M J Condon Editor 1911 - 1952

A lifetime of journalism for Condobolin's Statesman

Mr M J Condon was the proprietor and editor of The Lachlander from 1911 to 1952. He was born at Coolangatta, in the Shoalhaven district on July 6, 1863. He entered journalism as a proprietor in 1902 by the establishment of the Bemboka Advocate.

As reported in the publication 'Condobolin 1890 - 1940':

"Mr Condon at once took an active part in the progress of Condobolin after his arrival. By the influence of his newspaper and personal activities, the progress of the place was materially helped. He gave many years to municipal life, notably as one of the finance committee, and was mayor at the time of the erection of the present beautiful and magnificent civic chambers.

An accomplishment of which he is very proud was the leading part in bringing about the dedication of 70 acres of flat land just across the Lachlan River from the town, and where now are held the agricultural show, races, three cricket grounds, four hockey grounds, football ground, cycle track, clay pigeon shooting ground and mechanical coursing. The whole area is under one trust, for which Mr Condon is the secretary."

Not only was Mr MJ Condon the driving force in the formation of the SRA grounds, he was involved in many other community organisations. During his time as proprietor and editor, The Lachlander was located in William Street, near where the Condobolin Motor Inn now stands.

The original type was all hand set and some of this is on display at The Lachlander Newspaper & Printing Museum. A few years later, he introduced the first typesetting machine and gradually acquired new machinery as time went on.

His daughter, Mrs Betty Bibb, worked with him at The Lachlander for many years as a reporter and secretary. Mrs Bibb still resides in Condobolin.

Mrs Doretta Ryder-Wood

Proprietor from 1952 - 2002

Frank and Doretta Ryder-Wood purchased The Lachlander in 1952, after arriving from Canada. A few years later, they moved the premises from William Street to its present building in Bathurst Street.

Frank Ryder-Wood was the editor of the newspaper until his death in 1976, when his widow Doretta Ryder-Wood took control as sole proprietor and editor until her death in June 2002, at the age of 89 years.

Mrs Ryder-Wood resisted the temptation and rush by other country newspapers to go computerised. With the help of her long time and loyal staff, Ian Thomas and Bob Lewis, continued to print by the old 'hot metal' method. At first, The Lachlander was looked upon as 'old fashioned' but as years went on, many regarded it as unique in the country press.

In the mad rush to computerisation, almost all country newspapers threw their old machines out as scrap iron, but not so at Condobolin. The legacy of Doretta Ryder-Wood will remain for many generations to see, as it is now on display at The Lachlander Newspaper and Printing Museum.