Brothers James, Fred and Alfred Hales, published several small newspapers in the 1890s and 1900s. The earliest seems to have been the Standard in 1893, edited by Alfred Hales. In 1896 the Mining review and investors guide was published by James and Fred Hales. Both newspapers appeared during a period of gold exploration in Western Australia. The single surviving issue of the Mining review is little more than a collection of prospectuses for various mining ventures, and various associated businesses. 'Hales Brothers' were sharebrokers in Freeman Street, clearly with investments in these ventures and probably simply used the 'newspaper' as a promotional and advertising medium for their business, possibly also doing commercial printing on the side. The single issue of the newspaper held by the State Library was originally placed under the foundation stone of G.Wood and Son's buildings on North Terrace.