Robert Hugh Hanley Baird
Sir Robert Hugh Hanley Baird was a newspaper proprietor from Northern Ireland. He was born in Belfast and educated at Model School and Royal Belfast Academical Institution. In 1869, he entered the firm of W. & G. Baird, Arthur Street, Belfast, and was present at the first publication of The Telegraph, on 1 September 1870. Baird served as managing director of W & G Baird from 1886 until his death in 1934. He founded and owned a series of newspapers, including: the Belfast Weekly Telegraph, Ballymena Weekly Telegraph, Ireland's Saturday Night, Belfast Telegraph, Irish Daily Telegraph and The Larne Times.
Baird was a lifelong member and supporter of St George's Church, Belfast. He died in 1934 and is buried in Belfast City Cemetery. After his death a stained glass window by Clokey & Co. in Belfast was erected in his memory by the parishioners of his church, depicting the Good Samaritan.
Offices Held
- President, Master Printers' Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, 1910
- President, Irish Newspaper Society, 1913–1925
- Chairman, Ulster District, Institute of Journalists, 1916 and Fellow of the Institute
- Chairman, Belfast District, Newspaper Press Fund, 1910–1934
- Irish Representative, Admiralty, War Office and Press Committee 1916-1934
- Member Advisory Trade Committee of Paper Commission
- Freeman, City of London and Member of Worshipful Company of Stationers
- Member of Senate of Queen's University, Belfast.