[Jarred Santos]

‘Read all about it!’​

Image Credit: Facebook/State Library of South Australia

‘Newwwspaapeeer, neeeewspapeeer, get your news here!’ is a sound that sadly no longer echoes across Australia's streets, with technology and the internet snatching away what once was the role of newspapers, television, and radio. Sights like this hardworking fella in September of 1960 were once commonplace, with their signature shouts piercing the humdrum of daily life.

Some members even said they had stints as newspaper boys and girls to make pocket money! What are some unique memories you have of seeing similar scenes? Or maybe you can recall some stories on the job? Tell us here!

 

[Veronica]

My elder brother was a paper boy in Wellington NZ 1946-1954, I remember him coming home in the winter months blue with the cold. He always bought me a piece of chocolate on his pay day.
Till the end of his days he was always very generous to me with his time and help. A beautiful man who I think of often & thank him for being in my life

 

[Douglas1934]

‘Read all about it!’​

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Image Credit: Facebook/State Library of South Australia

‘Newwwspaapeeer, neeeewspapeeer, get your news here!’ is a sound that sadly no longer echoes across Australia's streets, with technology and the internet snatching away what once was the role of newspapers, television, and radio. Sights like this hardworking fella in September of 1960 were once commonplace, with their signature shouts piercing the humdrum of daily life.

Some members even said they had stints as newspaper boys and girls to make pocket money! What are some unique memories you have of seeing similar scenes? Or maybe you can recall some stories on the job? Tell us here!

I got 4 pence for selling 12 papers at Essendon roundabout but paid off a new bike at 1 shilling per week.
1 pence is now 1 cent and 1 shilling is 10 cents.

 

[Jarred Santos]

My elder brother was a paper boy in Wellington NZ 1946-1954, I remember him coming home in the winter months blue with the cold. He always bought me a piece of chocolate on his pay day.
Till the end of his days he was always very generous to me with his time and help. A beautiful man who I think of often & thank him for being in my life

Oh, my heart @Veronica! What a lovely detail about your brother, and I'm sure he's in a better place now smiling at his little sister

 

[Jarred Santos]

I got 4 pence for selling 12 papers at Essendon roundabout but paid off a new bike at 1 shilling per week.
1 pence is now 1 cent and 1 shilling is 10 cents.

Wow, thanks for sharing @Douglas1934! An early try at responsibly handling money What was the most memorable experience you had while selling newspapers? (maybe something like an odd customer, or witnessing something while standing on your usual spot)

 

[Wandiwa]

A mate of mine used to sell papers at 8c each, and pocketed 2c nearly every time. When the papers went to 10c he got nothing as a tip and promptly gave it away. He's now a millionaire LOL.

 

[gordon1940]

I well recall my Days as a "Paper Boy" calling "Paper Sir/Lady" and the smart reply's I sometimes received "Nah can't Read" to which I replied either " Just stick it under your arm and look intelligent" or "there is plenty of Pictures and the Funnies are inside the back page" Did not receive any tips for being smart!

 

[Jarred Santos]

A mate of mine used to sell papers at 8c each, and pocketed 2c nearly every time. When the papers went to 10c he got nothing as a tip and promptly gave it away. He's now a millionaire LOL.

Hmm, I wonder why

I well recall my Days as a "Paper Boy" calling "Paper Sir/Lady" and the smart reply's I sometimes received "Nah can't Read" to which I replied either " Just stick it under your arm and look intelligent" or "there is plenty of Pictures and the Funnies are inside the back page" Did not receive any tips for being smart!

'Just stick it under your arm and look intelligent' sounds like great life advice! I think you should have, haha!

 

[Rob.]

I remember people leaving their zacs on the piles of Heralds on the steps under the clocks at Flinders Street.

 

[Gunpark]

I remember the young blokes who would ride the conductor's rail on Sydney trams. The doors of your compartment would suddenly open and head would yell "papers". No takers, door close, and off to the next one.