'There is a general impression that the time has come when a first class weekly paper, in a form somewhat different from the weeklies now in circulation, would prove a success in Western Australia. Hitherto the weekly journals here have been but the Saturday or Wednesday issues of the dailies. This want of a weekly on a distinct footing, and acceptable to all sections of the population, the Proprietors of the West Australian have determined to endeavour to supply, by publishing every Saturday, a new paper to be called The Western Mail.

'The new journal will contain a re-print of so much of the week's news from West Australian as may be thought of general interest. In addition it will have Original Articles, Notes, and Essays on various subjects, following, indeed, in all respects the example of similar weeklies in Eastern Australasia. Great attention will be devoted to the Farm and Station, the fullest information being given on all Agricultural and Pastoral questions, Sporting items of all kinds will form a leading feature. In lighter departments, short Tales and serial Stories will appear in each issue. Wit and Humour, Riddles, and other amusing items of all kinds will find a place in its columns. In short it is trusted that what the Australian, Sydney Mail, Queenslander and Observer are to their respective colonies, The Western Mail may prove to Western Australia.’

Source: 'A New Weekly Journal.' Western Mail 19 December 1885: 3

Sighted: 19/11/2013