Cirrus@Austlit

The Northern Standard was launched by J. Y. Walker on 20 July 1877. From September 1877 it incorporated The Townsville Argus to become The Northern Standard and Townsville Argus. In December 1877 the paper was purchased by Thomas Wright and R. C. Pearce. Early the following year Pearce sold his interest to Dr. Henry Phillip William Hughes who also served as editor. From 24 June Wright continued as sole proprietor, although Hughes remained as editor. When Wright and his widow died within three months of each other in late 1881/early 1882, the paper was sold at auction in September 1882 to Joseph Hodel, his father Frank, and brother Frederick. From 1 October 1883 it became a daily and was published as The Daily Northern Standard.