The People's weekly served the largest of the Yorke Peninsula towns, Moonta, for almost 80 years. Although, like the other Yorke Peninsula newspapers, it included some coverage for the surrounding towns, the Weekly concentrated mostly on the activities and interests of the people of Moonta. In 1891 the newspaper claimed to have the largest circulation on the Peninsula, with 1,000 subscribers in Moonta alone, as well as in the other towns, and in the city (6 February 1892, p. 5). From late 1943 the newspaper's coverage changed to include more Kadina news.

Mining Throughout its life, the newspaper reflected the importance of the local copper mining industry which was the reason for the existence of Moonta and the other copper towns. Detailed mining reports were regularly printed in the newspaper up until the last small private mining operations ceased in 1938. A series of interesting letters in 1895 by 'Inquisitive' described the working of the mining contract system. (22 June 1895, p. 3 - 27 July 1895, p. 3). In 1891 major industrial action took place, with a miners' strike which lasted for 18 week. This was widely reported, gaining the support of workers, newspapers and church groups across the state. The Weekly was not convinced of the strike action being the best choice (26 September 1891, p. 3), but nevertheless gave its support to the men.

The mostly Cornish miners were part of a larger movement which saw Cornish people scattered across the world, settling not only in Australia, but also in Africa and South America. Miners from the Yorke Peninsula travelled to and from Broken Hill, particularly at times of unemployment, including during the 1891 strike. In 1895 many families moved to Western Australia. (8 June 1895, p. 2) From this time there were frequent reports from the West and the ex-Moontaites working there, particularly in the Boulder area, with a 'Boulder bits' news column. These news reports continued intermittently for many years. There were strong connections with the mining community at Broken Hill, for example in 1909 John Verran spoke about his visit to striking miners there. (30 January 1909, p. 2) An editorial in 1910 discusses the unemployed of Broken Hill. (8 January 1910, p. 2) John Verran, who was elected to parliament in 1901 and became premier in 1910, was a local miner who had worked in the mines since he was a boy. In 1899, when standing as the Labor candidate, the Weekly reported he almost lost his life while working in the mines. (8 April 1899, p. 2) Verran went on to become premier of South Australia. Mining accidents were sadly frequent. A death in April 1905 was the third fatality in two months. (21 April 1905, p. 2)

The history of mining on the Yorke Peninsula was a story of booms and slumps, largely dictated by world demand for copper. The First World War brought about the biggest boom the district had seen, but after the War demand for copper dropped overnight. In April 1919 the Weekly reported, 'It is generally understood that the Moonta Mines will be closed down.' (5 April 1919, p. 2) Work at the mines progressively wound down until the closure in 1923, but hopes of tapping the supposedly vast stores of underground wealth continued for decades. 'Old Cornishman' writing prophetically in 1921 was perhaps closer to the truth, 'It was said in 1861 that Wallaroo was good for 50 years. That period expired a decade back ...' (24 September 1921, p. 3) The last year of the mines' working was marred by industrial strife (1 April 1922, p. 2). The voluntary wind-up of the Wallaroo and Moonta Mining Company took place in late 1923 (3 November 1923, p. 2).

When the company ceased, three small syndicates formed. Reports of their activities were given prominence in the Weekly. One of the syndicates, the 'Moonta Copper Company,' included as a director Oswald Pryor, a former Moonta boy and mine captain, who had become well known for his cartoons. (17 January 1925, p. 2) Another syndicate formed in 1929 when the world copper price rose once more. (20 April 1929, p. 2) At this time it was reported that 70 men were involved in 'prospecting and tribute work on the old workings' (12 October 1929, p. 3). In 1932 sixty men were employed by the Moonta Prospecting Syndicate, and had promisingly raised 3,000 tons of copper in a few months. (13 February 1932, p. 2) A government grant in 1932 boosted the number of miners to 80. (3 December 1932, p. 3) In 1938 the Moonta Traders Association expressed, 'astonishment and dismay' when the Minisiter of Employment withdrew the government funding which had kept this last small mining activity going at Moonta. (18 June 1938, p. 2) Mining did not resume despite editorials, letters and reminscences in the pages of the People's weekly for many years.

Religion The first editor of the newspaper was the Rev. S Moncrieff, a local Anglican clergyman, and early issues of the Weekly included a 'Sunday column' discussing religious topics. Socio-political questions such as 'The labor question,' were often discussed. (17 May 1890, p. 7) In 1891 the column was written for a time by the Rev. Liddon. Regular church news appears in the newspaper in a variety of forms, particularly news of the Methodist churches. Sunday School anniversaries and the activities of various church groups are reported in full. The nationally recognised system of Sunday School teaching introduced at Moonta Mines Methodist Church by Captain Hancock's son, Lipson Hancock, receives many mentions in lengthy articles. (8 February 1913, p. 2). Invited preachers and travelling revivalists made their way to Moonta throughout the period covered by the newspaper. The articles of reminscences of the 1860s, by the anonymous 'Uda Naw,' refer to the huge revival meetings under 'California' Taylor. (15 October 1920, p. 2 and 6 November 1920, p. 3) In 1895 the Rev. John Nairn, a 'popular lecturer and evangelist,' took a series of services in the town. (27 July 1895, p. 3) Evangelists Chandler and Clay were in Moonta in 1920, (17 January 1920, p. 3) and the Rev. Lionel B Fletcher led a second ten night mission later the same year. (4 September 1920, p. 2) In 1922 a 'Cornish missionary,' Miss Frances M Smith, gave a 'thrilling' lecture about her work in China. (19 August 1922, p. 3)

Christian Endeavour rallies, Band of Hope meetings, the Methodist Girls' Club, and Sunday School anniversaries, all kept the young people involved in religion and teetotalism in the early 20th century. Churches other than the Methodist churches receive far less mention in the pages of the Weekly than in the other Yorke Peninsula newspapers. In 1913 the local Church of Christ congregation moved into the old Christian chapel. (30 August 1913, p. 2) The Salvation Army was formed at Moonta 1883, celebrating 50 years in 1933. (14 April 1933, p. 2) For years the British-Israelites were represented locally by a Mr Kitto, who wrote lengthy letters to the newspaper from the 1930s, causing frequent eruptions in the letters column. (e.g. 8 March 1941, p. 5; 22 April 1944, p. 1; 21 April 1945, p. 1; 10 November 1945, etc.) Moonta's morals In 1914 the Yorke's Peninsula advertiser made a series of statements about the morals of the people of Moonta, suggesting there was a 'sly-grog selling' racket in the town, that the Moontaites used filthy language, and committed various other evils. (Yorke's Penisula advertiser, 13 February 1914, p. -) In particular, an anonymous Methodist minister claimed that 90% of the girls in the town were pregnant when they got married. The Weekly reported ameeting of the town Council meeting to discuss the allegations, and many articles and letters followed. (21 February 1914, p. 2; 28 February 1914, p. 3)

From late 1934 a religious column, 'Wayside talks', with contributors by the local ministers, appeared each week. A regular religious column re-appeared from January 1944, and was given prominence on the front page throughout the war period. After the Second World War religious reporting dwindled to reports of the activities of the Methodist Ladies' Guild and the Methodist Sunday School. In late 1953 a 'Homely meditations' column began. In the 1950s 'Philo' in his column, often wrote religious-toned commentaries. In 1962 'The Christian view' column appeared in the newspaper.

The Salvation Army celebrated 80 years at Moonta in 1964. (17 July 1964, p. 1)

The Aboriginal mission at Point Pearce received very few mentions, although the visit of a mission boxing team to Moonta was reported in 1953. (9 January 1953, p. 2)

Sport From its first issue the Weekly gave prominence to local sports reporting. Reports of a rowing championship, chess, and a football column are included in this issue. (17 May 1890, p. 3, 4) Early references to the Moonta Jockey Club and the Moonta Turks Football Club appear in 1892. (27 August 1892 p. 5) The Moonta Bicycle Club is mentioned in the same year. (3 September 1892, p. 3) Cycling clubs were not formed at Kadina and Wallaroo until 1897. (4 September 1897, p. 2; 13 November 1897, p. 3) Horse racing was obviously popular with mention of the Moonta races from 1902. (20 April 1902, p. 3) The Yorke Peninsula Trotting Club was being reported on by 1923. There was also a Moonta Chess Club, (17 May 1902, p. 3) and the Moonta Golf Club opened in 1907. There were 40 foundation members, 'The game of golf has 'caught on' with much enthusiasm locally.' (24 August 1907, p. 2) However the club closed after a short time, with a new club and golf links being opened in 1928. (7 July 1928, p. 2) The Moonta Gymnastic Club is mentioned in 1909. (17 April 1909, p. 2). The Moonta Bowling Club began in 1922, and the Homing Club was in existence by 1923.

The local population was able to support several football teams. By 1913 there seem to have been three Moonta teams - Moonta Mines Turks, East Moonta, and Moonta Football Club, as well as teams at Kadina and Wallaroo. The Weekly reported of the exceptional level of playing during a match between the Turks and the Rovers, 'It is doubtful if it is exceeded by the city League teams.' (21 June 1913, p. 3) By 1936 there were only three football teams remaining in the Yorke Peninsula Association, and there was talk of amalagamating the Turks and East Moonta teams. (18 April 1936, p. 3) By 1938 there was only one Moonta team in the Association. A long poem, 'The Cross Roads Football Team', naming the players, was printed by popular demand in 1930. (8 November 1930, p. 4) As with football, there were a number of cricket teams in the early years, including the Federals, Cross Roads and Yelta teams, as well as a B-grade or junior association. (8 November 1913, p. 3)

The Moonta Ladies' Amateur Swimming Club was meeting in 1915. (23 October 1915, p. 2) The Moonta Swimming Club held a carnival in January 1916. (29 January 1916, p. 3) By 1919 euchre had become popular in the town. (9 August 1919, p. 2) Although not exactly a sport, local men appeared in court in 1920 for playing two-up. (19 June 1920, p. 2) A billiard room at the Institute was proposed in 1920, (8 October 1920, p. 2), but when Australian champion, Fred Lindrum junior, visited Moonta the following year, he played in the Temperance Billiard Hall. (9 April 1921, p. 2; 16 April 1921, p. 3) The Croquet Club of Moonta was formed in the 1920s. (14 August 1926, p. 3)

There was less sport reported in the Weekly after the closure of the mines, probably due to unemployed miners and their families leaving the district. However, a more varied number of sports came into existence. The Moonta Blue Bird Ladies' Cricket Club was active in 1932, (23 April 1932, p. 3) and travelled to play a match at Bridgewater. (30 April 1932, p. 2) In 1935 Renshaw, in his regular column, caused some consternation when he argued in favour of a further change, that sport be allowed on Sundays. (19 April 1935, p. 2). A lot of letters were written to the editor of the Weekly as a result. By 1937 basketball had become popular in Moonta, with regular games played. In 1932 the Weekly wrote, 'From time immemorial Moonta residents have spent their holiday at the seaside.' (This was the Boxing Day holiday.) For this the Regatta Club, Fisherman's Association and the Swimming Club, combined to arrange a day of sailing and swimming races. (7 January 1933, p. 3)

By the early 1950s a variety of sports were reported in the Weekly, including football, cricket, basketball, cycling, tennis, homing, bowls, indoor bowls, trotting, swimming, croquet, golf, and rifle shooting. A poem by 'Screw Punt' naming Moonta footballers was published in 1952. (5 July 1952, p. 4) Football gained much more prominence in reporting from this time, with lengthy, descriptive articles. A darts club is mentioned in 1961. (24 March 1961, p. 3)

Music The Cornish people were well known for their musical abilities. The annual 'Moonta Band Contest and Musical Competitions' were huge affairs. The second annual competition in 1907 had 48 sections, including solo, children, elocution, etc. (26 October 1907, p. 1) The Kadina Mendelssohn Choir won a prestigious competition at Ballarat in 1911, as reported in the Weekly and the other local newspapers. (21 October 1911, p. 2) The Moonta Mines Male Voice Choir was formed in 1913 under the leadership of JL Davey. (28 February 1914, p. 2; 25 April 1914, p. 2) During the First World War Band Sergeant Darcy Reed led a band which travelled through England and France entertaining the troops. He was to die in France. (19 October 1918, p. 2) The Moonta Mines Methodist Church was clearly an important part of the musical life of the town, with its choirs and composing organists. In 1926 the installation of a new Estey organ rated a long article in the Weekly. (30 October 1926, p. 2) Oswald Pryor had been an organist in the church in his youth, and played for special services there during the 'Back to Moonta' celebrations in 1927, while Mr and Mrs JL Davey led the singing. (15 September 1927, p. 2) In 1939 the first Hammond organ in South Australia was installed in the church. (7 January 1939, p. 2) The Moonta Orchestra was revived by Mr and Mrs Carl Thomas in 1929, and a Glee Club was also formed. (7 December 1929, p. 3) The Weekly recorded the death of local composer William Holman in 1930, and reported JL Davey's collection of Christmas carols by local composers. (18 January 1930, p. 4) An advertisement for Davey's collection appears in the newspaper in 1932. (19 November 1932, p. 4).

Agriculture Although centred around the copper mines, Moonta was also part of a strong farming community. This helped the town to survive following the closure of the mines. Articles discussing farming methods were frequent. In 1905 'Leghorn' wrote a Poultry column, and advertisments for eggs and poultry suggest there were many local flocks. The famous Paskeville field trials are mentioned in 1923. (13 January 1923, p. 3) In 1929 the column 'Notes for the agriculturist by Yeoman,' began. From this time more articles about agricultural topics were published, on topics such as 'The progressive farmer,' or 'The Dairy.' (9 November 1929, p. 4) A local branch of the South Australian Wheat Producers' Freedom League was formed in 1930. (18 April 1930, p. 2) The League's aim was to resist the federal government's proposed wheat pool. The local group held a protest meeting anti the government's water rates for farmers. (8 November 1930, p. 3) A 'senior rural youth' group is mentioned in 1960. (19 July 1960, p. 1) In 1962 a 'Man on the land' column appeared.

Fishing In many ways the people of Moonta followed the same occupations as their Cornish ancestors - mining, farming and fishing. Again, with the failure of mining, fishing came more to the fore. In 1914 there were early attempts to get a government-funded boat harbour at Moonta Bay. (28 February 1914, p. 2). In 1920 the local MP, RS Richards again attempted to get the government to fund harbour works there. (28 August 1920, p. 2) He raised the matter once more, when the mines closed. (24 November 1923, p. 2) The Great Depression had an impact on Moonta fishermen, as well as the rise of the fishing industry at Thevenard and Port Adelaide. (10 June 1933, p. 2) In May 1937 the boat of fisherman George Newtwig disappeared. It was found in July, but there was no sign of Newtwig's body on or near the sunken vessel. A report at this time recalled that in 1921 near the same spot the ketch Lilly May foundered and the lives of the captain (Percy Anderson), his wife and six year old son, and two other fishermen were lost. (31 July 1937, p. 2) In 1938 there was a request made that the Moonta train have a 'cool chamber' for the transport of catches to the city. (29 October 1938, p. 2) The Moonta Bay Jetty was opened in 1961. (12 January 1961, p. 3)

Schools At various times coverage is given to the district schools and pupils. The first issues included a 'School column' naming the top students for the week. The Moonta High School was established in 1907, and annual reports were often published in the Weekly. (6 January 1923, p. 4) In January 1938 the local schools re-opened for the new year, despite the polio epidemic that had spread across the country. (29 January 1938, p. 2) Results lists for the three Moonta schools - Moonta Mines, Moonta Primary and Moonta High School -appeared in the Weekly regularly in this period. Primary school results began being printed again in 1961. A year later Moonta District High School began contributing a 'Pens and pencils' column.

Personal notices An interesting feature of all the major Yorke Peninsula newspapers, is the publishing of funeral notices in the nineteenth century. This seems to be earlier than in other newspapers. In memoriam notices were printed as early as 1896. (16 July 1896, p. 2) By this time marriage and death notices were also appearing. By 1911 lengthy descriptions of local weddings were often included in the Weekly. Other celebrations such as Golden weddings also had long descriptions.

Obituaries Obituaries were a feature of the Weekly for a long time. From the early 1900s these were often given the heading, 'Demise'. Following the closure of the mines in 1923, there was a proliferation of obituaries for some reason. These included Moontaites from all over the state, and even further afield, reflecting the large population that had lived in the town at its height in the nineteenth century. These had petered out by the 1960s.

Cornish The three mining towns contained a concentration of Cornish immigrants, many brought to Australia by the mining company. Occasionally the Weekly published letters in Cornish dialect such as 'Aunt Keziah's celebrations.' (28 October 1899, p. 3) The same stories also appeared in the Kadina Plain dealer. The Yorke Peninsula advertiser printed these stories as early as 1874. In 1921 'A Cornish yarn' was published over several weeks, written in dialect. (25 June 1921, p. 4) As late as 1946, letters in dialect were published, (25 May 1946, p. 4) and again in 1952. (12 December 1952, p. 3) The newspaper occasionally refers to the activities of the Adeliade-based Cornish Association. In 1906 an advertisement appears for a 'Great Cornish Social' in the city. (8 September 1906, p. 3) In 1932 the third annual Moonta Reunion, held in Adelaide, attracted 450 people. (22 October 1932, p. 2).

War During the Boer War, letters from local men who were fighting in South Africa appeared in the newspaper. These included Sergeant William Schwann. (30 June 1900, p. 2) Thousands of Moonta people turned out to welcome Sergeant Schwann home. (8 December 1900, p. 2) The experiences of Trooper Clarence Wilson with the Bushman's Contingent were published as an advertisement for the patent medicine, Bile's Beans. (11 August 1900, p. 2) (The product was an Australian-made laxative, developed in 1899, which was available until the 1980s.)

The First World War, as elsewhere, came as no great surprise. But there was no immediate rush to enlist. At Moonta and Wallaroo the initial and major impact of the war was the mining boom brought on by a sudden world need for copper. By 1915 a number of local men had joined up, with farewells being held, and letters from soldiers such as Trooper Jake Roach published in the newspaper. (2 April 1915, p. 4) Through most of the war a regular 'Letters from soldiers' column appeared. The state recruiters visted Moonta in August 1915, (30 July 1915, p. 2) and the death of the first Moonta boy to be killed in action, Private William Brokenshire, was reported the same month. (28 August 1915, p. 2) Enlistments rose in early 1916, with 18 signing up in one week, (22 January 1916, p. 3) and farewells for 20 soldiers held in April. (29 April 1916, p. 2) By this time a total of 157 local men had enlisted. (6 May 1916, p. 3) The Moonta Mines Knitting League fowarded to the front 54 pairs of socks, and other items for soldiers in mid-1916. (15 July 1916, p. 2) Meantime the Moonta Mines District Soldiers' Aid League had sent through 1,480 pairs of socks, 11,000 sandbags, and many other items. (15 July 1916, p. 2) The local miners contributed weekly donations from their pay packets to Soldiers' Aid, and the Belgian Relief Fund. (ibid) The miners and other local people gave thousands of pounds to patriotic charities and government war loans. (19 October 1918, p. 2) Trooper Symons gave a lecture at the Institute about his time in the trenches of Gallipoli in 1916. (15 July 1916, p. 2)

As early as October 1915, the People's weekly flagged Conscription as, 'a certainty ... which we shall be forced to accept.' (23 October 1915, p. 2) However, when the Federal government suggested compulsory military training several months later, the Weekly suggested that compulsory rifle shooting would be, 'more practical and more economical.' (5 August 1916, p. 2) The Mayor of Moonta stated that he would rather be sent to fight himself, 'than be a party to conscript another man's son, and force him to the front ...' (14 October 1916, p. 2) EJ Craigie, a prolific writer of letters to the editor, and secretary of the Single Tax League, addressed an open-air meeting against Conscription. (ibid) A 95-year-old woman at East Moonta received a threatening letter for supposedly having said she would vote in favour of Conscription. '... May the Lord strike you dead when you take the pen in your hand before you have time to sign in is my prayer ...' (21 October 1916, p. 2) One thousand attended an anti-Conscription meeting held outside the public school, while a smaller number attended a meeting promoting Conscription addressed by MPs Harry Jackson and John Verran. (ibid)

When the rumour of Germany's surrender reached Moonta in late October 1918, there was, 'great and intense excitement.' (26 October 1918, p. 2) The official announcement was the signal for 'unparalled rejoicing.' Church bells and engine whistles went off continously, hundreds gathered outside the Post Office for the Mayor's reading of the announcement, and the celebrations continued until 2 am. (16 November 1918, p. 3) Following the war, the Spanish Influenza (Black Flu) epidemic spread across many countries, including Australia. Miss Susie Goldsworthy was the first case at Moonta, and her family home was quarantined, with a yellow flag above the gate. (3 May 1919, p. 2) A week later, Seymour Hancock was the second case. Both brought the sickness from Adelaide. (10 May 1919, p. 2) In a few weeks there were 15 cases at Moonta. (21 June 1919, p. 2) A month later 20 cases were diagnosed at outlying Kilkerran. (26 July 1919, p. 2)

There were many warning signs leading up to the Second World War, and a branch of the Defence League was formed at Moonta in May 1939. (6 May 1939, p. 3) War was declared at the beginning of September, and that month a Red Cross branch was also formed in the town. (23 September 1939, p. 3) A local Volunteer Service was formed in 1940. (31 August 1940, p. 2) The size of the Weekly was reduced in July 1940, due to wartime paper restrictions. It went from six pages to four. As in the previous conflict, the Weekly reported on farewells for locals who had joined the forces, and on the fundraising effort. Letters from soldiers again appeared, including Harry Andrewartha, stationed in Singapore. (2 November 1940, p. 3) By the end of 1940, 89 had enlisted from Moonta. (21 December 1940, p. 6) In early 1943 the deaths of two local men were reported. (2 January 1943, p. 2) Local enlistments had reached over 300 by March that year, and twelve local servicepeople had been killed in action. (6 March 1943, p. 4) A munitions factory was established in 1943 and was employing nine women a year later. (18 November 1944, p. 2)

Serials For decades a serial story was included on the back page. In 1893 the serial, 'Montezuma the merciless,' was the sequel to 'Merle the mutineer.'

Social welfare In 1910 the 'Moonta Mines Institute Relief Fund' produced its 'Relief and Investigation Committee' report, stating that 61 cases of distress had been relieved, and 243 orders distributed. (2 April 1910, p. 2) From 1921, the South Australian government was offering assistance for unemployed miners, initially through money for road works progammes. (12 February 1921, p. 2) Fast on the final closure of the mines came the Great Depression. Many miners left the area when the mines closed, but others found temporary work through government funded road and rail projects. In 1927 the Moonta Unemployed Committee was formed, as a self support group for those without work. (19 November 1927, p. 2) In 1933 there were 60 members. (24 June 1933, p. 2) Members did voluntary work at the church, attempted to re-start mining at the Poona Mine, and were planning a concert. (16 September 1933, p. 2) The following year, W. Tonkin wrote to the Weekly, 'We are face to face with the fourth long, hard, cold winter of worklessness.' (12 May 1934, p. 3) A civic ball was held to raise money for relief, and 130 applications were made for the assistance packages. (25 August 1934, p. 2) A Moonta branch of the Old Age and Invalid Pensioners' Association was formed in 1933, marking its fifth anniversary in 1938 with a gathering of 150 pensioners and friends. (9 April 1938, p. 3)

Film history From the first travelling picture shows to visit Moonta, the People's weekly published prominent advertisements for movies being shown in the Institute, and later also at the National Picture Theatre. Olympic Pictures were the first travelling film company to visit the town, from about 1911. The first silent fims with Charlie Chaplin gave way to 'talkies'. Errol Flynn, Shirley Temple, Laurel and Hardy, Abbott and Costello, and finally Elvis Presley and Doris Day, all came to Moonta via motion pictures, and appeared fleetingly in the pages of the Weekly. By 1914 there were three film companies operating at Moonta - Olympic, National and White Star Pictures. In 1915 the film 'A hero of the Dardenelles,' was very topical, after reports of fighting on the Gallipoli Peninsula filtered back to Australia. (4 September 1915, p. 2) Serials became popular. An advertisment in 1916 describes the sixth episode of the 'New exploits of Elaine,' and titled, 'Spontaneous combustion.' (1 July 1916, p. 2) By 1926 the Unity Theatre had been built, and films were being shown there as well as in the Institute. In the late 1950s a Drive-in opened at Kadina.

Travellers The people of Moonta seem to have been great travellers throughout the period that the People's weekly was published. From April 1907 the newspaper printed a series of articles describing the journey to Cornwall of Captain Cowling, with 'a number of other Moontaites.' (20 April 1907, p. 2) Also from this time, Ivo Crutchett, 'a Moonta boy in India,' often wrote about his experiences while working for a mining company in Sausa. (8 June 1907, p. 1; 30 November 1907, p. 2) Beginning in September 1908, detailed descriptions of H. Lipson Hancock's travels to America and Europe (with hand drawn illustrations) were published. These culminated with a visit to mines in Spain. (12 December 1908, p. 3) In 1920, on his return from another trip, Hancock was interviewed by the newspaper about mining methods in America. (24 April 1920, p. 4) Former Moonta resident George Jose, began writing articles from Illogen, Cornwall in 1923. (14 July 1923, p. 3) In 1952 various local people travelled to England for Coronation festivities, including Rodney Mitchell (3 May 1952, p. 3), Jeanette Cadd (19 December 1952, p. 1) and Mr and Mrs HA Cadd (31 July 1953) The Cadds spent several years travelling, with various descriptions published in the Weekly. (23 November 1956, p. 3) Excerpts from the USA travel diary of Mrs AT Giesecke of Moonta were published in the newspaper in 1958. (1 August 1958, p. 1)

Historical articles and celebrations There comes a time in the life of a town, when interest in its beginnings surface. With the demise of the mines, reminiscing about their early days began, sparked in part by the interesting but anonymous, 'Recollections and reflections' of 'Uda Naw.' (18 September 1920, p. 3) The writer arrived in Moonta as a small boy in 1867, and was able to describe in detail the people and events of those early years. His articles sparked letters from others who remembered the same people and events, though none seemed able to guess his identity. The articles appeared regularly until the end of 1920, and intermittently through 1921. From May 1926 further articles appeared. Uda Naw's last article, 'The Bush Babe,' describing the birth of his brother in 1868, was published during the 'Back to Moonta' celebrations in 1927. (15 September 1927, p. 3)

In 1922 the 50th anniversary of Moonta as a municipality was celebrated with a procession, illuminations, picnic race-meeting and a banquet. Festivities were marred when ex-mayor and old resident, John Arthur, collapsed while responding to a toast to the pioneers. He died soon afterwards. (5 August 1922, p. 3) However the biggest celebrations in the town were those of September 1927, when a huge 'Back to Moonta' festival was arranged. This was both a reunion of residents past and present, and a fundraising effort for foreshore improvements. Special trains from Broken Hill and Port Pirie brought 100 past residents, and more came from Adelaide. (15 September 1927, p. 2) There were 'veteran' football and cricket games, a back to school, and tours to Port Hughes and Moonta Bay. (24 September 1927, supplement) Reprints of old Oswald Pryor cartoons were published in the newspaper during the celebrations, and writers including 'Udanaw' and the new columnist, 'Renshaw' described times past. A 'Back to Yelta' celebration followed, in 1929. (5 January 1929, p. 2)

From Christmas 1940, Oswald Pryor ('O.P.') occasionally contributed articles reminiscing about Moonta's past. (21 December 1940, p. 6; 5 June 1943, p. 3; 27 May 1944, p. 3, 6 April 1950, p. 1, etc.) A series of articles by a former schoolmaster, EM Pearce, were published in April 1931. In 1935 the Rev. AD Bennett wrote a short series of articles of reminscences, mostly church related. (27 April 1935, p. 3) The life and adventures of John Fiveash, who lived to the age of 99 years, appeared in instalments through December 1944 and January 1945. In 1949 a series of articles by George Hicks recalled his life in Moonta at the end of the nineteenth century. (2 July 1949, p. 1, etc.) The centenary of Hughes' application for a mineral lease, which saw the beginning of mining at Wallaroo and Moonta, was celebrated in 1960, with a history produced by the Department of Mines. ( 25 March 1960, p. 3; 8 April 1960, p. 1) In response, Oswald Pryor wrote about the shepherd who first found copper, Patrick Ryan. (27 May 1960, p. 1)

There were great celebrations for the Moonta centenary held in May 1961. Old photographs were published in the Weekly, children selected as prince and princess as a combined fundriaser for the hospital, and historical articles published. A special edition of the newspaper appeared on 12 May, describing the ball attended by 760, the church service attended by 1,200, and the procession with a gathering of 5,000 on the Moonta Oval. Following issues documented the unveiling of a memorial in Queen Square and a Back to School celebration. The months of celebrations finished in November with a 'pilgrimage' and re-enactment of Paddy Ryan's discovery of copper. (17 November 1961, p. 1)

In 1963 it was reported that the National Trust of South Australia was looking to purchase a 'typical miners cottage' at Moonta. (12 April 1963, p. 2) A year later a branch of the National Trust was formed at Moonta. (20 March 1964, p. --) Oswald Pryor was to open the first museum, in the Moonta Town Hall, in 1966. (24 March 1966, p. 1)

Interesting In 1891 Dr Mahommedeen, 'Indian eye and pile doctor' visited Moonta. He clearly had a successful time, with a great list of testimonials from his local patients published in the Weekly. (4 July 1891, p. 3) A paternity case in 1892 drew rather outspoken comments from the Judge (who was also the local Mayor) about the accused's statement that he had 'abstained' for four months. The Judge stated, "Then you must have been a saint." Defending lawyer Page replied, "We are not all built the same way, Your Worship." (13 February 1892, p. 5) In 1892, an 'itinerant astrologer' named Michael Rennie, appeared in the local court on an assault charge. (15 October 1892, p. 4) The Moonta Chrsyanthemum and Canary Society held an annual meeting in January 1895. (5 January 1895, p. 3)

Advertisements for the Edie Dramatic School, run by Howard Edie, appear in 1903, when the Kadina-based organisation opened a branch in Moonta. (6 June 1903, p. 2)

A hot air balloon demonstration by the Beebe Balloon Company at the Moonta showgrounds in 1911, sponsored by the owners of Viceroy Tea, was more successful than a visit in 1909 when the balloon could not be inflated. The 1911 demonstration saw the balloon land in Ryan Street, close to the People's weekly office, which brought down the telegraph lines, so that for a few days Moonta was without telegraphic communication. (4 March 1911, p. 3) Captain Harry Butler flew to Kadina in October 1921, taking aerial flights. (1 October 1921, p. 2) In 1934 John Martin's and Co., the Adelaide department store, flew Father Christmas to Moonta, where his assistant took orders for an inaugural shopping service. (24 November 1934, p. 2, advertisement p. 3)

In late 1911 much was made of sightings of the 'Moonta tiger.' Farmers near Tipara and Warburton saw tracks and a large animal. However casts of footprints sent to the South Australian Museum were confirmed as being those of a large dog. (21 October 1911, p. 2; 28 October 1911, p. 2 and 5 November 1911, p. 2)

In 1931 there was a local outcry when the South Australian Transport Board moved on an earlier decision to replace the old horse trams running to Moonta Bay and around the suburbs. There were many letters to the newspaper lamenting the loss, (7 March 1931, p. 3) as well as a petition to the government. (11 April 1931, p. 2) The trams had been running for over 40 years, Renshaw recorded in his column. (16 May 1931, p. 2)

In 1956 Poliomyelitis was first mentioned in the People's weekly, with a prominent article describing precautions that should be taken. (6 July 1956, p. 4) A mobile unit giving free vaccinations visited Moonta in 1958. (31 October 1958, p. 1)

Tourism From 1935 tourism is mentioned specifically in the People's weekly.

Caravaning and camping are yearly becoming more popular in Australia. Port Hughes and Moonta Bay are seldom without its [sic] campers in season, who have motored from the city and other parts. (16 March 1935, p. 2)

In 1935 there was talk of putting a shark-proof fence up at Moonta Bay before the arrival of the increasing numbers of summer visitors. (2 November 1935, p. 2) From the 1950s tourism quickly grew, with 200 caravans at Moonta Bay over the 1956 Easter week-end, and attendance at a band concert swelled to 4,000. (6 April 1956, p. 2) By the summer of 1964/65 there were calls for better facilities for campers at Moonta Bay, with descriptions of the doorless showers, which were in any case locked from 10 am to 5 pm every day. (15 January 1965, p. 2)

Women There are many references to woman from the earliest issues of the newspaper. Perhaps most often these are in connection with the Methodist women's guild. A letter to the editor from 'Husband' in 1926, complaining about how ridiculous his wife looked with her hair cut short and 'bobbed,' brought a not unexpected outcry by return correspondence. (26 June 1926, p. 2) In the early 1950s a 'Strictly for the Girls' column began, largely providing home hints.

Editorial content The People's weekly was not as outspoken as the Kadina and Wallaroo times. However there was a strong stance taken against alcohol and gambling, especially in the earlier decades of its publication. (6 September 1902, p. 2) During a state referendum aimed at limiting the licensing of local hotels, in February 1906, a small newsletter, the Local optionreformer, appeared as a supplement to the Weekly. The editors of these newsletters were DC Harris and TR Bawden. The 'Moonta Local Option League' published the newsletter, and arranged for Sir Frederick Holder to visit Moonta and speak about the evils of drink. (10 February 1906, p. 3) 'The other side' was then put by the Chairman of the South Australian Brewing Company. (17 February 1906, p. 3) Across the state, the final vote was in favour of a reduction in the number of hotels in every South Australian electorate except Adelaide. The Weekly's editor wrote,

In Adelaide, perhaps more than anywhere else, a reduction of public houses was most needed ... the inhabitants of the 'Queen city,' have made themselves a by-word and a laughing stock of all and sundry. (24 February 1906, p. 2)

This newsletter was revived in March 1910, when a second referendum was held on the same subject. It was then editted by the local Methodist minister, AH Melbourne, with TR Bawden. In 1916 the Moonta Town Council lodged a protest against 'wet canteens' in military training camps. (22 January 1916, p. 2) Throughout the war there was a strong prohibition campaign at Moonta. (20 October 1917, p. 3; 2 November 1918, p. 2)

From this time, and for most of the life of the newspaper, there is little strong editorial voice. In 1963 CJG Ellis signed an editorial drawing attention to ongoing 'misunderstanding' between the Moonta Town Council and the Port Hughes Foreshore Committee, and calling on the Council to recognise the work of the Port Hughes group. (5 April 1963, p. 3)

Renshaw's ramblings A contributor named Renshaw wrote a regular column for the People's weekly from July 1927. His commentary covered a variety of topics. In the years before the Second World War he took a more philosophical line. From the period of the Second World War, the writer included news of local people and obituaries. The column was suspended from December 1944 until June 1945, and again in 1947. From the 1950s the column wass only occasionally published. It ceased in October 1960.

Photographs A dark photograph of the West Torrens Football Club was published in 1903, prior to the team playing a combined Yorke Peninsula team at Moonta in 1903. (6 June 1903, p. 2) Photos of individual Adelaide footballers also appear. (30 May 1903, p. 3) In 1905 an advertisment appears for a series of post cards published by the People's weekly, depicting the Tipara lighthouse, Moonta Bay jetty, and other local views. (15 April 1905, p. 1) One of the Weekly's competitors, the Plain dealer, had published a series of post cards in 1904. In 1912 fashion photographs occasionally appeared. Photographs depicting the latest hats were captioned, 'Freaks of fashion, what may be expected to be seen in Moonta shortly.' (27 July 1912, p. 1) Most photographs in the Weekly - as was generally the case with newspapers of the period - were in advertisements, particularly film advertisements, or syndicated articles about the stars. Photographs also appeared in election advertisements, particularly from the late 1920s. Advertising for the second visit of 'the Great McEwen,' a hypnotist, included a photograph. (26 July 1919, p. 2) Similarly, advertising for visiting evangelists Chandler and Clay included photographs. (17 January 1920, p. 3)

For the 1927 'Back to Moonta' celebrations, a double page supplement was produced containing historic photographs, and photographs of the current 'queens,' and the mayor. (24 September 1927) A series of unclear old photographs labelled 'Peeps into the past,' were published from late 1927, into 1928. When the local member, RS Richards, was elected Premier in 1933, his photograph was published. (25 February 1933, p. 2)

In the 1950s photographs relating to news items such as a Shell Field Day at Kadina began being published. (28 March 1958, p. 3) A photograph of local men atttending a Citizen Military Forces camp at Port Augusta a year later, appears, (15 May 1959, p. 4) as well as a photograph from a performance of Aladdin at the Moonta Town Hall. (14 August 1959, p. 3) A photograph of the new Council chambers appears the same year. (30 October 1959, p. 1) The Moonta centenary celebrations held in May 1961 saw the newspaper filled with photographs of the events, as well as historical photographs, over many months. In the last years of the newspaper, photographs of local events were often published.

Cartoons 'The trials and tribulations of a cadet,' drawn anonymously, includes reference to the Moonta Turks Football Club and also to the recent balloon ascent in the town, but may have been an adaptation of a cartoon from elsewhere. (6 July 1912, p. 2) Between August and October of that year several cartoons depicting local councillors including Mayor Nankivell, William Stocker, and tree-cutting councillors Curnow, Learmond and Lawry, appear. None are signed, but one at least is the work of Oswald Pryor. Professional cartoons by South Australian-born artist Will Donald also appeared at this time, but may have been copied from other journals. A signed Oswald Pryor cartoon appears in 1922, depicting Moonta Mayor, William Stocker and referring to local council issues. (19 August 1922, p. 3) Unsigned cartoons, also possibley by Pryor, appear in June 1928.

Ownership The newspaper was founded by Thomas Walter Franklin Stratton, and the first editor was the Anglican minister, the Rev. S. Moncrieff. He resigned in October 1891, following charges of excessive corporal punishment in his church school. (29 November 1890, p. 2; 10 October 1891, p. 2) In November 1893 Stratton moved to Adelaide and his printing and newspaper business was taken over by two of his employees, John Thomas Hicks and RJ Hughes. (25 November 1893, p. 2) The partners ran the newspaper until 1946. (3 May 1957, p. 2) From this time, Hugh Hughes and CJG Ellis were the proprietors. In August 1955 a modern linotype machine was introduced. (16 December 1955, p. 3) In April 1957 John Hicks died. From this time the paper was run by CJG and TF Ellis. In 1962 CJG Ellis is named as editor. (5 April 1963, p. 3)

Pryor, Oswald