Alexander McMinn was the founder of the "Manawatu Daily Standard" which produced its first issue on 29 November 1880. The first copy was presented to a well-known pioneer and former Borough Councillor, Sylvester Coleman. The introductory leader was contributed by John Ballance, with whom he had been associated on the "Wanganui Herald". The "Standard" was the first daily paper published between Wellington and Wanganui.