Olive Constable: Newspaper Editor and Businesswoman

An historic record of a tumultuous era

Her tenure as editor coincided with tumultuous times – the upheaval of World War I, the devastating Great Influenza pandemic, the roaring twenties and burgeoning tourism industry, the economic turmoil of the Great Depression, and the ominous shadows cast by the looming Second World War.

In the midst of these historic events, the Moruya Examiner emerged as a faithful chronicler of community life, documenting everything from dances and euchre drives, local politics and international events, details of cattle sales and sailing times, and news of fire and flood.

It remains as an outstanding historical record of how lives were lived during a fascinating era of Moruya’s development.

Living and working in Campbell St

Olive lived with her husband Arthur Constable at 56 Campbell St, right next door to the newspaper office. Perhaps it is no accident that Harvison commissioned the editor’s house and newspaper printing office in 1913, the year Olive assumed editorial control. Of unusual granite construction, these heritage-listed buildings are featured in the Moruya Heritage Walk.

Arthur Constable had worked for Harvison in the printing room, and also handled advertising for the paper. But ultimately it appears he spent most of his time caring for Harvison’s race-horses.

We can assume he had little interest in editorial matters as he sold the paper shortly after Olive’s death.

Olive’s death just a few days after her 63rd birthday was unexpected:

Seldom have the people of this district received such a shock as when on Tuesday last Mrs Constable, Editoress and Proprieter of this paper, passed away. On Friday last week Mrs Constable completed the issue of the ‘Examiner’in apparent good health and spirits, except perhaps for a little tiredness, inseparable from the closing day of the usual strenous week. She was persuaded to rest. The ensuing two days saw her condition worsen and on Monday morning Mrs Constable was taken to the hospital, her case being diagnosed as pneumonia.The trouble developed alarmingly and on Tuesday afternoon, she passed peacefully away. Mrs Constable’s activities in the community, apart from her editorial duties, themselves exacting and continuous and arduous, were widespread. Hospital Auxiliary, Hospital Board, Red Cross, CWA, Surf Club, all had her active support. Church life and efforts in aid of charity also had in her a faithful and willing worker. Her death leaves a gap in the life of the community which indeed it will be hard to fill. . . The attendance at the funeral was large and impressive and evidence of the widespread respect in which deceased was held in the community.

Obituary – Moruya Examiner, 28 January 1939

Official records list Olive’s occupation as “home duties” – small recognition of over 25 years of professional journalism.

But her peers knew better:

“The removal of Mrs Constable will mean a distinct loss to country journalism and her passing is keenly felt by the newspaper fraternity. As Editoress of the Examiner she set a high standard in her publications, displaying at all times a kindly feeling towards her fellow creatures. She was a most lovable woman and her home was hospitality itself to her many friends. . . Apart from her editorial duties, deceased always kept her business books up to date and had a thorough grasp of modern business methods.”

Editor of the Cobargo Chronicle on the passing of Olive Constable