Finances and Advertising

In its first years the Journal was financed from the Masseur Association’s general funds and was financially precarious.  In 1949 a separate account was operated with losses made up by Council (now called Executive).  Because the circulation was so limited advertisements were hard to come by but a few firms gave their support.

When the firm Editorial Services edited the Journal they put it on a sound financial basis in 1956.  Since 1985 the Society has continued to subsidise the Journal,  from amounts varying between one third or one quarter of the total cost,  and occasionally up to one half of the total amount.  Increasing the advertising content reduces the Society’s financial contribution to the Journal.

Subscriptions have increased from 65 cents in 1971, $3 in 1975, $9 in 1979, $12 in 1981, $15 in 1983, $35 in 1987, $40 in 1990 and $45 in 1999.

Production and costing of the Journal were reviewed in 1986,  with the Journal Committee choosing a Dunedin firm as publishers.  The New Zealand Tablet Publishing Company printed the Journal from 1989 until 1998.

Michael Lamont was advertising editor from 1971 till 1975.  He was succeeded by Erwin Drok until 1979, when advertising was done care of the Editor.  The lack of an advertising manager caused problems until Margaret Jack was appointed in 1980.  When she resigned in 1986,  advertising revenue decreased.  For a short time the printer also sold advertising, but this scheme was not successful.  Bryan Paynter was advertising manager as well as editor 1988 - 1994

During this time advertising fluctuated,  some long term advertisers left in 1989,  but others took their place.  Grateful thanks were given to Spinal Publications and The New Zealand Back Foundation for their loyal advertising for a number of years.

Advertising of products diminished in 1992,  recruitment agencies offering overseas positions in the United Kingdom,  the United States,  and Saudi Arabia accounted for increasingly more space sold.  This trend has continued.  When Sandra Bassett became editor in 1996 National Office took over the role of advertising manager.

Advertisements in the Society or Branch newsletters are required to be clearly labelled as such and it be clear that they do not imply endorsement by the Society.

Costs, income and deficit for the Journal