William Holden (journalist)

William Holden (7 April 1808 – 11 October 1897) was a journalist with the South Australian Register, noted for his breadth of knowledge and diverse interests, and remembered as the "Riddler" in The Observer. He retired as the longest-serving and oldest journalist in Australia.

Holden was born in Chichester, and emigrated with his family to South Australia in the Trusty, arriving 15 May 1838. During the journey became a friend of Jacob Pitman, brother of the famous shorthand inventor. Pitman was a devout Swedenborgian, and Holden became an adherent, helping Pitman establish a New Church in Hanson Street.

From 1841 to 1851 the Holden family lived at Hope Valley, where he opened a butcher's shop and store. The name "Hope Valley" was coined by him when, after fire destroyed his home, he felt optimistic rather than despondent. In 1851 he moved into town, and on 17 November started on his career with The Register as one of only three journalists employed there. And when the rush began to the Victorian goldfields, he was the only reporter left in Adelaide.

He soon became a valued member of the literary staff. He was honest, conscientious and hard-working. He had a profound love for literature and music; he had an understanding of mathematics, science and astronomy (he was a member of both the Mathematical Society and the Astronomical Society) and could be relied on to compile accurately the tide tables and statistical information that many of the public were reliant on. Every week from 1868 to 1896 he produced for The Observer, the Register's sister publication, its "Puzzler" page to stretch and delight the minds of the brighter children and adults so inclined. His views on art and music were respected, and he was considered a deeply religious and moral thinker, heavily influenced by his adherence to the New Church. Above all, his writing was clear and sharp, with an occasional sparkle of wit. And his opinions on practical problems were valued; he could usually be counted on to work out a solution to the most vexing problems

He sustained a severe shaking one Sunday night in 1896 when he was knocked down by a horse-drawn carriage in the city whilst crossing from the Register Office to catch the tramcar home. He eventually recovered sufficiently to go out of doors, and though he never returned to his desk at The Register Office, he insisted on contributing his literary work from his residence at North Adelaide. Eventually of course frailty of old age caught up with him and he died peacefully at home some six months short of his 90th birthday. He was buried in the Walkerville Cemetery.

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