MOLONG PRESS OF OTHER DAYS 1945.

Molong Express and Western District Advertiser NSW

5 Jan 1945

MOLONG PRESS OF OTHER DAYS

(By 'OLD TIMER').

When one reads the Molong paper, now linked with another district paper, with all the latest world's news, one is forced to call to mind the press of yesterday.

The first paper to be established in Molong was the 'Molong Express.' in the year 1876, just on 69 years ago, by Mr. Leathem, who had six children (four boys and two girls). 

Mr. Leathem was owner and editor and was a fine type of man, but he only lived a few years after the paper's establishment. It was then carried on by his good wife and family for over 35 years, during which time Mrs. Leathem had in her employ many editors. Though the paper was rather on the conservative side, and a great advocate for free trade, many of the editors, in their hearts, were socialists.

After the death of Mrs. Leathem, the sons, Charles and Jack, carried it on, and after the untimely death of Jack it was carried on by Charles and his widow, Mrs. H. A. Leathem, now of Greenethorpe, until about 12 years ago, when it was taken over by Mr. W. P. Stanger. The 'Express' has since passed into the hands of R. J Neve and Co., which firm has brought it right up to a standard of modern literature.

In the old days, news travelled slowly. The 'Express' office was the hub of important news, such as the Melbourne Cup, boat races and Elections. People would wait hours on the roadside for the mail coach to come along to hear the news.

MOLONG'S SECOND PAPER.

About 1894, Dr. Ross, who was the Member for Molong for 24 years and a protectionist, could not hit it with the 'Express,' so he established the Molong 'Argus,' under an editor named Anderson.

He only reigned a few months when he sold out to a young man from Forbes named Baker, who made it a live paper and barracked for protection. He carried on until about 1907, when he sold to J. C. L. Fitzpatrick, who afterwards became Member for Orange, when he defeated the sitting Member, Jupp Gardiner. 

Mr. Fitzpatrick sold out to a man named Hartley, who ran it for a few months.

When he lost his wife, he sold out to Wigg and Dignam. They were freelance politically, of the Dickens or Thackery type.

When Mr. Stanger took over the 'Express,' he also absorbed the 'Argus.' All the previous owners, except Mr. Stranger and Mrs. H. A. Leathem, have passed to a better land, let us hope, where the worries of running a, country paper are unknown.

Now, Mr. Editor, you have the history of the press in Molong.

So carry on from that!