The short-lived Western weekly news was a pioneer enterprise, sadly short-lived. Up until the beginning of the twentieth century the expanding communities of the Eyre Peninsula had no newspaper of their own. Residents relied on occasional references in newspapers published as far away as Port Augusta. With a population of almost 500 at Port Lincoln by 1902, as well as residents of the scattered farming communities and the smaller towns, it was time for a local press to be founded. So Thomas Borthwick, the local printer, began his newspaper.

Geographical coverage The aim of the newspaper was clearly to cover the whole of the Eyre Peninsula. News from Port Lincoln naturally occurs most often throughout various articles. A 'local' column contained news from the many small towns including Lipson, Streaky Bay, Coulta, Elliston, Tumby Bay, Yaranyacka, Ceduna, Stokes, Sheringa and Franklin Harbour. Some of these are only mentioned once in the issues held, with Streaky Bay and Franklin Harbour having more frequent news reports.

Frequency Despite the newspaper's title, the numbering suggests that it appeared irregularly and possibly at three-weekly intervals.

Church news There are several news reports for St Thomas' Anglican Church at Port Lincoln, with reports of an Autumn show (19 April 1902, p. 3) and a farewell presentation to the Rev. Mr Howard from the choir (26 July 1902, p. 1). One issue contains a church news column with news of the Anglican, Catholic and Methodist churches. (18 October 1902, p. 2)

Sport Sports reports include the Port Lincoln tennis championships (18 October 1902, p. 3), a report of the annual general meeting of the Port Lincoln Tennis and Golf Club (26 July 1902, p. 2) and various references to the town's cricket club.

Interesting In the issue of 18 October 1902, the Franklin Harbour correspondent refers to the completion of the dog-proof fence. (18 October 1902, p. 2)

Final issue The issue of 23 March 1904 held by the State Library, includes a hand written note stating it is the final issue. Some months later, the first issue of the Port Lincoln, Tumby and West Coast recorder (later titled simply, the West Coast recorder) refers to the existence of the Western weekly news, hoping that newspaper will "recognise the fact that, in the increasing prosperity of the West Coast, there is room for all, and that, in the best interests of the district, we must pull together." (Port Lincoln, Tumby and West Coast recorder, 22 July 1904, p. 2) The Recorder was a larger and more professionally produced newspaper, published by the experienced newspaper man, David Drysdale, and was to continue for many years after the Western weekly news ceased.

Borthwick, Andrew

Drysdale, David, 1845-1921

Port Lincoln, Tumby and west coast recorder (Port Lincoln, S. Aust.)

St Thomas' Anglican Church (Port Lincoln, S. Aust.)

'25 1/2 years ago,' West coast recorder, 13 February 1930, p. [21]

'Pioneer paper, Western weekly news copies on exhibition,' Port Lincoln times, 17 March 1933, p. 7