AustLit

A weekly periodical published in Sydney for a little over two months in 1843.

In his editorial in the first issue Thomas Revel Johnson Johnson states '... our object [is] to expose and repress "humbug", either [judicial], magisterial, or political. Our title will readily convey the means that will be used to effect [this] object, and though satire is to be the weapon which we shall fearlessly wield - let it be remembered we shall at all times strive to steer clear of personal scurrility. Our pages shall never be made the channel of private resentment, party bickerings, but we shall endeavor to "pursue the even tenor of our way," undauntedly pointing out whatever we deem prejudice to the public weal. It is also purposed to include the most correct sporting intelligence, and we trust that this part of our columns will not be deemed unworthy the attention of those interested in the turf, the ring, and the cockpit.'

Johnson was almost immediately 'charged with having, on the 4th instant, printed and published a certain journal, a weekly newspaper called the Satirist and Sporting Chronicle, without having first entered into the necessary recognizances as prescribed by the newspaper act.' He was found guilty and according to the Chronicle 'sentenced ... to pay a fine of £20, or be imprisoned for the period of two months. There were one or two other cases against the same defendant, but they were all postponed until Friday next.'