This 1909 copy of the Martinborough Star was found by Council Archivist Gay Reed. The Star was produced Monday, Wednesday and Friday and cost three shillings and six pence a quarter delivered – around 53 cents a copy in today’s terms.
The Star was a double sheet of broadsheet size (I.E. size of the Dominion Post) folded. The front and back was covered by advertisements with news items and further adverts printed inside. News items included stock prices, and council minutes along with births, deaths, engagements and marriages.
The editor would burst forth with a stirring editorial when he considered the subject of importance. Urging the government to break up the then large land holdings, or for residents to campaign for a railway to Featherston, for young men to join up to fight in the first world war, or for funds for a new Town Hall.
The Star was set by hand, each letter being selected and meticulously tapped into place. Following printing the plate was dismantled with each letter being returned into its box, ready for the production of the next edition.
The original Star continued to be published until 15th August 1962 when the final copy was printed and delivered.
