GEDDIS, WILLIAM JOHN (1860-1926) was born at Belfast, Ireland, and came to Auckland with his parents four years later. Educated in the public schools, he joined the Auckland Star at the age of 14 and was sub-editor at 28. In 1892 he resigned to join W. Blomfield in the purchase of The Observer, which they ran in partnership for many years, Geddis being editor. They established the New Zealand Free Lance in 1900 and the Waihi Daily Telegraph (1901). Geddis joined Henry Brett and T. W. Leys in the purchase of the Daily Telegraph (Napier), of which he was managing director till 1913, when he took up the same position with the New Zealand Times Co. In 1918 Geddis was called to the Legislative Council, of which he was a member till his death (on 1 May 1926). He married (1889) May, daughter of J. C. Morrin.

N.Z.P.D., 18 Jun 1926; Who's Who N.Z., 1924; N.Z. Times, 3 May 1926. Portrait: Parliament House.

Reference: Volume 1, page 162

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