Fredrick Pirani came to Palmerston North in 1884 as foreman for the 'Manawatu Times'. He went on to buy the rival paper the 'Manawatu Evening Standard' with his brother from 1891 - 1903. Pirani was M.P. for Palmerston North from 1893-1902 as well as Chairman of the School Committee and Licencing Committee, member of the Wanganui Education Board, Wellington Land Board, Middle District University Council and President of the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association.