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Percy John McCauley (1866–1949)

Percy John McCauley, editor of 'Century' newspaper and a journalist for over 60 years, died at his home at Chatswood on Saturday, August 20, aged 83.

Mr. McCauley entered journalism in 1889 when he joined the 'Australian Star' (now the 'Sun') in Sydney. He was a member of the staff of the 'Daily Telegraph' in 1893, 'Labor Post' in 1895, and conducted his own newspapers at Yass (N.S.W.) and Clifton (Q.) until he joined the Brisbane 'Courier' in 1913. He then worked on the 'Labor News,' 1920-22, the 'Telegraph' (Sydney), 1922-25, 'Labor Daily', 1925-38, and 'Century,' 1938-49. He was regarded as the oldest working journalist in Australia.

In his early days Mr. McCauley possessed a fine tenor voice. When the Passionist Fathers came to Marrickville he was the first tenor in the choir. Choral work at St. Brigid's brought worshippers from all over the metropolitan area to Good Friday and Easter ceremonies. With his brothers, Andrew (conductor) and George (librarian), he had a large share in the arranging of those impressive musical devotions. Madame Christian and Charles Santley frequently sang solo parts.

In Melbourne Mr. McCauley was one of the founders, with the late Father Robinson, of the Catholic Choral Society.

The wife, four sons and five daughters survive. A daughter, Sister Mary Felicitas, O.P., is a member of the Dominican community at Strathfield.

Requiem Mass was offered in Our Lady of Dolours' Church, Chatswood, on Monday, August 22, by the Rev. Father J. McGlynn. The Very Rev. Father C. S. Dunne (Rector of St. Columba's College, Springwood, officiated at the graveside. Priests present included the Rev. Fathers B. Curran, O.P., Jennings, O.P., H. Kennedy, T. Dunlea, C. Foley, P.P, T. O. Wallace, P.P, J. F. Byrne, P.P., W. Delaney, J. O'Connor and J. Collins.

Original publication

Citation details

'McCauley, Percy John (1866–1949)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/mccauley-percy-john-22928/text32306, accessed 19 March 2024.

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