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Fremantle Journal and General Advertiser
The colony's first newspaper, the Fremantle Journal, appeared 27 February 1830, hand-written and sold at 3/6 a copy. Hitchcock: 16.
It was edited and published by James A. Gardner, and was handwritten. A single copy is held by the Battye Library.
Below is the first number.
FREMANTLE JOURNAL AND GENERAL ADVERTISER
Fremantle, February 27 1830 No. 1
Passage to England by way of India & other Ports, the fast sailing Barque Egyptian, Captn Lilburn, will sail on Thursday the 4th March. For Freight or passage apply to the Commander on board or Mr P Dodd, Agent, Fremantle. The Egyptian will carry an experienced Surgeon & has excellent accommodation for Cabin and Steerage Passengers.
Brig Thomson. This is to give notice the above Brig, John Hobbs, Commander, now lying in Gages Roads intends sailing for Geographe Bay as early as possible provided a sufficient number of Cabin & Steerage Passengers or Freight shall offer. For further particulars apply to Captn Hobbs on bd or Mr Wm Samson, Fremantle or Mr J Knight, Perth.
For Singapore
The Hooghley, Captn Reeves, now lying in Cockburn Sound, will sail for the above place in all March & he has excellent accommodation for Passengers & will carry an experienced Surgeon. For further particulars apply to the Commander on board or to T Peel Esq, Clarence.
Horned Cattle ex Leda, Sydney in excellent condition for work or slaughter. Apply to the Stirling Hotel, Fremantle or Mr S Smith, Hamilton Hill.
Saddled Horses on hire at the Stirling Hotel. Also a Boat to cross the Ferry at one shilling each person.
R Thomson
Fremantle 26th February 1830
Double Brown Stout ex Egyptian is now on sale at Phillip Dodd’s, Fremantle 26th February 1830
AUSTRALIAN DEPOT
R Lewis begs most respectfully to inform the inhabitants of Fremantle & its vicinity that on Monday 8th March he intends opening a general wholesale & retail store, consisting of a large variety of drapery, hosiery and haberdashery goods. Pickles & preserves of the finest quality, a large stock of kitchen utensils. Cutlery of every description, an assortment of ladies combs & brushes. Guns, pistols, Shot Belts, Powderhorns, spare ram rods, & a great quantity of other useful articles too numerous to mention.
N.B. Goods warehoused at a reasonable rate.
A Horse and Cart to let.
To the Editor of the Fremantle Journal
Sir,
Being greatly concerned in the future welfare of this Infantine Colony, allow me through the medium of your new undertaking to suggest a reason or two why the holders of stock, more particularly cows & sheep, should endeavour to increase and purchase as much of them as lays in their power. The first cost is trifling; at present they are of no expense in keeping. Secondly after the great outlay already expended here, there is not any likelihood in the future prospect as to its success. Lastly they are on an increase of at least 50 per cent; the holder of them must in the course of 3 years increase the capital of stock at least 150 per cent. By that time also, the wool will be much ameliorated by the climate - nearly the same as that of Sydney where it is known the quality of wool improves yearly & this port being nearer to Europe, the great mart for all the productions. It can be exported there at a much less expense than that of Sydney, while the quality at least is equal in value, there can be no hesitation in saying that while the Freight from Sydney is from 2 to 2/4 per pound, it may be exported from this Port /4 to % per pound. The above will at all times ensure the Western Australian a full demand for his wool.
To the Editor of the Fremantle Journal
Sir,
Do you think it likely that Mr Martin’s act for cruelty to animals will be considered of at this Port. Yours &c Humanitas
PAGE 2
Departures
From Gage’s Roads 22nd February 1830 the Brig Tranby for Batavia
23rd The Skerne for the Cape. Cabin Passengers - Mr Holden, late Surgeon 63rd quartered at Perth, Capt Wood
Steerage - Mr & Mrs Cowell and family, Mr Winter, Mr McLean Jnr
His Excellency, Lieut Governor Stirling R.N. honored Fremantle on Wednesday with his presence. He was attended by the Colonial Secretary, P Brown Esq., Mrs Brown & family and other Gentlemen from Perth. His Excellency put up at the Stirling Hotel and proceeded to Perth the following morning.
The Editor is almost at a loss what to do to fill up his columns with. He has no luminous and eloquent speech to treat on, no account of any Rout or fashionable Party. No lines laudatory of Warners Blacking, nothing to say of the important Benefit of the Genuine Balm of Gilead. No criminal conversation with plaintiffs wife. No suicides or the act of preserving life. No elopement to Gretna Green. No suing for a divorce or a man wanting to get rid of his wife - being an illustration of the words of an Old Poet-
Marriage is like a rabble rout
Those who are out want to get in
And those who are in want to get out
Absconded from Messrs Everard & Talbot, James House about 5 foot 7 in. in height with a shuffling walk. Reports speaks rather bad of this Mr House.
Obituary at Perth, the infant of Doctor Milligan, Surgeon to the forces, aged 2 days.
Accident on Monday last - one of Mr Stone’s men, named Thomas Thomson, went out with the intention of shooting game, and was found drowned on Wednesday morning. The Editor has not received further particulars relative to this melancholy affair.
To the Editor of the “Fremantle Journal”
Sir,
I understand a report is about at Sydney that the Colony produces no wood fit for fencing. This I can contradict from occular demonstrations. Last Tuesday on travelling to Perth on the Northend of Swan River, I discovered a great quantity of timber, on viewing the Country, found fit for the purpose above mentioned, measuring about 40 feet long and 6 to 10 in. round. At Perth I also discovered quantities of fine mahogany 14 in., when taken to the sawpit, and plenty of towering cedar. If the above remarks are worthy of being placed in your new Journal, perhaps you will oblidge me by inserting the same.
23rd February 1830 A Settler & Sawyer
Some miscreants, a disgrace to the name of men, are going about the Country maiming cattle. Last evening a fine ewe belonging to Mr Walcott was brought home in a miserable condition, occasioned by a blow from some villain. Other reports are current, but this is authentic.
20th February 1830
Number of vessels at present in Gages Roads: Wanstead Egyptian Thames Parmelia Eagle Protector
In Cockburn Sound:
Gilmore
Nancy
Hooghley
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To the Editor of the Fremantle Journal
The Elect have found their way to this Port and the chaunting of Dr Watts’ and other Doctors hymns is truly delightful. We shall expect, I suppose, a Chapple shortly to be named York Meeting House.
Yours obediently Ralph Hull
The above curious epistle was received by the Editor last evening at a late hour. He gives it publicity.
26th February 1830
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Wanted immediately an elderly female who understands milking. Apply to the Stirling Hotel, Fremantle. 26th February 1830
PAGE 3
The ship Egyptian, Capt Lilburne, arrived on the 14th inst and landed a very respectable class of settlers. It is with much pleasure we add that they express themselves highly pleased with the Conduct of their Captain on the voyage from England and as a proof of their esteem, the Steerage Passengers presented him with a handsome silver cup, bearing an appropriate inscription with a representation of the stern of the Egyptian and the motto “Alls Well”. A silver snuff box was also presented by the Cuddy Passengers at the same time. We are gratified in having it in our power to give publicity in our first essay to such rare occurrences under such circumstances.
Fremantle
26th February 1830
The Editor has received various epistles from settlers that appear furiously discontented because contentment they never have in clime or country. The Editor has refused inserting them & forwarded them back from whence they came.
When the Editor of a paper defiles his columns by wilful calumnev, he is more culpable than the colloquial slanderer in as much as the calumney he publishes is more rapidly spread & with an effect which is not easily or speedily counteracted. Wether such a man be actuated by a natural maligning of heart or a base view to interest under the ideas (unhappily too well founded) that tales of slander will promote the sale of his paper, the crime is the same.
Such a man must be regarded as an enemy of society. He lets fly his envenomed shafts reckless wether they strike the innocent or the guilty! Truth, principle and humanity can be no part of his creed. When at length the vengeance of justice falls heavily on him, no one feels sympathy for what he suffers. But if on the hand he gives publicity to a slanderer on the authority of a brother Editor or other person, it is a duty he owes himself and to the injured person to apply the proper antidote. A public contradiction of the slanderers article thro’ the same channel by which it was promulgated.
Latest news received after the 1st Number
The Brig Industry Cap. Young sailed on Friday morning for the Murray with Thomas Peel Esq. and others. It appears she was becalmed & some way or other lost cable & anchor. She has returned to Cockburn Sound & intends sailing tomorrow morning (Monday). The Eagle Schooner will also take His Excellency to the South.
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Elopement to Perth & no relation to a certain one of the passengers of the Protector just arrived, has had the misfortune this morning (not to break his leg) but to lose his rib. In fact his better half has gone off with two Dukes or Earls!! it is believed to Perth. We heartily trust these Brothers in iniquity will be discovered. It’s a hard case when a man is yoked to his wife, she should give him the slip & leave the horns behind.
Cincinnatus
Foley Place, Foley Street, Fremantle February 28th 1830
To the Editor of the Fremantle Journal
Sir,
Perhaps you will be able to inform me in your next the names of the Magistrates authorised to act in this Colony.
I am yours &c Finius
25th February 1830
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Sir,
I am a farmer just come out here. I have brought out all the way from England stock consisting of cows, calves and bullocks &c. Likewise some fine horses. Now Mr Editor, do you think it right that strangers should milk my cows and ride my horses without my leave?
In England I am certain it is felony & ought to be noticed here. The Governor, as representative of His Majesty, I am sure will see a poor farmer righted. As I shall not sign my name this time, perhaps your giving this letter room in your paper will have such injustice looked into & prevent a repetition of the same without bringing me in question. Well knowing at the same time that other stock holders are treated in the same manner & I am surprised that they have not made a memorial to His Excellency, against the many hardships they have suffered by having their horses fagged to death by unmerciful brutes that take them at night time from their feed and let them loose when they have rode them where they want & then the poor beasts come back, hardly fit to be seen.
I am
Mr Editor
Your most obedient C.
PAGE 4
To Correspondents
The Editor has received a letter signed “Verity”. It is too personal for insertion.
All letters & advertisements are to address to the Editor, Stirling Hotel, Fremantle.
The Fremantle Journal Saturday 27th February 1830
“He that has much to do will do something wrong and of that wrong must suffer the consequences and if it were possible that he should always act rightly, yet when such numbers are to judge of his conduct the bad will censure & obstruct him by malevolence and the good sometimes by mistake”. - Dr Johnson
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The present age is unquestionably in many respects what may be called a liberal age. The Editor of the Fremantle Journal therefore trusts liberal encouragement will be given to the hazzardous undertaking he has commenced. He labours under extreme difficulty in being oblidged to introduce his Journal in manuscript for a short period. They Types are engaged & the Editor assures the independent settlers already arrived, that his whole duty shall be to promote their welfare as far as the liberty of the Press will omit
The Editor apprehends that some sort of inquisitorial examination will take place on the appearance of the Fremantle Journal by a certain class of human beings that abound in all parts of the Globe & style themselves Modern Critics but the censures and sarcasms of any literary despot shall not frustrate the Editor’s good intentions, perfection or any thing like it in an undertaking like the present is almost impossible - a perfect production like a perfect man is -
“A faultless monster which this world ne’er saw.” Some critics there are, who sit down with a determination as it were, to censure and condemn. They want no redeeming merit - no saving grace - their purpose is to damn. The Editor throws himself entirely on the liberality of the settlers, confident that when they find truth and candour to be his leading principles, they will generously support him in his undertaking - Labor prima vencit! His Excellency, the Lieut Governor, has kindly promised his support - as long as the Journal is conducted in a proper manner. If as an impartial Journal, it is acknowledged by the public, the Editor is certain of His Excellency’s patronage, at the same time the public, like a sincere but faithful friend, will admonish if the Editor deviates from the straight forward road he has professed to tread.
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Had it not been for the universality of a newspaper, in what a miserable state of ignorance mankind would remain but thanks to our forefathers, we mortals of the present day live in the age of wonders. Within the last forty years New South Wales has increased in great magnitude & interest than we find spread over the History of three or 4 centuries of former times, & what has contributed more to its advancement than the 4 newspapers that are published at Sydney!!
Argumentum ad populum.
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The Editor trusts that some allowance will be made for the little information the first number of the Fremantle Journal contains & respectfully informs his readers, that the second will be more worthy of its Title.
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The Editor has received communication from Perth relating to an accident which lately occurred by Fire, and the benevolence of His Excellency in subscribing for the unfortunate sufferer together with a list of other Gentlemen who have kindly contributed to his loss. It will be inserted in the next number.
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The circulating of Newspapers have increased to an astonishing extent in all new colonies on account of the particular support they have received. The “Fremantle Journal” with the support promised, will contain a weekly account of every interesting circumstance connected with Western Australia & extracts from the latest Journals of other Countries that will be forwarded regularly to the Editor.
From various parts of the Country afflicting recitals are received from the settlers - the natives appearing determined to burn them out. How would a few Missionaries answer? They might enlighten their minds and put a stop to the devouring element.
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At the Post Masters Office (the Marquis of Anglesea), the following letters are unclaimed: John Leach Thomas Hunt.
At the Colonial Secretarys Office, Perth: Fredk Lees C Brownall C.H Wright John Adams
References and Links
Thanks for Diane Oldman for finding the transcription.
This page incorporates material from Garry Gillard's Freotopia website, that he started in 2014 and the contents of which he donated to Wikimedia Australia in 2024. The content was originally created on 9 August, 2015 and hosted at freotopia.org/newspapers/fremantlejournal.html (it was last updated on 1 May, 2024). The donated data is also preserved in the Internet Archive's collection.