AustLit

The Freeman's Journal's weekly summary begins with an extended description of the final weeks of Dr William Bland's life in relation to his reported reception into the Roman Catholic Church. The journal explains: 'In consequence of the inquiries of many friends, as well as to contradict the mis-statments that have been set afloat by prejudiced parties, we deem it expedient to publish the following particulars, which we have obtained from the very best authority'.

The article concludes that Dr Bland 'might have died in the profession of any religion he liked, there was no inducement or persuasion of any kind put upon him, but he had evidently been long convinced of the truth of the Catholic Church, and he went to meet his Maker one of its members'.

A report on Miss Rosa Cooper's benefit at the Royal Victoria Theatre on 5 August 1868. The Freeman's Journal notes the attendance on the evening was 'pretty fair, but the merits of the talented beneficiare certainly deserved a better recognition than that testified'.

Buggins begins his weekly column with a reflection on the botanical names for plants. He then turns to theatrical matters, particularly the practice of country newspapers buying copy from Sydney offices. Buggins notes an instance, repeated in three country papers, where it is intimated that William Hoskins is 'very wrong and very ungentlemanly in not allowing free admission to all reporters'. Buggins, with the benefit of a long personal acquaintance with Hoskins, counters with a testimony to Hoskins's 'civility and courtesy to the gentlemen of the press'.

Buggins also mentions benefits to Miss Rosa Cooper and Mr Walter Cooper, and notes the forthcoming season of Thomas William Robertson's Caste at the Prince of Wales Opera House.

An extensive report on the 3 August 1868 meeting in Bathurst to consider 'the present crisis in the career of the Freeman's Journal and to propose a means of 'establishing another journal in its place should the present prosecution be successful'. (The prosecution is that instigated by Premier and Attorney General James Martin over the improper registration of the Freeman's Journal with the Supreme Court.)

The meeting resolved: 'That this meeting condemns the present action of the Government in prosecuting the Freeman's Journal, as it is their opinion that private animosity and not the vindication of the law is the object of the Attorney-General, and we hereby pledge ourselves to aid in the establishment of another Journal should the present prosecution be successful'.

A fund to support such a journal was started with a donation of ten guineas from Mr Richard Kenna.

An advertisement for the Royal Victoria Theatre production of Sixteen String Jack and of Dion Boucicault's Colleen Bawn on 8 August 1868, and for the upcoming production of [Charles Webb's] Belphegor, the Mountebank; or, Woman's Constancy and James Robinson Planche's The Loan of a Lover.

A column listing the names of Bathurst and district residents supporting the Freeman's Journal Prosecution Fund together with the amounts pledged.

An advertisement advising that the proprietors of the Freeman's Journal have entered into a 'job printing business' and 'are now prepared to execute orders'.

A list of suburban, country and inter-colonial agents for the Freeman's Journal.

An advertisement advising that Freeman's Journal 'is filed and may be seen, free of charge, at Holloway's, 533, Oxford-street, W. C., (late of 224, Strand) London, where advertisements and subscriptions may be received'.

An advertisement, for Greville and Company, for the sale of various types of paper, pens, pencils, slates, ledgers and other stationery items.

An advertisement advising that Greville and Company are the 'authorised Sydney agents of all the leading provincial journals of New South Wales' and are able 'to offer terms for the insertion of advertisements which can be done by none but a recognised agent'.

An advertisement for Greville and Company, agents for Messers Harrild and Sons, London, advertising the sale of various items of printing machinery and equipment.