An advertisement for the first issue of this magazine appears in the Sydney Morning Herald on 2 May 1868: 8 and is repeated on 4 May 1868. Several days later, the Herald carries a further advertisement with the following appeal: 'Australians support the Aurora Australis, an Australian Magazine, by Australian Writers' (9 May 1868: 12).
The first (and perhaps only) issue of the magazine is noted in the Freeman's Journal on 16 May 1868: 2 with the following comment: 'Aurora Australis: Such is the title of an unpretending little publication, the first number of which lies before us. It purports to be a medium for the publication of those morceaux which our literati may throw off in their leisure hours, and we think such medium is fairly wanted.The contributions in the present number are rather weak, but beginnings are proverbially so, and it is too early yet to find fault. The magazine may be made useful and entertaining, and we hope it will be.'
On 13 May 1868, the Newcastle Chronicle also notes the inaugural issue. The Chronicle states that 'Mr. R. F. Pickering has commenced the publication of what promises to be an interesting magazine' (2).
A brief review of the first (and perhaps only) issue of the Aurora Australis. The review, in full, reads:
'Aurora Australis: Such is the title of an unpretending little publication, the first number of which lies before us. It purports to be a medium for the publication of those morceaux which our literati may throw off in their leisure hours, and we think such medium is fairly wanted.The contributions in the present number are rather weak, but beginnings are proverbially so, and it is too early yet to find fault. The magazine may be made useful and entertaining, and we it will be.'
A brief review of the first (and perhaps only) issue of the Aurora Australis. The review, in full, reads:
'Aurora Australis: Such is the title of an unpretending little publication, the first number of which lies before us. It purports to be a medium for the publication of those morceaux which our literati may throw off in their leisure hours, and we think such medium is fairly wanted.The contributions in the present number are rather weak, but beginnings are proverbially so, and it is too early yet to find fault. The magazine may be made useful and entertaining, and we it will be.'
