The Mail

Intrigued by a ghostly rustle of turning pages? It’s the echo of The Mail, Chennai’s first evening newspaper. The Mail, known as The Madras Mail until 1928, held its ground here for over a century. The Mail building itself might be gone, yet its story lingers. Established in 1868 by two spirited journalists, Charles Lawson and Henry Cornish, The Mail quickly became a vital voice. These two were previously editors at The Madras Times. They left after a disagreement with the owners, Gantz & Sons. The Mail was not just a newspaper. It was a reflection of the city’s vibrant commercial heart. Lawson, deeply involved with the Madras Chamber of Commerce, even housed the Chamber within The Mail’s offices on First Line Beach. He served as the Chamber’s Secretary for an impressive thirty years. In 1921, businessman John Oakshott Robinson acquired The Mail. It later became part of the Amalgamations Limited group under S. Anantharamakrishnan. The paper moved to a grand new building on Mount Road. It thrived under the editorship of A.A. Hayles, enjoying a golden era from 1928 to 1955. The Mail faced its share of challenges. Competition was fierce. Political pressures mounted, especially during times when its editorials dared to criticize the government. These pressures ultimately contributed to its closure in 1981. Though its physical presence has vanished, The Mail’s legacy endures. Its story is woven into the fabric of Chennai, a testament to the power of the press and the city’s ever-evolving narrative.