Star’s Founder found.
Following Mate Higginson’s article on long time Star Editor Fred Michell we have been contacted by the grandson of the founder, Neil Closey. The founder was James Henry Claridge. This remarkable person had spent his working life establishing newspapers, thirteen in all, which once established he sold and moved on to the next town which he considered ready for one. James’ son and daughter wrote a book on their father’s experiences which his granddaughter published. Neil sent the Star a copy of the chapter on Martinbrough, which follows:
James Henry Claridge visited Martinborough first to see what reaction came to the idea of starting a paper in the town. He was received coolly when he visited business men to support him with advertising. Martinborough was then, as it is now, inclined to be conservative; farming made the town, and business supported the farmers, traditionally conservative and slow to change. They read the papers printed in Greytown and Carterton, and The New Zealand Times from Wellington. Why should they have as well a local paper. Because it is local, answered James. … Continue Reading
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