In November 1896, when William McIlwraith's partnership with S. W. Hartley ended, John Blair became joint proprietor of The Morning Bulletin with McIlwraith. When Blair died, the Dunn family, headed by Andrew Dunn (Snr) bought a controlling interest in the paper. Dunn installed his eldest son, Andrew Dunn (Jnr) as editor, and third son William Dunn as chief-of-staff. After WWII, Dunn's second son, James McIntyre Dunn became business manager.
'This paper draws on letters published weekly in ‘Uncle Sam’s Corner’, in Rockhampton’s Morning Bulletin and Central Queensland Herald between 1915 and 1918 to explore the role of journalists in disseminating popular narratives during the First World War. Through the children’s own words their understanding of unfolding events is exposed as is the role of journalist ‘Uncle Sam’ in shaping children’s wartime responses. Using his adjoining children’s corner and the responses given to the children’s letters, Uncle Sam inculcates the values of duty, service and sacrifice; the qualities demanded of the Empire’s civilians in wartime to aid military success. An examination of a specific children’s column reveals how media can overtly manipulate public perceptions to shape dominant societal narratives and highlights how children unwittingly participate in wartime propaganda.' (Publication abstract)
'This paper draws on letters published weekly in ‘Uncle Sam’s Corner’, in Rockhampton’s Morning Bulletin and Central Queensland Herald between 1915 and 1918 to explore the role of journalists in disseminating popular narratives during the First World War. Through the children’s own words their understanding of unfolding events is exposed as is the role of journalist ‘Uncle Sam’ in shaping children’s wartime responses. Using his adjoining children’s corner and the responses given to the children’s letters, Uncle Sam inculcates the values of duty, service and sacrifice; the qualities demanded of the Empire’s civilians in wartime to aid military success. An examination of a specific children’s column reveals how media can overtly manipulate public perceptions to shape dominant societal narratives and highlights how children unwittingly participate in wartime propaganda.' (Publication abstract)
"Old Programmes" was the series title of a weekly "Theatrical Records" column devoted to historical insights and memoir relating to Rockhampton. Written under the nom deplume, 'Athos,' and published in the Saturday edition of the Morning Bulletin between 9 September 1933 and 13 February 1937, the series totaled 163 installments in all. The range of subjects covers in expansive and includes information about touring variety and legitimate theatre troupes (Australian and international), local amateur dramatic societies, Rockhampton theatres, events (including yearly Show weeks) and theatrical history etc.
[Source: Australian Variety Theatre Archive]
'The story centres round the family establishment of Sir Peter Brace, his daughter, Enid, his butler, Spencer, and his Chinese cook, Lee Wang. Sir Peter is an English aristocrat, dispossessed of his family property at home, and determined to make his fortune by big business in New Zealand. He is, however, ruthlessly opposed 'by 'the Ryan crowd,' whose real identity no one can discover. By a series of machinations, in which Enid's lover, Eric Aimsbury, becomes involved, Sir Peter is reduced from his attitude of unremitting despotism to one of abject humility. Tlie identity of 'The Decker,' who murders men on a wholesale scale, after first sending them a warning sign, is dramatically revealed. Sir Peter finds that he has had enemies within his own household, and is forced to surrender and ultimately goes on the land. Enid gets her man and so everything ends happily.'
Source:
'Australiana', West Australian, 30 May 1931, p.4.