Gresley Lukin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gresley Lukin
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Gresley Lukin about 1880 (photo: Brisbane Courier 1926)
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| Born | 21 November 1840 Launceston, Tasmania
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| Died | 12 September 1916 (aged 75) Wellington, New Zealand
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| Occupation | Journalist, newspaper proprietor, editor-in-chief of the Brisbane Courier and its weekly the Queenslander, later the Queensland Boomerang 1890-1892, from 1896-1916 editor-in-chief of the Evening Post in Wellington, New Zealand. |
| Years active | 1873-1880 (In Queensland) 1893-1916 (in New Zealand) |
| Employer | Brisbane Newspaper Co |
| Political party | independent liberal-oriented |
| Spouse(s) | Rebekah Hall |
Gresley Lukin (1840–1916) was an important person in Australian journalism. He owned newspapers and worked as an editor. From 1873 to 1880, he was a part-owner of the Brisbane Newspaper Company. This company published the Brisbane Courier and its weekly paper, The Queenslander. At the time, these were the main newspapers in Queensland.
Early Life and Beginnings
Gresley Lukin was born in Launceston, Tasmania. His birthday was on November 21, 1840. His parents were George Lukin and Mary Anne.
A Career in Journalism
In 1865, Lukin moved to Queensland. He started working as a clerk and public servant. By 1871, he became the chief clerk of the Queensland Supreme Court.
In November 1873, Lukin bought a share in the Brisbane Newspaper Company. He then became the managing editor of the Brisbane Courier. He focused on making the company's newspapers stronger.
Lukin paid special attention to The Queenslander. He changed it from a simple summary of news into a high-quality literary weekly. He brought in many talented writers and artists. These included William Henry Traill, Carl Feilberg, and James Brunton Stephens. Artists like Henry Houghtons and Joseph Augustine Clarke also contributed.
Lukin's time as managing editor ended in December 1880. He faced some financial difficulties around this time. He left Queensland but returned later in the 1880s. From 1890 to 1892, he edited The Boomerang.
His seven years at the Brisbane Courier were very important. They helped the newspaper become Queensland's leading journal. Lukin also became known for his compassion. He asked Carl Feilberg to write a series of articles for The Queenslander. This campaign, from March to December 1880, supported Aboriginal rights. It spoke out against the colony's policies and the native police system. The main articles were later published as a famous pamphlet called 'The Way We Civilise; Black and White'. This was one of Lukin's last actions as managing editor.
Later Life
Gresley Lukin passed away in Wellington, New Zealand. He died on September 12, 1916.
