This is the only known issue of the Old Colonists' Journal, a newspaper briefly published by Walter Waite, a printer and shopkeeper in Hindley Street, Adelaide. It is not known how many issues of the newspaper were printed, however it was on record as being one of seven newspapers which ceased during the early months of 1852 (Maitland mercury 10 April 1852, p. 3). This was almost certainly because of the economic effects brought by the Victorian goldrush. Waite went on to become the publican of the Stag Inn on Rundle Street. The newspaper contains no local news, but consists of overseas and interstate news which were possibly syndicated items. The front page contains a handful of advertisements, including advertisements for Waite's printing office, and Waite's 'tea coffee and chop house.'