Page:History of Adelaide and vicinity.djvu/342

 ;i6 ADELAIDE AND VICINITY Sir Langdon Bonython ^ I ^ HE Advcrtisei- has always had the advantage of being under the definite editorial V control of one man. It was started by a company, but the articles of agreement prescribed that Mr. J. H. Harrow should guide its policy without interference from any of his co-directors. Through the change's of ownership which took place between that date and the time of his death in 1874, the same conditions operated. Sir John Langdon Bonython joined the staff of the paper in December, 1864, and though then only 1 6 years of age, he rapidly acquired relations of a confidential nature with the founder of the paper, much of whose spirit was breathed into him. He always admired Mr. Barrow, and he set himself to work to master his methods and to put himself en rapport with his policy. When the senior proprietor died. Sir Langdon had already attained a position of considerable influence, and was always consulted in the higher matters of policy. He has a natural aptitude and a keen insight, which made him from the beginning an ideal journalist, and he seldom allowed the paper to go astray, even when he was not its ruling force. Many years ago, he became the absolute arbiter of its destiny, and the progress of The Advertiser is an eUxjuent testimony to Sir Langdon's skill, judgment, and tireless industry. He recognised the need there was for fostering the struggling manufactures of the Province, and by the constant and forcible advocacy of a protective system in the columns of The Advertiser that help they so urgently required was rendered at the opportune moment, so that the profitable export trade which South Australia now enjoys, as well as its internal commercial health, is due in a very large measure to his patriotism and foresight. Hammer df Co., Photo Sir Langdon again proved that he knew " the season when to take occasion by