subsequently purchased the “Daily Southern Cross.” An amicable arrangement was soon effected between him and the Messrs Wilson; the “Cross” was merged in the “New Zealand Herald,” and Mr. Horton became a partner in the firm. Through his influence page 270 this firm had the distinction of introducing the first Webb-printing machines, and the first English-made linotype machines to New Zealand. Mr. Horton is a director of the New Zealand Insurance Company, and for a number of years hold the office of chairman of the local Board of Directors of the Mutual Life Association of Australasia. Owing to the numerous claims of his business, he has had very little time in recent years for public affairs, but during his residence in Timaru he represented that town in the Provincial Council of Canterbury.

Mr. William Berry, Editor of the “New Zealand Herald,” when about twelve years of age became an apprentice in the composing-room of the “Scotsman” newspaper, which for many years has occupied a high position in the journalism of Great Britain. The life of a printer's devil was then a much harder one than it is now. He had to kindle the fires early in the winter mornings, to sweep the office, to wash rollers, and to feed the printing machine. It can easily be understood that, entering on the business of life at that early age, Mr. Berry was not possessed of much in the way of education, and boys in his position then had to educate themselves at night schools or otherwise, as best they could. But in some respects the position had its advantages in the way of cultivating a literary taste. Mr. Alexander Russell was then the editor of the “Scotsman,” and there was then in Edinburgh, and occasionally contributing to the “Scotsman,” a number of literary men of eminence. Mr. T. B. Macaulay, afterwards Lord Macaulay, represented the city in the House of Commons. John Wilson (Christopher North) was a familiar figure in
Hanne, photo.Mr. W. Berry.

Hanne, photo.Mr. W. Berry.

the streets, and was then writing the “Noctes Ambrosianæ.” De Quincey was also a resident. George Combe, the famous phrenologist, was a frequent contributor to the “Scotsman.” The University had then amongst its professors men who had a European reputation in their departments, and several of these, amongst them Professor Blackie, were frequently in the “Scotsman” office. While Mr. Berry was in the office, the repeal of the newspaper stamp duty, of the paper duty, and of the advertisement duty took place. These were termed the “taxes on knowledge.” Their repeal was virtually a revolution in the newspaper world, and journals succeeded or failed as they adapted themselves, or failed to adapt themselves, to the new conditions. The “Scotsman,” mainly under the wise guidance of the late Mr. John R. Findlay, took the right course, and has met with its reward. Mr. Berry was for many years a reader, and afterwards was assistant foreman in the office. In 1864 he came out to Auckland under an engagement to the “Southern Cross,” then owned by Messrs Creighton and Scales. He remained on that paper as a reporter till 1868, when he went to the “Thames Advertiser.” In 1875 he returned to Auckland, at the instance of the late Mr. W. C. Wilson, of the “New Zealand Herald,” and has been on that paper ever since.
Mr. George Mccullagh Reed. This well-known journalist was born in County Monaghan, Ireland. He was educated at Queen's College, Belfast, where he graduated with high honours in 1856. After spending some time in France and Switzerland, he was ordained a clergyman of the Presbyterian Church. In 1858 he came out to Victoria and took charge of the North Melbourne Presbyterian Church, and soon afterwards was elected first Moderator of the United Presbyterian Churches of Victoria. In 1860 he went to Ipswich, Queensland, and took charge of the Ipswich Presbyterian Church. While there he married Miss Jessie Chalmers Ranken, daughter of the late Mr. John Ranken, Police Magistrate. Subsequently Mr. Reed resigned his ministerial charge, and stood for Ipswich electorate in the Queens-land Parliament, defeating the Attorney-General of the day. In 1870 Mr. Reed came to New Zealand and started the Auckland “Evening Star,” Mr. Brett, the present proprietor, subsequently joining him in partnership. In 1876 he sold out his interest in the “Star” and went to Dunedin, where he founded the “Guardian,” and in conjunction with Mr. George Fenwick he subsequently purchased the “Otago Daily Times.” In 1878 Mr. Reed left Dunedin, having disposed of his interests there, and became emigration agent for New Zealand in Ireland during Sir George Grey's administration. In 1884 Mr. Reed started the “Anglo-New Zealander” in London, and at the same time he acted as special correspondent in England for the “New Zealand Herald” and other New Zealand papers. He also contributed to several London papers, notably the “Pictorial World.” He subsequently disposed of the “Anglo-New Zealander” and returned in 1886 to New Zealand, where he became editor of the Auckland “Evening Bell” and contributed to the columns of the “New Zealand Herald,” “Calamo Currente,” over the nom de plume of “Pollex,” Later he resigned from the “Bell” and joined the editorial staff of the “Herald.” In 1889 he went to Melbourne to edit the Melbourne “Evening Standard,” but in 1890 removed to Sydney, where he joined the staff of the “Sydney
The Late Mr. G. M. Reed.

The Late Mr. G. M. Reed.

Morning Herald” as leader writer. Mr. Reed left Sydney in 1895 and returned to Auckland, where he joined the staff of the “New Zealand Herald” once more, as leader writer and contributor of the brilliant series of articles over the well-known nom de plume of “Colonus.” He died suddenly on the 13th of November, 1898, in his sixty-eighth year. Mr. Reed was at one time Provincial Secretary in the Auckland Provincial Council, and was one of the three Auckland citizens who waited upon Sir George Grey and induced him to enter the New Zealand Parliament. In Masonic matters Mr. Reed was a past master and a Royal Arch Mason. He was a promoter of the Anglo-Israel Association, an active member of the Charitable Aid Board, and at the time of his death was president of the Auckland branch of the Institute of New Zealand Journalists. A writer in the “New Zealand Herald” thus sums up his literary powers: “Mr. Reed was one of the ablest and most versatile writers in the ranks of Australasian journalism. A man of broad and liberal opinions, of an ardent and impulsive nature, of deep and strong sympathies with all classes of suffering humanity and full of reforming zeal, he was intolerant of all that savoured of cant and wrongdoing, and no writer in the press could wield a more powerful or trenchant pen in championing the cause of the oppressed or castigating hypocrisy under whatever cloak it might choose to masquerade. Although much of his work was anonymous and had often to be performed in haste and under conditions which only those inside a newspaper office can appreciate, it was invariably marked by a high quality of literary excellence and bore the page 271 stamp of a vigorous and trained intellect. The brilliant weekly article which he contributed to the ‘Herald’ under the nom de plume of ‘Colonus,’ and which had come to be identified with his name throughout the Colony, showed the wide range of his knowledge, and the striking originality of his mind. He was never commonplace. Whatever he touched he invested with new interest; and to this distinguishing power was added the ineffable charm of a singularly crisp, light, and attractive diction. His style was his own, and was unrivalled in New Zealand journalism for pathos, grace, eloquence and vigour. His moods were many—from gay to grave, from lively to severe—and in each he was a consummate master of his craft.”
“The Auckland Star” was started in 1870, in opposition to a pre-existing journal. By its vigorous management, it soon extinguished and absorbed its rivals, the “Evening News” and “Morning News,” and has since successively overcome and incorporated the “Echo,” “Telephone,” and “Evening Bell,” which bootlessly endeavoured to establish themselves against it. Under the general managership of its principal proprietor, Mr. H. Brett, and the editorship of his partner, Mr. T. W. Leys, the “Star” has steadily advanced until its circulation—certified by leading public accountants as averaging 17,000 copies daily—is acknowledge to be the largest of any newspaper published in the colony. It is energetic in its news services, and its Saturday issue, comprising sixteen pages of readable matter for a penny, touches the high-watermark of newspaper enterprise in New Zealand. In politics the “Auckland Star” has always ranged itself on the Liberal side. Connected with the newspaper, there has grown up under Mr. Brett's vigorous direction a large printing and publishing business, which employs a numerous staff of skilled workmen in every department of
Mr. T. W. Leys.

Mr. T. W. Leys.

typography, lithography, and engraving. This establishment produces the “New Zealand Graphic,” the pioneer of all the illustrated weekly journals now published in New Zealand. The “New Zealand Farmer,” “Auckland Almanac and Handbook,” Colonists' Guide,” “Early History of New Zealand,” and many other works of value, have also been issued from the office. Its large business was lately incorporated as a Limited Liability Company under the title of the “Brett Printing and Publishing Company,” but the proprietorship and management have practically remained unaffected by the change.

Mr. Henry Brett, the principal Proprietor of the “Auckland Star,” the “New Zealand Graphic,” and the “New Zealand Farmer,” is noticed in an article begun on page 125 of this volume, in the section which deals with the ex-mayors of Auckland.

Weekly Papers.

“The Observer,” a society journal, was founded on the 18th of September, 1880, and after various changes it fell into the hands of Messrs J. L. Kelly and Baulf, with Mr. Kelly, who wielded a vigorous pen, as its editor. Since 1891, the paper has been owned by Messrs Geddis and Blomfield, under whose guidance it has had considerable prosperity. The present owners have introduced several new and attractive features, and have run the journal upon such popular and successful lines that it has gained an extensive circulation. The “Observer” cartoons, by “Blo,” hitting off the passing humours of the hour, have a colonial reputation, and have done much to popularise the paper, and extend its business.

“The New Zealand Illustrated Sporting And Dramatic Review And Licensed Victuallers' Gazette” was founded in 1890 by Mr. Harry Hayr, and was subsequently taken over by Messrs Arthur Cleave and Co., the present proprietors. It deals with the drama and sporting life in New Zealand in a very capable manner, and its illustrations, in both branches of its work, are extremely creditable. The paper is issued weekly, and has a large circulation all over the colony. As its name implies, the journal is the official organ of the licensed victuallers.

“The New Zealand Graphic” is another evidence of the enterprise of Mr H. Brett. It was the pioneer of illustrated journals in New Zealand, and although it has now several rivals in the field it continues to hold a leading position. For high-class artistic merit its engravings compare favourably with the best work of the kind in Australasia, and no other colonial journal so completely fulfils the ideal of a family magazine. The “Graphic” was established in 1891, and has made itself popular all over the colony. Its pictures, social news, stories, sketches, and miscellaneous notes supply weekly entertainment to thousands of homes, and on the occasion of any public function its special numbers are always looked forward to with eager interest by its readers. Mr. A. M. Ferguson, the present editor of the “Graphic,” has been in charge of the journal for several years.

Monthly Papers.

“The New Zealand Farmer, Bee, And Poultry Journal,” a monthly illustrated paper devoted to agricultural, horticultural, and pastoral affairs, was first issued in January, 1885, with Mr. G. L. Peacocke as editor. The paper deals with every branch of rural life, such as farming, gardening, stock-breeding, dairying, poultry and bee-keeping, and special articles are devoted to the homing pigeon fancy. In addition to these subjects, there are reports from local correspondents in the provincial districts, and an eight-page supplement of home reading for the family circle. All the principal agricultural and poultry shows in the colony are specially reported in the columns of the paper. The “Farmer” also publishes portraits of prize-winning stock. It is the only exclusively agricultural journal in New Zealand, and its proprietor, Mr. H. Brett, spares no expense in making it the leading periodical of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. It is especially noted for its reports of market quotations for stock and produce in every centre of the colony. The paper circulates all over New Zealand, and has also numerous subscribers in Australia and Tasmania.

Mr. G. L. Peacocke, the Editor, came out to New Zealand in his early childhood, but afterwards lived for a number of years in England, where he was called to the [gap — reason: illegible]ar at the Middle Temple in 1877. His early life having been spent on a New Zealand farm, he is practically familiar with the conditions of colonial farming life, and has, in addition, made himself acquainted with the theoretical side of agriculture and stock breeding.

“The New Zealand Primitive Methodist, a purely denominational journal devoted to connexional news and leading topics of the day, was founded in 1889 under the able editorship of the Rev. A. J. Smith, who wished to establish a periodical to promote Christian work. When, in 1891, Mr Smith sailed for England, the position of editor was taken by the Rev. J. Guy, who retained it for three years. The Rev. C. E Ward then took it over until the arrival of the Rev. W. Laycock, the present editor, who is referred to in another article. The paper has been successful from the first, having paid its way, and in 1900 it produced a surplus of £60, which was devoted to the New Zealand missionary fund. It now commands a wide circulation.

“The New Zealand Illustrated Magazine” was established in 1899 as a periodical for the publication of characteristic colonial literature, special articles, short stories, and notes on current topics. It numbers amongst its contributors many journalists of high standing, and is the only successful illustrated magazine on general topics in the Australasian Colonies. It is published monthly, is octavo in size, and is well and profusely illustrated.

Mr. Thomas Cottle, the Editor of the “New Zealand Illustrated Magazine,” is a colonist of thirty-seven years' standing. He has been engaged in a variety of pursuits, and is well known as a writer of short stories.