JOURNALISM IN THIS DISTRICT.

Manawatu Times, Volume IV, Issue 88, 10 November 1880, Page 2

JOURNALISM IN THIS DISTRICT.

There is a floating rumour to tbe effect that Mr. M'Minn, formerly connected wltlrthe Marton and Feilding papers, intends to start a second paper at Palmerston. The Palmerston people will be very foolish if they give their, sanction -or support to any such scheme. The business^ m Palmerston is' not sufficient to support two newspapers ; m fact, . as with the papers m other parts 1 of" -tue district,! there is hardly enough to keep ' one going; with fair regard to the proper division of the literary and mechanical work. The simple result of a secoud paper being started at Palmerston, would therefore be to divide between two journals what was barely sufficient to support one, and* thus present to the gaze of the public two gaunt specimens of the newspaper species. It is hardly necessaij. to remind the people of Palmerston that nothing i is so damaging to any town or district as a badlyadvertised, badly-supported newspaper. From its advening sheet the outside world forms its opinioi of the prosperity or otherwise of a town or district, and the people of Palmerston wyi suffer loss if they starve their present organ for the sate of enjoying the luxury of starving another one. So far as the Manawatu Times is concerned, it is well known we have had many a tussle with that journal, and sometimes the fight has hee.n earned out with warmth on each side. Nevertheless, however much we have disagreed with our contemporary, we cheerfully admit he has fought the battles of his district with ability, earnestness, and 'fidelity ; m fact, the people of Palmerston mi?ht go very; much farther before they would find a gentleman more able to advocate their interests,- and more zealous to promote the best welfare of their town and district. Doubtless lie, like every other Editor, has;made enemies. But what would be the worth of a; guardian of the publio interest whose" pe.n was ' always dipped m honey, and who preferred the friendship of everybody to a consciousness of having done his duty ? Editors of newspapers are but human, aud may err m espousing certain views, or m expressing them m their columns, but if any of the business people of Palmerston are hoping to revenge themselves upon the proprietor of the Manawatu Times for fancied or real slights by supporting a second or^an, they will find m the end that they have punished themselves most.— Foxton HebjlliD.