The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate (also known as The Cumberland Argus or The Argus) was a newspaper published in Parramatta with coverage and circulation incorporating Greater Western Sydney and parts of North-West Sydney, Australia. First published on 24 September 1887, the paper continued under this title until issue No. 3397, on 15 March 1950, when the newspaper was officially renamed the Cumberland Argus. It remained under this banner for a further 12 years until it ceased publication on 24 October 1962.

The newspaper was founded by Messrs. Thomas Davies Little, Frederick William James Lovell, Richard Stewart Richardson and Alfred Gazzard, all formerly associated with The Cumberland Mercury newspaper. The paper's office was located in Phillip Street, later George Street, Parramatta, with correspondents located around various districts. Initially issued weekly on Saturdays, costing 2d an issue, a subscription to The Cumberland Argus cost 2 shillings per quarter in 1888.

The proprietors of The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate effectively marketed their paper by involving themselves in many local organisations in the Central Cumberland district, such as providing a prize for the Central Cumberland Agricultural and Horticultural Association's Show; having a hand in the formation of the Central Cumberland Cricket Association, and sponsoring the main prize for its junior cricket competition The Cumberland Argus Cup; and successfully organising The Cumberland Argus Fruit Show, an annual fruit exhibition, that not only promoted their newspaper, but also showcased the fruit growing industry from around the Cumberland Plain, and raised money for the Parramatta District Hospital.

The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers’ Advocate was promoted as "the recognised local paper, largest circulation, best advertising medium." The paper was endorsed by the Fruitgrowers’ Union of New South Wales, resolving that "a copy of the paper, containing reports on (its) meetings be sent to every town in the colony."

The Windsor and Richmond Gazette called The Cumberland Argus "one of the best of colonial weekly papers", much to the delight of The Cumberland Argus proprietors.

Lovell, who was the main Editor of paper, died in February 1888, leaving Richardson to take up editorial duties. Gazzard retired from the newspaper in February 1893, leaving Little and Richardson to run the paper by themselves.

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