WHILE the knighthood which has been conferred on Mr George Fenwick is doubtless to be viewed as a compliment to the whole of New Zealand journalism, we may not unreasonably, we hope, suggest that it represents in a special degree a compliment to the Otago Daily Times and the Otago Witness. It is with these papers that the name of Sir George Fenwick has been indissolubly associated throughout nearly the whole of his long and honourable career in the journalism of the dominion. It was nearly sixty years ago that Sir George entered the office of the Otago Witness as an apprentice; forty-two years ago the Otago Daily Times was purchased by Sir George and Mr G. M. Reed, then proprietors of the Otago Guardian, which paper was merged in the Otago Daily Times as a result of the transaction; for forty-one years Sir George has been managing director of the company, then formed, by which the Otago Daily Times and the Otago Witness are published; and for nineteen years out of that period he filled the office of editor of the Otago Daily Times. His is the first occasion of an Imperial recognition of journalism in New Zealand. For this reason it will be welcomed by the whole press of the dominion.
War medal being struck
His Majesty the King has signified his pleasure that a medal be granted to record the bringing of the war to a successful conclusion, and the arduous services rendered by his Majesty's forces. The medal in silver will, provided the claims are approved by the competent military authorities, be granted to the under-mentioned classes who either entered a theatre of war on duty or who left their places of residence and rendered approved service overseas other than the waters dividing the different parts of the United Kingdom, between August 5, 1914, and November 11, 1918:- (a) Officers, warrant officers, attested non-commissioned officers, and men of the British, Dominion, Colonial, and Indian military Forces; (b) members of women formations who have been enrolled under a direct contract of service for service with his Majesty's Imperial Forces; (c) all who served on staffs of military hospitals, and all members of recognised organisations who actually handled sick and wounded; (d) members of duly recognised or authorised organisations; (e) enrolled and attested followers of the establishment of units in the Indian army. The medal in bronze will be granted to all British subjects who were enrolled in native labour corps units, and who served in theatres of war.
Friendly Societies' service
A memorial service in memory of 578 members of Otago Friendly Societies who were killed or died while on active service was held in the Octagon Hall yesterday afternoon. Several hundred members attended, representing the following societies:- Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, I.O.O.F., I.O. Rechabites, Sons and Daughters of Temperance, Protestant Alliance Friendly Society, A.O.F., and U.A.O.D. The brothers paraded in front of many spectators at the Art Gallery Hall, and marched to the Octagon, via Rattray and Princes streets, accompanied by the St. Kilda Band. The service was of a most impressive nature throughout. The St. Kilda Band opened it with Chopin's ``Funeral March'', and at the close played the ``Dead March'' in ``Saul''.
- ODT, 4.8.1919
