AustLit

'THE first number of a new weekly journal is now presented to the colonists of Western Australia. It comes forward with the purpose of advocating their interests with fidelity and zeal; in doing which it will not become the partizan of any single class, but will endeavour to view every question that is mooted in the broadest light, with reference to the weal of the community at large...' Editorial, 1 October 1863.

The newspaper continued to 29 September 1864 when it was annouced that an 'alliance having been contracted between the Perth Gazette and W. A. Times the latter will, from this date, become merged in the older journal ...' It was hoped that the merger would 'end .. all rivalry and difficulty' and extend advertising revenue, as advertisers '[i]nspired with the happy consciousness that they are no longer called to advertise in both, ... will cultivate the advertising spirit within them to the fullest extent, and pour forth their favours upon that organ which now combines the extensive circulation enjoyed by either journal singly.' (Editorial, 29 September 1864)