He went to Australia with his parents, where he received his education at Scales Academy and then at the Geelong Grammar School.
He learned his trade in printing and writing and returned to New Zealand in 1863, where he took up roles with the Christchurch newspapers Canterbury Standard (owned by Joseph Brittan), the Lyttelton Times, and then The Press.
That same year, Jones and his newspaper were caught up in a criminal libel case after Jones published an article accusing the Attorney-General Frederick Whitaker of sponsoring a Native Land Bill to assist in the acquisition of confiscated Māori land for himself and his friends.
Jones was acquitted during that trial, which boosted the Evening Mail's fortunes and public image.
The New Zealand media hailed the outcome of the case as a victory for press freedom.