[Editor: This letter to the editor was published in the The Sydney Morning Herald, 14 June 1905. The writer contends that Pedro Fernandez de Quiros (whose surname was also spelt “Queiros”) named Australia, however, it was the New Hebrides that he named “Austrialia del Espiritu … [Read more...] about Who named Australia? [letter to the editor, 14 June 1905]
letters to the editor
The Chinese and the diggers at the Rocky River [letter to the editor, 3 August 1861]
[Editor: A letter from a miner, regarding problems between European and Chinese miners at the Rocky River goldfield. Published in The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser, 3 August 1861.] The Chinese and the diggers at the Rocky River. To the Editors of … [Read more...] about The Chinese and the diggers at the Rocky River [letter to the editor, 3 August 1861]
Winter practice [genesis of Australian Rules football, 10 July 1858]
[Editor: A letter, from Tom Wills, which is regarded as the impetus for the creation of Australian Rules football. Published in Bell’s Life in Victoria and Sporting Chronicle, 10 July 1858.] Winter practice. To the Editor of Bell’s Life in Victoria. Sir, — Now that … [Read more...] about Winter practice [genesis of Australian Rules football, 10 July 1858]
Wattle Day [letter from Agnes L. Kettlewell, 31 August 1910]
[Editor: This letter from Agnes L. Kettlewell (nee Storrie) regarding Wattle Day and the Wattle Day League was published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 31 August 1910.] Wattle Day. As secretary and one of the original conveners of the Wattle Day League, it has been my duty … [Read more...] about Wattle Day [letter from Agnes L. Kettlewell, 31 August 1910]
Federation letters: Appeal by the Premier and the Treasurer [3 June 1898]
[Editor: A letter from Charles Cameron Kingston (the Premier of South Australia) and Frederick William Holder (the Treasurer of SA) regarding the proposed federation of the colonies of Australia. Published in The Advertiser, 3 June 1898.] Federation letters. Appeal by the … [Read more...] about Federation letters: Appeal by the Premier and the Treasurer [3 June 1898]
Letter from Hell: Jim O’Hea on chats [6 November 1917]
[Editor: A letter from an Australian soldier, during the First World War. Published in The Forbes Advocate, 6 November 1917.] Letter from Hell Jim O’Hea on chats. Once again our friend Jim O’Hea writes us, this time from this address: Somewhere in Hell, But fine … [Read more...] about Letter from Hell: Jim O’Hea on chats [6 November 1917]
An unkind suggestion [letter to the editor, 17 February 1885]
[Editor: A tongue-in-cheek letter regarding Australia’s military contribution to Great Britain’s war in the Sudan. Published in The South Australian Advertiser, 17 February 1885.] An unkind suggestion. To the Editor. Sir — The burning patriotism of Australia is worthy … [Read more...] about An unkind suggestion [letter to the editor, 17 February 1885]
That promoted song [re. “Advance Australia Fair”, 8 December 1943]
[Editor: Some letters to a newspaper, both for and against the playing of “Advance Australia Fair” in movie theatres and on the radio. Published in The Argus (Melbourne), 8 December 1943.] That promoted song Sir: I have read with mixed feelings letters of criticism … [Read more...] about That promoted song [re. “Advance Australia Fair”, 8 December 1943]
Capital punishment [letter to the editor, 5 May 1939]
[Editor: A letter to the editor from the Rev. W. R. McEwen, in support of capital punishment. Published in The Frankston and Somerville Standard, 5 May 1939.] Capital punishment. (To the Editor.) Sir, — I appreciate your paper with its independent outlook, its sense of … [Read more...] about Capital punishment [letter to the editor, 5 May 1939]
To the colonists of Victoria [letter from Peter Lalor, 7 April 1855]
[Editor: A letter from Peter Lalor, leader of the Eureka rebellion at Ballarat in 1854, regarding the battle of the Eureka Stockade and related matters. Published in The Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer, 7 April 1855. The letter was also published in several other newspapers … [Read more...] about To the colonists of Victoria [letter from Peter Lalor, 7 April 1855]
Australian nationalism [letter to the editor, 23 June 1906]
[Editor: This letter to the editor was published in The Barrier Miner, 23 June 1906.] Australian nationalism To the Editor. Sir, — Fifty or sixty years ago Charles Reade wrote “It’s Never Too Late to Mend,” and I think it was in that work that he told of a glorious … [Read more...] about Australian nationalism [letter to the editor, 23 June 1906]
Vern’s last letter [15 January 1855]
[Editor: A letter from Frederick Vern, one of the leading figures in the Eureka Rebellion. Published in The Age, 15 January 1855.] Vern’s last letter The following letter — the last written in these colonies by the now celebrated Vern — has been sent to us for … [Read more...] about Vern’s last letter [15 January 1855]
The Australian Flag [letter, 29 August 1913]
[Editor: A letter from an office-bearer of the Australian Natives’ Association regarding the Australian flag. Published in The West Australian, 29 August 1913.] The Australian Flag. To the Editor. Sir, — In reply to “Bunting’s” inquiry, (1) How many stars are now on … [Read more...] about The Australian Flag [letter, 29 August 1913]
The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
[Editor: This was a letter composed by Ned Kelly in 1879, intended for publication in Victorian newspapers.] [Background: The Jerilderie Letter, dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne, has been described as Ned Kelly’s “manifesto”, and gives a detailed account of Ned’s relations … [Read more...] about The Jerilderie letter [by Ned Kelly, 1879]
The gold discovery [letter, 5 May 1851]
[Editor: This letter was published in The Sydney Morning Herald (Sydney, NSW), 5 May 1851. The author of this letter counters the assertion that Edward Hargraves was the discoverer of gold in Australia. Indeed, it is true that gold was previously found in Australia; however, … [Read more...] about The gold discovery [letter, 5 May 1851]
The present status of Australian literature [letter from Grant Hervey, 25 September 1913]
[Editor: A letter from Grant Hervey regarding Australian literature; and mentioning his book of poetry, Australians Yet and Other Verses. Published in The Worker (Brisbane), 25 September 1913.] The present status of Australian literature. To the Editor. Sir, — The … [Read more...] about The present status of Australian literature [letter from Grant Hervey, 25 September 1913]
An Aboriginal state [15 April 1926]
[Editor: This letter is from the “Notes & queries” column of the The Register.] An Aboriginal state From T. P. Bellchambers:— With regard to a black State for the aborigines, we were given to understand that there would be no attempt made to intermingle strange tribes, but … [Read more...] about An Aboriginal state [15 April 1926]
Australian writers upheld [letter, 30 June 1941]
[Editor: A letter from Ian Mudie in defence of Australian literature, and referring to Rex Ingamells. Ian Mudie and Rex Ingamells were leading figures in the Jindyworobak cultural movement. Published in The Advertiser, 30 June 1941.] Australian writers upheld “Ignorant … [Read more...] about Australian writers upheld [letter, 30 June 1941]