'The Stanley Comet' Rediscovered

Penguin News, February 2004

A Newspaper, more than a century old, has been unearthed from the files at St. Mary's Church.  one edition (Vol.1, No.IV, 2nd edition) is dated March 20, 1903, although 'The Stanley Comet', claiming to be, "... the oldest established newspaper in these Islands" with the, "... largest circulation in the Colony", was established in 1901.

Set on A3 sized paper the missive has the look of a modern day tabloid and in some respects the content is similar, although the style of writing differs somewhat.  For the price of one shilling, readers were treated to a personal column, notices, correspondence, odds and ends, social notes and a ladies column.

An answer to an unpublished query sent to agony aunt of the time, Miss M Willis, reads, "I wish I could write privately on this subject, but our rules are so very strict that I cannot.  However, you may take it from me that though they are not meant to shew, you never know when they may be seen, and therefore it is essential that they should be nice.  No girl likes to think she is not prepared for any eventuality.  nothing denotes want of care so much as anything like 'concertinas'."

No clear indication is given as to what delicate article the correspondent refers, but we at 'Penguin News' wonder what sort of problems we would be dealing with were we to offer a similar service to our readers.

In the 'Personal' section of the paper, the illness and consequent recovery of several dignitaries is covered, also the arrival and departure of families from the Islands.  

Under the same heading appeared the following: "Stanley has for some time been looked upon as a splendid health resort for those who are suffering from the heat of Buenos Aires.  We now learn that more than one of our late visitors has discovered other benefits to be derived from a visit to us.  The ladies have purchased millinery, at comparatively low rates, which will excite the admiration of their friends, and their husbands had suits of clothes built for them which they declare ridiculously cheap and excellent value.  Is a new industry springing up in our midst, and are we to become a Paris for the citizens of Buenos Aires?"

The Falkland Club was alive and well even then as, "... the billiard handicap recently held, was won by Mr H. Shires, who plays a very pretty game."

Published in Penguin News on 13 February 2004 and reproduced with the kind permission of the Editor.

Introduction, Brief History, Timeline, 1982 Articles, 1982 Timeline, 1982 Documents, Articles, Agreements, UN Resolutions
HOME, FACT FILE, BACKGROUND, HISTORY, NOTICE BOARD, BOOKS, LINKS

Site Designed and Maintained by eb-host.com