Friday, March 1, 2024

JOHN BIRD STORMER

John Bird Stormer, 1872
Source: SLNSW

John Bird Stormer married Isabell in Melbourne in 1869 (VIC BDM 1349/1869). They had one child, also named John Bird Stormer (NSW BDM 15908/1877). The child died in 1877, aged 1 day), and was buried in the C of E section of the Gulgong Cemetery the following day.
Isabell died in 1883 (NSW BDM 4280/1883) aged 41 and John Bird Stormer died in Beecroft in 1896 (NSW BDM 11484/1896) aged 60.

 
Shingle-roofed, rendered house with veranda of John Bird Stormer, Argus owner, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW

... one of the best houses in Gulgong in 1872, with its shingle roof and imitation stone cladding. It was in Belmore Street directly opposite the Argus newspaper office, of which Stormer was the owner. Stormer is on the left of the photo and his dog performs for the camera. [See other dogs of the Holtermann Collection here.]
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)

Stormer's House, from Gulgong panorama
Source: SLNSW

In this extract from one part of the panorama of Gulgong taken from the top of Church Hill, Stormer's house can be seen fronting onto Belmore Street, not far from its intersection with Herbert Street. The house is located on Allotment 6 of Section 14 which Stormer purchased for £5 on 25 March 1875. The house was built on this block at least 2 years prior to the land purchase. Stormer also purchased land uphill and across the road from this block (Allotment 5 of Sec 21) in 1873.


Two Belmore Street properties
Source: SLNSW Map

Argus Newspaper & General Machine Printing Office, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW

John Bird Stormer, the owner, is fourth from the left, and the editor, George Dunmore Lang, is sixth from the left. The dog in the man's arms, left, belongs to Stormer. It can also be seen in the photograph of Stormer's house. The Argus newspaper started in April 1874 and became Gulgong's third newspaper, but it outlasted its opposition by more than two years. 
Source:  Information partly supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)

NEWS ITEMS

1864 - [BAILIFF]
HIS Honor the Judge of the Southern District, has appointed Mr. John Bird Stormer, to be Bailiff of the District Court at Young; such appointment to date from the 1st February, 1864.
By order of the Court, J. R. EDWARDS, Registrar.
Court House, Young, 28th January, 1864.

1869 - MARRIAGE
STORMER-BROWNE.—On the 4th inst., at St Peter's, by the Rev. H. H. P. Handfield, John B. Stormer, of Young, N. S. W., to Isabel, second daughter of Mr. T. Browne, late deputy superintendent of Tasmans Peninsula. Tasmanian and Sydney papers please copy.

1869 - MARRIAGE
STORMER—BROWNE.—On May 4, at Melbourne, John B. Stormer, of Young, N.S.W., to Isabel, second daughter of Mr. T. Browne, late Deputy Superintendent of Tasman's Peninsula.
Source: Launceston Examiner (Tas. : 1842 - 1899) Thu 20 May 1869 Page 2

1871 - THE " GULGONG ARGUS."
We have received a first copy of this journal. It is a double demy sheet, well printed; and apparently carefully edited. The terms of subscription are very low, and if the character of the first issue is borne out by future ones, it will be, for a provincial paper, a marvel of cheapness. Its proprietor is Mr. J. B. Stormer, and most of our readers will join with us in wishing him success in his new enterprise.
Source: The Burrangong Argus (NSW : 1865 - 1913) Sat 16 Dec 1871 Page 2

1872 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Wanted - A good Mining and General Reporter. Apply J.B. Stormer Argus Office.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 68, 10 April 1872

1872 - Advance Gulgong.
Will be shortly published the first number of ‘The Daily Argus’ - J B Stormer .- Price 1d.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 71, 20 April 1872

1872 - Daily Journal at Gulgong. 
We observe that the enterprising proprietor of the Gulgong Argus has commenced the issue of that journal in the form of a penny evening daily, and, to judge from the first number now lying before us, the speculation would appear to promise most successfully.
To the Gulgong Argus will belong the credit of being the first evening daily published in the colony out of the metropolis. The proprietor is Mr. J. B. Stormer, formerly well known in connection with the Burrangong Argus.

1872 - Gulgong School of Arts
On Monday evening a meeting of the friends and subscribers of the School of Arts was held at Selff’s
hotel... [Stormer was among the subscribers].
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 102, 7 August 1872

1872 - Police Court – Small Debts
Stormer v Foreman: £6/3/6, advertising for the Cricket club, VFA.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 121, 122 October 1872

1872 - More Town Talk.
I have often heard that “time is money”, but Mr. J. B. Stormer applies it in a new sense when he tells his debtors so. Every man – followers of thespian, and promoters of mining companies included – should pay the printer; but many think that this most useful citizen can live jolly on waste paper and ink, but it seem that J.B.S. will enlighten many on that point; for he says he is determined to make them acquainted with the mysteries of the “little go” if they are not punctual in paying. Doubtless everybody will spare his feelings and their cash, and let him leave our midst a happy man.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 121, 122 October 1872

1873 - Sale of Race Booths
At the Auction conducted by Plunkett and Co. for the right to the Grand Stand and six other booths for the approaching Turf Club Races, the competition was not lively...
Mr. Stormer bought the right to print the official race card, for £7/5/-, who intends supplying a book and not a paltry card, in a style hitherto unknown in these parts. We hope his enterprise will meet its reward.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 180, 7 May 1873

1873 - CORRESPONDENCE
[This is part of an answer to an accusation that the "Fete at Homer’s Paddock a few months since should have realised over £300". The accuser, Lost Guinea, was thought to be Mr Tebbutt].
Had ‘Lost Guinea’ looked at the Guardian or Argus of the 8th February, he would have seen that the sum of £127/9/6 was handed over to the Hospital and acknowledged and certified as correct by Messrs. J. B. Stormer and J. McDonald.
I forward you this, Mr. Editor that the public may not be deceived by the statement made by ‘Lost Guinea’ in the Mercantile Advertiser, it being only an imagination of the brain not borne out by facts.
Yours etc., - H. BEAL.
Source: Gulgong Guardian, Issue No 193, 21 June 1873

1873 - [TRUSTEES]
...Trustees of the land at Gulgong, dedicated for a Church of England Church:—
Messrs. Thomas Alexander Browne,
Lester Stuart Donaldson, and
John Bird Stormer.

1873 - [VEGETATION]
On Tuesday morning it commenced raining heavily, and continued without intermission throughout the the day. The rain was not particularly needed, but will do no harm. Vegetation of all kinds is rapidly coming forward and the season bids fair to be a fruitful one. I was shown some full-grown peas fit for table use, this morning, the product of the garden of Mr. J. B. Stormer, Belmore-street. They were sown in the middle of April and have come to maturity, thus early, showing the carefulness of cultivation, salubrity of climate and good season.

1873 - [LAND PURCHASE]
IT is hereby notified, that the persons mentioned hereunder will be permitted to purchase, under the 8th clause of the Crown Lands Alienation Act of 1861, the portions of improved land specified against their respective names.
  • John Bird Stormer - Allotment 5, Sec 21 [on Belmore Street] - purchased for £5/8

1874 - [LIBEL]
An action for libel brought by Mr Abraham Moses against Mr J. B. Stormer, of the 'Gulgong Evening Argus,' has resulted in a nonsuit.

1874 - [ADVERTISEMENT]

For Sale

Strawberry plants  

J. B. STORMER  

agent for Menangle Nursery,  

at Argus Office.


Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, March 24 1874

1874 - Libel Case 
At the Mudgee District Court, this morning in the case of Moses v Stormer, a verdict given in favour of plaintiff for fifty pounds. We understand the defendant intends moving for a new trial.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 9 1874

1874 - Mudgee Court
We extracted the following report of the case tried at the last sitting of the above court.
Libel
A Moses v J. B. Stormer—this was an action to recover two hundred pounds for an alleged libel published in the Gulgong Evening Argus, 1st December 1873 as follows:-
‘There are various ways of doing business, depending much upon the intellectual and moral worth of the parties engaged. Some ways are honest, some are dishonest and others are queer, while some again maybe be pronounced shady, the indistinct and perishable hue. I go round advertising my own goods in an indirect way by speaking contemptuously of the goods of others, although I have in my heart that the latter are vastly superior both in quality and price to my own. I sample a rival’s hogshead of spirits for instance and rush to the door as if I were poisoned, exclaiming with all grimace of a Red Indian ‘Ugh’ poison by the sacred Talmud. Where in the name of Moses did you get that rubbish? I’d rather give 30 shillings for my spirits than fifteen bob for that!’
A certain person in this town of the wine and spirit persuasion does his business in this style. It is very uncharitable to say the least and very contemptible. But the dodge is very transparent. In the town and on the leads beyond it, this sly dispenser of poison, for his is none of the best, being watered and fired on the premises, prosecutes his nefarious calling, endeavouring to extort an order by maligning his honest rivals. But, as I said before, the dodge won’t work; and I would recommend him to go to Currajong and try his little game there, where he is not T. W. K. As for another member of the family, who has been branded already, he had better make tracks to Goulburn and invest in a pub. He is better fitted for the bar than the bench, I know and so say all of us.’
Dr. Belinfante instructed by Mr. Johnson appeared for the plaintiff and Mr. Isaacs instructed by Mr. Dunn for the defendant. The plaintiff was examined by Dr. Belinfante and pointed out certain portions of this article which he believed referred to him and Messrs. Plunkett, Booth and Selff also gave evidence to the effect that they believed that the plaintiff was libelled by certain portions of the publication. All the witnesses were cross examined by Mr. Isaacs at considerable length.
Mr. Isaacs said he would not, on consideration, call any evidence for the defence. It had been stated by the counsel for the plaintiff that a custom of making innuendos that had risen in that Court, but it was justifiable to do so under certain circumstances, innuendos being most important. [The retract from the Argus containing the alleged libel was here read by the learned counsel, sentence by sentence, who commented upon each seriatim.] The plaint in this case must have drawn up by a self-centred, nervously-irritable and intellectually weak person, not by a professional man, and the innuendoes set forth in it were absurd. Plaintiff had never been put into the witness box to swear that the word alleged to be libellous justified the innuendos set forth in the plaint, and if he [plaintiff] had any regard for an oath, he could not swear. Because the Talmud was referred to, the plaintiff had selected himself from among the whole of the Jewish race as the person to whom it referred. He is the definite articles of humanity and in the maelstrom of his all-absorbing vanity had applied it to himself. Because the words ‘holy Moses’ had been used, where were as common as the celebrated Anglo-Saxon expletive beginning with a d---,], plaintiff had graciously chosen to say that they referred to him. He could only say that there was but one word in the English language strong enough to characterise such an assumption; that word he could not use in Court, but it consisted of three letters, began with an l and ended with an e. Not even a real Red Indian could seem offended by the reference to a “Red Indian” which the paragraph in the Argus contained; and bit even the great Moses himself, the statesman, poet philosopher and prophet could feel that the term ‘holy Moses’ contained any reproach, let alone the plaintiff in that case. Why the fact was that Moses’s were as plentiful as noses, and why should the slander refer especially to Abraham Moses the plaintiff.
His Honor summing up felt that the innuendos did refer to the plaintiff and assessed the damage at fifty pounds and with expenses for five witnesses.
Dr. Belinfante applied for an increased fee which his Honor granted.
Mr. Isaacs then gave notice of his intention to move for a new trial.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 11 1874

1874 - Death 
On the 19th instant, of consumption, at the residence of her parents, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Annie Elizabeth, fifth daughter of Mr. T. Browne and beloved sister of Mrs. J. B. Stormer [Isabel].
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 11 1874

1874 - Hospital Meeting 
This meeting was attended by Messrs. Cairnes, Donaldson, Bird, Plunkett Collins and Driscoll at the Warburton Hotel.
The Treasurer announced that the sum of 500 pounds had been voted by Parliament for the Gulgong Hospital on the usual terms.
A vote of thanks to Messrs, Henry Tebbutt, F. S. Osborne, Charles Bird and John B. Stormer for the books and papers donated to the hospital for the use of the patients.
The following accounts were paid to:- O’Neill Bros, Sharman, Sheen, Shubert, Lyons, Collins, Vegetables, Stormer, Bird, Lewis, Bennett.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, June 9 1874

1874 - Hospital Meeting
A committee meeting was held at the Warburton Hotel, Mr. Plunkett in the chair. ...
The grounds within the closure have been planted with fruit trees, most of which have been present by Mr. Stormer.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 18 1874

1874 - [FOOTNOTE]
John B. Stormer is the Proprietor of the Home Rule Chronicle
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 27 1874

1874 - Court of Requests
Donaldson and Ewington Presiding Magistrates
Stormer v S. Wilton—trading as Wilton and son, debt for advertising, verdict for plantiff.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, October 15 1874

1874 - Presbyterian Tea Meeting 
This was one of the finest gathering ever witnessed on Gulgong. The neat little building was decorated with flags and boughs with the greatest taste. The flowers were something gorgeous
and we never thought such a display could come from the gardens of Gulgong. The following ladies were responsible for the tables: Misses Lachlan and Nightingale, Mesdames Stormer, Brown, Collins, Hall, Morris and McLennan. The little people enjoyed themselves under the care of Mrs Clover and Mr and Mrs Curtis. The choir in fined form sang the anthems in excellent style.
Miss Taylor sang, Mrs Curtis played the harmonium. John McLachlan in the chair, Mr. Trevor and Rev Youngman gave an address. Mr. Curtis, pastor stated that the church was in a most satisfactory condition.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, October 15 1874

1874 - Hospital Annual Meeting 
Held at the at Driscoll’s Hotel, T A Browne in the chair. He had thought that the interest in the hospital was languishing, but he was proud to see that during the past few months some large donations had been made, showing that the doners were not unmindful of the valuable services the Gulgong Hospital rendered to their fellow brothers.
Treasurers Report: The secretary said, owing to the absence of Mr Donaldson, he could only read the report. Moved Plunkett, 2nd Scully, that the report be held over until audited, carried.
Annual Report: Messrs Stewart, Stacy, Cairnes and Donaldson had resigned during the year. Trees donated by T A Browne and J B Stormer had been planted in the grounds.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, October 15 1874

1874 - Improved Land 
It is notified that the undermentioned person will be permitted to purchase the following portions of improved lands situate in the village of Gulgong. The purchase money must be paid to the Colonial Treasury, Sydney, within three months from the day of this notice [9th February 1875] under a penalty of an addition to the appraised value of 10 per cent and if that increased price is not paid within a further period of three months, the claim to purchase will lapse and the land will be brought to auction:-
  • John Bird Stormer, 1 rood, allotment 6, section 14, 6 pounds;
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, February 13 1875

1875 - Subscription List 
The Treasurer of the Presbyterian Church, Gulgong, acknowledges with thanks receipt of the following towards lessening the debt on the Manse, collected by Rev T J Curtis:- ...
  • STORMER J B
ALEX McCULLOCH Treasurer Gulgong April 3 1875
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 6 1875

1875 - Progress Committee
Held their weekly meeting at Green’s Hotel, Christopher Young in the chair. ...Messrs Green, Dennis; Beal and Stormer were admitted as members.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 29 1875

1875 - Fire Brigade 
Good attendance at the meeting. Mr Stormer to have the job of printing the rules. Present Messrs Samper, Haines, Beal, Halliday, Molloy, Scully, Mosburg. Big discussion on what sort of cap the brigade should have and much discussion on the bell, some thought the school bell could be rung for the fires and others thought the brigade should have their own bell and they adjourned the meeting and all went home, till next time.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, May 11 1875

1875 - COURT OF REQUEST
Stormer v King, Bird and Blow —Printing and Advertising, 3 pounds. Defendants are proprietors of the Circus. They left without paying. Summons was issued and a man dispatched on horseback and caught the smart gentlemen 20 miles this side of Dubbo. Verdict for the amount claimed and one guinea for mileage and costs.
Tuxford v King, Bird and Blow—this was for forage. Same sort of case as above, when Mr Tuxford asked for payment, he was politely informed that he would be thrown over the fence for daring to ask for payment. Verdict for plaintiff and the Dubbo Bailiff will be paying his respects to these young men in the morning.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, May 13 1875

1875 - Church of England Tea Meeting 
This meeting, in aid of the Stipend fund, was held in the church building, numerous attended. The tables were furnished by the following ladies, Mesdames, Newton, Plunkett, Bird, Langdon, Heard and Stormer...
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, June 22 1875

1875 - Lost 
A cheque for 34/6 drawn by J B Stormer on the Oriental Bank, Gulgong, payable to No 223. Payment stopped. Reward J HOLMES, Argus Office.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, July 17 1875

1875 - Camellias
A few choice camellias will arrive in a few days. Apply to J B Stormer.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, July 31 1875

1875 - Dissolution of Partnership
The Partnership existing between the undersigned Chemists and Druggist etc., of Home Rule has this day expired. Signed HENRY K WHITE—ALEX McCULLOCH
Witness John B Stormer
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 7, 1875

1875 - Amateur Entertainment 
This affair came off at the Prince of Wales Opera House last evening and was very liberally patronised by the public. ...Mr John Scully returned many thanks to the Mudgee and Gulgong amateurs, Mr Stormer, Mr Cogdon and the general public for their support of the Fire Brigade.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 19, 1875

1876 - Death 
On February 5th at his residence, George Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne after a long painful illness, Thomas Browne aged 65 years; the father of Mrs J B Stormer of Gulgong.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, February 19, 1876

1876 - Hospital
Meeting held at Mrs Powell’s Star Hotel Wednesday last, T A Browne in the chair, letter received from R C Plunkett, Under Secretary, Minister of Justice, stated the Hospital election matters should be referred to, that the proper course would be to consult a legal adviser. Mr Booth chairman of the Investigation committee that the matter should be published. 2nd Mr Young. Heard moved that it should only be published in the papers that the subscribers thought proper. Collins 2nd. Mr Plunkett thought it should be kept to themselves and it only affected the subscribers and should only be published in the Argus and moved an amendment: ‘That the report etc., be published in Gulgong Argus which he designated as the greatest paper in the world or at any rate one of the them. If they published it in any other journal but a local one it would be simply doing so as a matter vengeance.
When Mr Plunkett named the Gulgong Argus, several in the body of the hall hooted and yelled like a lot of demons let loose from the lower regions. Donaldson 2nd.
It was asked who would pay for same, if the subscribers insert the item they should pay for it. Mr Plunkett said perhaps Mr Stormer would insert in gratuitously; he had put in extracts he might as well insert this as other matter. 
When asked Mr Stormer said ‘No I will not.’
A voice—Did you thing he would? [Laughter]...
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, March 11, 1876

1876 - [CHURCH MEETING]
On Monday, the 21st, a meeting of the members of the Church of England was held at the Court, for the purpose of electing lay representatives for the Synod, and to take into consideration the best means of raising funds for the completion of the church... On Thursday, Messrs. Newton and Stormer made a canvass of the town, and succeeded in obtaining promises to near £200 additional...
Mr. A. McCulloch gave in his resignation as treasurer, and Mr. J. B. Stormer was elected.

1876 - For Sale 
Sewing Machine, for cash or weekly instalments. Very cheap. Apply JB Stormer, Argus Office
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 12, 1876

1876 - Acknowledgment 
The treasurer of the Gulgong Public Hospital begs to acknowledge with thanks the sum of 17 pounds from L S Donaldson Esq CPS being Police court fines for the quarter ending March 31, 1876
J B Stormer, Hon Treasurer
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, April 12, 1876

1876 - [NURSERY AGENT]
Those who require fruit trees for planting this season would do well to send their orders in good time to J B Stormer, Argus Office, who is the agent for the Menangle Nursery.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, June 7, 1876

1876 - Small Debts Court
Before the PM and LS Donaldson JP
• Stormer v Bennett—non suit granted.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, August 12, 1876

1876 - Runaway 
Yesterday afternoon a horse belonging to Messrs Woods & Co, storekeepers, attached to their spring cart, became restless and plunged so violently that he broke one of the shafts, then galloped down Herbert Street, and turned into Belmore street where the vehicle came in contact with the fence enclosing Mr Bird’s property and tore away some of the palings. The terrified animal continued its course along the footpath until it came to the paling fence opposite the residence of Mr Stormer, against which it came with such force as to overturn the dray, smashing in the front of it and completely destroying the harness. The horse which sustained no injury was here caught and prevented from doing further damage. We understand that a little girl was nearly run over, having continued running for sometime in front of the horse, however no one was injured.
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, September 23, 1876

1876 - [ADVERTISEMENT]
Gulgong Sewing Machine Agency—John B Stormer
Source: Gulgong Evening Argus, December 2, 1876

1877 - [BIRTH]
STORMER—March 2, Gulgong, Mrs. J. B. Stormer, of a son. (NSW BDM 15908/1877) [The child died the same year].
Source: The Sydney Mail and New South Wales Advertiser (NSW : 1871 - 1912) Sat 31 Mar 1877 Page 410

1877 - [GRIEF]
The friends of Mr. J. B. Stormer, the proprietor of the Gulgong Evening Argus, will regret to learn that he is now an inmate of the Mudgee Gaol undergoing treatment for lunacy He was sent here by an order of the Gulgong Bench, who considered the Mudgee Gaol as likely to afford more advantages for such successful treatment, and consequently a better chance of speedy recovery. It is believed that grief has been the principal agent in bringing about this mental affliction and it is to he hoped that his aberration of intellect is but temporary.
Source: Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870 - 1919) Sat 29 Sep 1877 Page 10

1877 - [END OF ARGUS]
Our local journal, the 'Gulgong Argus,' which had been established since 1871, closed its career on the 24th ultimo, the proprietor, Mr. J. B. Stormer, having determined to seek for fresh fields and pastures new, by starting a new paper in Dubbo.

1878 - [NEW TRUSTEE]
IT is hereby notified, for public information, that His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Executive Council, has been pleased to approve of the appointment of the undermentioned gentleman as a Trustee of the land at Gulgong, dedicated as the site for a Church of England Church, in the room of Mr. John Bird Stormer, who has resigned the Trust, viz.: —
Mr. Richard Rouse.

1883 - DEATH
STORMER—March 3, at her residence, 57, Pitt-street, Redfern, Isabel, the dearly beloved wife of John Bird Stormer, aged 41 years.

1884 - [PROPERTY SALE]
CROSSING and COX have been favoured with instructtions from the several owners, as under, to sell by auction, at the Land Sale Rooms, Mudgee, on FRIDAY, September 12th, 1884, The following valuable and varied properties:-
  • For Mr J.B Stormer - 2 roods. Belmore-street Gulgong, with two cottages and orchard.

1896 - DEATH
STORMER.—August 5, at his residence, Keithcote, Beecroft, John Bird Stormer, aged 60 years.
Source: The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Tue 18 Aug 1896 Page 1

1896 - DEATH OF Mr. J. B. Stormer.
The death is announced of Mr. John Bird Stormer, at Beecroft (Northern line), at the age of 60 years. Mr. Stormer was the proprietor and editor of a newspaper at Gulgong in the palmy days. The deceased also owned the Dubbo Express some years ago, and he will be remembered by many in these parts.
Source: The Dubbo Liberal and Macquarie Advocate (NSW : 1894 - 1954) Wed 2 Sep 1896 Page 4

1924 - JOHN BIRD STORMER
There was a short hiatus in the history of the paper. Then entered John Bird Stormer, as manager of the Dubbo Newspaper Co., and for a number of years this gentleman issued a tri-weekly under the name of the Dubbo "Express," first from Macquarie-street, later from a small office in Wingewarra street, not far from the corner of Macquarie street. Mr. Stormer and his company had an uphill battle to fight against their opponents, now long in the field, and, moreover, his content policy was at that time edited by one of the most brilliant journalists in the Colony—the late W. E. Morgan, whose writing and incisive comments, under the nom de guerre of "Will Honeycomb," published weekly, were sought for and eagerly read far beyond the confines of the then extensive "Dubbo District."
The Company eventually admitted that it was beaten in the journalistic Mingle and disposed of the paper to Mr. G. E. Cass, who calculated that he would triumph over his virile rival by the issue of the paper as a daily. Mr. Cass was, however, more of a politician and concertina player than a journalist and he too went to the wall. 

1938 - [RETROSPECTIVE]
[The proprietprs of two Hill End newspapers] did a good business until the celebrated Hawkins' Hill mines were worked out, and then hundreds of miners made to Gulgong, which was then in full swing. John Dunmore Lang was a wonderful writer, and was Editor of 'The Gulgong Daily Argus,' a paper owned by Mr. J. B. Stormer, who came to Gulgong from Young (Lambing Flat). 
Lang was a son of Rev. Dr. Lang, Presbyterian Minister of Scots Church, Sydney. After leaving Gulgong, the late Mr. Lang joined 'The Sydney Morning Herald.'
Source: The Wingham Chronicle and Manning River Observer (NSW : 1898 - 1954) Tue 6 Dec 1938 Page 2

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