David Luckie

In 1873 Luckie moved to Auckland to become editor of the Daily Southern Cross, and from 1 January 1877 was associated with William Berry in the editorship of The New Zealand Herald after the two newspapers merged.

Luckie achieved national prominence in 1866 for his part in apprehending the four men found guilty of the Maungatapu murders.

In 1873 he published a hoax report in the Daily Southern Cross about a Russian invasion of Auckland by the cruiser Kaskowiski (cask of whisky).

Many Aucklanders believed the report and were alarmed to read that the crew of the Kaskowiski had seized gold and taken the mayor as hostage.

Luckie supported the Fox ministry's attempts to establish 'peace and progress', advocating direct taxation and 'economical administration'.

He continued to write many leading articles for Wellington newspapers, frequented the parliamentary press gallery, and was an honorary member of the New Zealand Institute of Journalists.