How many hotel were there in Launceston prior to 100?
I don’t know. There are about 190 entries on this site and another 97 drafts. Some of them are from the country but there are many in the city which have no post at all yet. So 300 is probably a good estimate.
Now, there’s a lot of work in each of these entries. The smaller ones usually take hours. The longer ones takes days. (I don’t get anything back for it. Just the fun of finding out where each place was and a web hosting bill that I can’t really afford and needs to be upgrade. *sigh*) So this is definitely a word in progress and no where near finished. I am, slowly, still working on it though.
So, if you are interested in a house that you can’t find, ask. Please. It gives me the incentive to get that entry done. And ask questions. It’s also encouraging. (Just, if you do ask, please come back and acknowledge the answer, so I don’t feel I wasted my time, and if there’s no answer, give it a nudge. Your question might have gone to spam or got caught up in the Great Email Mix-up of 2024.)
NOTE: I’m experimenting with sharing incomplete entries. These are marked with ***
1840-45 Thomas Neville, White Hart, Elizabeth Street
1845-1852- Thomas Neville, White Hart, Wellington Street
1853-1854 Henry Neville, White Hart, Wellington Street
1855 Lydia Neville, White Hart, Wellington Street
1855-1876 William Chester, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street
1876 Henry Stratton, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street
1876-1877 Thomas Bryan, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street
1878 Henry Bryant Deeks, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street
1878-1885- Margaret Mullane, White Hart Inn. Wellington Street
1885 James H. Tregea, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street
1885-86 James H. Tregea, New Zealand Arms, Wellington Street
1886 Fanny Lenora Tregea, New Zealand Arms, Wellington Street
1886-87 Sydney Edward Holland, New Zealand Arms, Wellington Street
1887 William Turner, New Zealand Arms, Wellington Street
1887-1890 William Turner, (Turner’s) Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington Street
1891 Thomas Maloney, Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington Street
1892 Thomas Arthur Westwood, Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington Street
James Maddon, Irish Harp, once occupied by Mr. Neville, and Janes Forbes, for the Rainbow, late Freemasons’ Tavern, could not be entertained, licenses to the same houses having been refused at the annual meeting, on account of premises. Cornwall Chronicle, 4 November 1846
Wellington Street premises
Wellington & York, 1942, showing former White Hart in the middle of the block (Crop of photo by Doug Wherrett, QVMAG collection QVM:1986:P:0069)
White Hart Inn.
THE undersigned respectfully informs his friends and the public in general, that he has removed his license to those new and extensive premises in Wellington, street, situate in front of the old “Irish Harp,” where from the ample accommodation in sleeping apartments, together with good stabling, he will he enabled to afford every comfort to parties from the country.
The most choice selection of wines and spirits always on hand.
Thos. Neville. Cornwall Chronicle 18 June 1846
WHITE HART INN,
Wellington-Street, Launceston.
TO LET, the White Hart Inn, at present occupied by Mr. Thomas Nevile, to whom application must be made. Terms moderate. The stock and furniture may be taken at a valuation. Cornwall Chronicle, 15 March 1851
From “Adjourned Annual Licensing Meeting” William Chester, White Hart Inn, Wellington Street. Granted— as the Superintendent of Police informed the Bench that the repairs requisite for isolating the back premises from those adjoining had been effected. Cornwall Chronicle, 12 December 1860
TO LET-The old-established:. Public house known as the White Hart Inn, Wellington-street. Apply to W. CHESTER. Launceston Examiner, 26 February 1876
From “Commercial”: The White Hart Inn, situated in Wellington-street, was knocked down to Mr John Sinclair for £380, and two allotments in Charles-street to Mr Thomas Richardson for £150. Weekly Examiner, 18 March 1876
William Chester was granted permission to sell liquors at the Star Hotel till next quarterly: licensing meeting, under the license held by C. G. Croft. Similar permission was granted Henry Stretton, to sell at the White Hart Inn, under the license held by Wm. Chester. Launceston Examiner, 23 March 1876
The White Hart Inn.— Mr Thomas Bryan applied to the justices presiding at the Police Court n Friday, for permission to sell liquors under the license held by Mr Henry Stratton, for the White Hart Inn, Wellington street, until the next licensing meeting. Permission was granted. Cornwall Chronicle, 20 November 1876
Thomas Bryan, White Hart Inn, Wellington-street.
The Superintendent of Police said there was no objection to the applicant, but the house had not been in the state it ought to be in since Mr Chester left it. The neighborhood was very low, and unless attention were paid to cleanliness disease would be engendered.
The Chairman—Could it be put in order by the adjournment day ?
Mr Coulter—Yes, the deficiencies might be supplied ; the applicant has some excuse, as there had been two tenants, the last of whom transferred to this man.
Mr E. D. Harrop thought an assurance was wanted that he should keep the premises clean in future.
The applicant said the premises were very much dilapidated.
The further consideration of the application was adjourned for a week. Weekly Examiner, 9 December 1876
White Hart Inn. Mr Coulter objected to the renewal of the license by Thomas Bryan, the present landlord, on the ground that there was no furniture in the place, as required by law. Mr Powell, who appeared on behalf of another applicant for the same house, asked that the application stand over until his client’s was considered. He explained that the furniture in the house had lately been sold under distraint for rent, and the son of the owner of the house was an applicant for the transfer of the license. After some discussion it was decided to consider each application separately, on its own merits. The objection raised by the Superintendent of Police, namely that the house was not furnished, was, after some consideration, considered fatal, and the application was refused on that ground. Weekly Examiner, 8 Dec 1877
Thomas Bryan, White Hart Inn, Wellington street. The Mayor and Mr Coulter, Superintendent of Police, stated that when they visited the place on Friday, they found It apparently deserted and without any furniture in it. Mr J. Powell said the landlord, Mr Henry Bryant Deeks, had applied for a . .license for the house, as he intended to, lay out a large sum of money in improving it The present occupant was in arrear with his rent, the furniture had been sold off by Mr East, the brewer, the sale only amounting to £17, and Mr Bryant would have to go out on the 31st December. He would therefore apply to the Court to postpone this application and consider the two together. The Chairman said as the objection was that the house was not furnished according to law, it would be better to deal with Mr Bryan’s application on its merits. Mr Bryan said the landlord was taking an unfair advantage of him. The Bench refused the license on the ground that the house was not furnished according to law
. . . NEW APPLICATION FOR AN OLD LICENSED HOUSE Henry Bryant Weeks, White Hart Inn, Wellington street. This was the house for which Thomas Bryan’s application had been refused. Mr Mason said that the application might be granted, on the understanding that the certificate would not be issued until the house be furnished and put in good order. Mr Powell said Mr Deeks would undertake to do this. Mr ?haw said it would be grant Mr Deek’s application after refusing that of Mr Bryan. The same objection that the house was not furnished according to law, lay as much in the one case as the other. Mr Powell then withdrew the application. Cornwall Chronicle, 5 December 1877
From “Quarterly Licensing Meeting”: Henry Bryant Deeks applied for a license to the White Hart Inn, Wellington-street. The license had been refused at the last meeting on the ground that the house was not properly furnished. Mr Adye Douglas stated that it was now in proper order, and that Mr Deeks, the owner of the property, would conduct the house in a bona fide manner until a proper transfer was obtained. Mr Harrap supported the application. Mr Bennett said he thought there were enough public-houses already in the town. The licence was granted. Weekly Examiner, 9 February 1878
Margaret Mullane, White Hart Inn, Wellington-street. Superintendent Coulter offered no objection to the granting of the application. Mr Grubb said he thought there were serious objections to the granting of the license, as the place was not necessary. It was a brothel. The Chairman enquired if Mr Grubb had a charge to bring against the place, or did he object on the ground that the house was unnecessary? Mr Grubb said the place was unnecessary. He had seen bad characters congregated about it, and it was a miserable building. There were too many licensed houses in the neighbourhood. Superintendent Coulter said the White Hart was a good brick building. When Mr Grubb spoke of the place as a brothel, he ought to remember there were brothels in the locality. The Chairman said there was a good deal of allowance always made for an old-established place. The application was granted. Launceston Examiner, 2 December 1881
MARGARET MULLANE, thanking her friends and the public for the support and patronage accorded her at the White Hart Inn, Wellington-street, informs them she has removed to the Caledonian Hotel, George-street, and respectfully solicits a continuance of their favors. The best of ales, wines, and spirits, combined with civility and attention. Daily Telegraph, 15 July 1885
White Hart Inn, Wellington-street. — James Henry Tregea, from Margaret Mullane. The Police Magistrate stated that when the application for permission to sell had been made to him, he made it a condition that the applicant should make a certain promise before the application was granted. He had rather not bring it before the meeting, but if he found the promise broken he should then bring it before them. The application was then granted. Daily Telegraph, 4 August 1885
TREGEA.—On 16th January, at his residence, the New Zealand Arms Hotel, Wellington-street, James Henry, eldest son of the late Mr. J. B. Tregea, of Nelson, New Zealand, aged 42 years. Launceston Examiner, 18 January 1886
Permission to Sell. — Mrs Tregea, widow of the late J. H. Tregea, of the New Zealand Arms, was granted permission to sell liquor at that hotel, under the license held by her husband, until the next annual licensing meeting. Daily Telegraph, 22 January 1886
TO LET-The New Zealand Arms Hotel, Wellington-street. Immediate possession. Wm. H. Abbott, Cornwall Brewery Launceston Examiner, 2 July 1886
HOTEL TO LET.- A BARGAIN. For sale.-The lease, goodwill, stock and furniture, as it now stands, of the Hunt Club Hotel. Wellington-street, now doing a good business, and can be still further improved. Large premises, good yard, and stabling; all been lately put in thorough repair. Rent, only £80 a year. Apply at once to the proprietor, on the premises. Launceston Examiner, 19 May 1888
Permission was granted to Thomas Arthur Westwood at the City Police Court yesterday to sell liquors under the license of Thomas Maloney, at the Hunt Club Hotel, until the annual meeting of the Licensing Bench. Launceston Examiner, 15 October 1892
William Turner, Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington-street. Mr Whitfield said he had lately been in this hotel, and it was such a very old place that something should really be done with it. Granted. No police objection being offered. The Colonist, 6 December 1890
TRANSFER OF LICENSES. — At the City Police Court yesterday, the following transfers of licenses were granted : — Wm. Turner, Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington street, to Thomas Maloney ; Gottlieb Sulzberger, Railway Hotel, Lilydale, to P. J. Somerville. Daily Telegraph, 1 Jan 1891
THE HUNT CLUB HOTEL CASE.-Thomas Maloney, licensee of the Hunt Club Hotel, Wellington-street, was proceeded against for delaying admission to Sergeant Moir and Constables Gregory and Ryan on the night of the 6th inst. whilst in the execution of their duties after 11.30 p.m. Mr G. C. Gilmore appeared for the defendant. The ease was heard before Messrs G. W. Waterhouse and hon. H. I. Rooke some days ago, and as the magistrates could not agree the information was dismissed, the chairman of the bench stating the case might be reopened before other magistrates. The evidence taken at the previous hearing was read and confirmed by the witnesses. The bench considered the police should get admission as soon as possible, but they had a doubt as to whether the delay occasioned was wilful. They believed the evidence of the police, but gave defendant the benefit of the doubt. Taking into consideration the expense defendant had been put to in defending two actions, the information was dismissed, the chairman administering a severe caution to Maloney. Launceston Examiner, 24 September 1892
The application of Thos A. Westwood, of the Hunt Club Hotel, was refused on the grounds that it had communication with other premises. Mr. M. Clerke, who appeared for the applicant, offered to close up the window referred to, but Mr. Whitfeld said there was a well beaten path from the window. Several spoke of the poor condition of the house, and the license was refused The Mercury, 1 December 1892
1877-79 Donald Campbell, Krushka’s Bridge/Moorina
1880-82 Edward Brooks, Union Hotel, Moorina
1882-1887 Benjamin Dowling Palliser, Union Hotel, Moorina
1887-89 Thomas Wilcox, Union Hotel, Moorina
1889–1890 John Whitmore, Union Hotel, Moorina
Burnt down
Down the river a little from and facing the bridge is a quiet, neat-lookinig cottage, with a nice grassy frontage, the residence of Mr Walpole, the district surveyor. Passing eastward I see our old friend on the mines, Mr J. Campbell has erected a new pub., and bagatelle billiard table room. After doing justice to the good things provided by Host Campbell, I had another look around. Launceston Examiner, 15 December 1877
From “The Visit of His Excellency the Governor and the Hon. Minister of Lands to Ringaroom”: They rode on, Monday to Krushka’s Bridge, where they got a relay of horses. The Frome River, Weld’s Company, and Native Youth claims were visited, and at Moorina the party lunched at Campbell’s Hotel, where the spread was admirable, and gave much satisfaction to the guests. Launceston Examiner, 17 January 1878
From “Recorder’s Court”: Johnu Atkins was charged with stealing a pocket-book containing cheques, on the 2nd September, the property of Alfred Bowen, Moorina. A second count charged aprisoner with feloniously receiving the same. Prisoner, who was undefended, pleaded not guilty. . . . Alfred Bowen deposed that on the 2nd September last he was. manager of the Moorina Hotel; prisoner had been living at Moorina, and witness had known him for two or three months; he was a charcoal burner occasionally, but witness did not know whether he had any settled occupation or not; he had been spending money at the hotel before the 2nd September, but witness never saw him with any considerable sum in his possession before that date; he was at the hotel on the 2nd, in the afternoon and evening; [continued] Launceston Examiner, 16 October 1878
[From above] In the Trust Estate of Donald Campbell, of Boobyalla and Moorina, store and hotelkeeper.
Tenders for the undermentioned assets will be received . . . at the office of Messrts Irvine and M’Eachern
, ,.
At Moorina
Lot 1–Lease and goodwill of the Union Hotel, together with furniture, bar fittings etc.
Stock of spirits, etc, to be taken at cost price.
…
At Boobyalla–
Lot 5–Right, title, and interest in the freehold property, the Caledonia Hotel, with furniture, bar fittings, 2-roomed cottage, stabling blacksmith’s shop and tools.
Stock of spirits to be taken at cost price.
POLICE COURT.-FEB. 12. Before A. H. Boyd, Esq., V.M. James Glenn David Egg, John Wilkinson, and James Wilkinson were charged by P. C. Gibbins with disturbing the public peace, at Moorina, on the 8th inst: Edward Brooks deposed – I am the landlord of the Union Hotel; I know the defendants; there was no disturbance at my house more than usual on the 8th instant; I believe there was a disturbance on the township; I can’t say if it was the defendants who caused the disturbance ; they had all been in my house; some of them were under .the influence of liquor Launceston Examiner, 17 February 1880
Edward Brooks, landlord of the Union Hotel, Moorina, was charged with leaving his licensed house fur a period of seven days, contrary to the provisions of the Licensing Act. to which charge he pleaded guilty, but through ignorance. After a brief statement to the Bench, the latter decided to take a lenient view of the case by finding defendant 5s and costs. A second charge was also preferred against him for having allowed cards to be played within his licensed house. To this charge also defendant pleaded guilty In extenuation he stated that prior to his obtaining the license, the louse had been notorious for incessant gambling, but that he had succeeded in putting it down, and did hot think there was any harm in a quiet game of cards. The evidence of Constable Gibbins went to show that he had cautioned the defendant on several occasions against permitting the practice complained of, and that on the last occasion when he discovered the game being played, he re quested the defendant to put a stop to it, but he did not do so. The Bench considered the charge had been sufficiently substantiated, and fined the defendant in the mitigated penalty of £3, and costs. The fine and costs in both cases were immediately paid. The Cornwall Chronicle , 4 May 1880
FOR SALE The Union Hotel, Krushka’s Bridge, Moorina. For terms and particulars apply to Mr Williams, Workmen’s Club, Launceston, or Mr D. CAMPBELL, Boobyalla. Launceston Examiner, 9 June 1880
The quarterly licensing meeting of the district of Ringarooma was held at the Courthouse, Ellesmere, on Monday, 6th inst. The following justices were present : Messrs. A. K. Chapman (chairman), A. W. Brewer, R. G. Ladbury, E. W. Bonner, and G. R. Scott. The following applications for transfers were granted:- From W. T. Pearce of the Royal Standard Hotel, Gladstone, to Dionysius Williams and from Edward Brooks of the Union Hotel, Moorina, to Benjamin Dowling Palliser. Permission was granted to George Evans to sell liquor under the license held by John Chalmers, of the Miners Arms, near Branxholm, until the annual meeting . The Mercury, 15 November 1882
HOTEL BURNT AT MOORINA. MOORINA, FRIDAY, Whitmore’s Union Hotel was burned to the ground at half-past 2 this morning. The origin of the fire is unknown, Nothing was saved, and the lodgers, with Mrs. Whitmore and family, just had time to escape. Mr Whitmore, who was away at George’s Bay at the time, will be a heavy loser, the property not being fully insured. Much sympathy is felt for Mr. and Mrs. Whitmore and family, who are rendered homeless by the disaster. The Mercury, 13 December 1890
NOTICE. The Union Hotel. Moorina, having been burned to the ground on the morning of the 11th instant, together with all it contained, the undersigned earnestly requests all persons owing him accounts to pay them in as soon as possible. John Whitemore, Moorina, December 13, 1890 Daily Telegraph, 27 December 1890
Wharf/Esplanade
On or around 97 Esplanade (Google Maps)
Site, 24 January 2026 (Custons House behind the tree to the left)
1837-45 George Lukin, Wharf House, Wharf
1845-50 Alexander Mathieson, Wharf House, Wharf
1850-53 Edward Humphries, Wharf House (burnt down)
1854-55 Edward Humphreys, Clarendon Hotel
1855-57 Thomas Bruff, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1857-58 Mary Ann Hedger, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1858-59 John Gibbons, Clarendon Hotel, Wharf
1859-64 John Mason, Ship Inn, Wharf
1865-66 Thomas Bruff, Ship Inn, Wharf
1867 John Hely, Duke of Edinburgh
1868 William Bryant, Ship Inn, Wharf
1871-72 Mary Anne Spearman, Ship Inn, (Queen’s Wharf)
1872-73 William Job Spearman, Ship Inn, Wharf
1873 Harriet Boulin, Ship Inn, Wharf
1874-75 John West, Ship Inn, (Queen’s) Wharf
THE Undersigned begs respectfully to announce to the Public, that tie has taken those eligible Premises on the Wharf, Launceston, late in the occupation of Messrs. Sinclair and Newton, where he has opened a Wine and Spirit Vaults, Chop House, &c. &c. &c. The Cornwall Chronicle, 11 March 1837
Possibly on the northern side of the river, to the west of the highway (here on Google Maps), as McKimmie owned land here.
1877-1879? Robert McKimmie, Moorina Hotel, Krushka’s Bridge
1880-1887 E. Bonser, Moorina Hotel, Moorina
1887-1889 George Cunningham, Moorina Hotel, Moorina
1889-1891 William Nobes, Moorina Hotel, Moorina
1891-1893 John Whitmore, Moorina Hotel, Moorina
1893-1894 John Talbot Trowbridge, Moorina Hotel, Moorina
On New Year’s Day, 1877, a hotel was opened at Moorina (then Krushka’s Bridge) by Messrs. R. McKimmie and Mr. McKenzie, both yet, I am pleased to say, alive and well, Mr. McKenzie in Victoria and Mr. McKimmie at Branxholm, as keen for business as ever. Mr. MeKimmie was not only one of the pioneer business men of the North-East Coast, but one of the earliest business men on the West Coast in the Zeehan and Corinna districts. Examiner, 16 August 1913
Discussion about allowing a licence for a house at Branxholme Mr Shaw and himself had visited Krushka’s Bridge, and saw for themselves the drunkenness, debauchery, and fighting that went on there from morning till night ; travellers could not get accommodation, and they had to get into a store for the night. It was nonsense to talk of there being places of accommodation ; these public-houses were meant for the miners, who had plenty of money, and would knock it down freely when they got into a stupefied state. Weekly Examiner, 12 May 1877
FOR SALE, by private contract, the Moorina Hotel, situated at Krushka’s Bridge, and at present doing a splendid business. The proprietor’s reason for selling, and all particulars can be obtained on application to Messrs Johnstone and Wilmot, or M’Kinnie and M’Kenzie, Krushka’s Bridge. The Cornwall Chronicle, 11 June 1877
From a discussion about allowing a licence for a hotel at Weldborough: Mr. Miller then, in a lengthy speech, used all his eloquence on behalf of the opposition, and produced petitions signed by other residents, and also a petition from parties in Hobart Town interested, in mines, and referred to the evils arising from placing the temptation of drink in the way of the miners, and instanced the hotel at Krushka’s Bridge, as to what might be expected if the license was granted. The Mercury, 11 June 1877
I reached Messrs. McKimmie and McKenzie’s hotel about supper time, and fell to at once on sea pie and other ingredients . . . As far as my observations went, the Moorina hotel is improving in status, and the addition of half a dozen extra bedrooms will greatly add to the comfort of those who seek a short sojourn in the place. Krusha’s bridge has obtained such an unenviable notoriety through the columns of the press, that it can well afford to lose any slighting remarks that a city missionary or a Good Templar may be tempted to pass upon it. Speaking as I found, I should say that nearly all the disturbances are due to the presence of some half a dozen confirmed loafers, who hang about the back premises ready to drain all stray glasses that may be put in their way, and equally ready to sing, dance, quarrel, or make fools of themselves for the pastime of those who are but too ready to take advantage of old age and imbecility. The proprietors of the hotel complain, and with some justice, that the character of their house has been injured by those who have not taken the trouble to enquire into the surroundings of the place, and the character of two or three whose past careers in Hobart Town and Launceston make them a bye-word and a nuisance wherever they go. . . . Mr. McKenzie is doing his best to clear a few of the “old loafers” off his premises, and when he has done so, and furnished the new wing to his house, there will be as much comfort at the Moorina Hotel as at another hotel I could name standing n an older township. Tribune, 25 June 1877
From “Annual Licensing Meeting”: Robert M’Kimmie, Moorina Hotel, Krushka’s Bridge. (Mr Shaw reported favorably of the increased accommodation at the Moorina Hotel.) Launceston Examiner, 4 December 1877
As you enter the township the Krushka Bridge Post Office attached to the Moorina Stores catches the eye. At the stores you may be supplied with anything in a dry shape. Directly opposite is the Moorina Hotel, where you may be supplied in a wet shape with everything, even to the famous schnapps; and adjoining is a now building with an ornamental fronting, with the words “Billiard room” very conspicuously exhibited. I see the Moorina Hotel has a verandah in front now, which is certainly an improvement. Messrs M’Kimmie and Co. appear to be doing a thriving trade Launceston Examiner, 15 December 1877
THE MOORINA HOTEL.
A first-class establishment situated at Krushka’s Bridge, now doing a splendid business There are eleven bedrooms, two sitting-rooms, with large billiard room, skittle alley, and all necessary outbuildings requisite for carrying on a most extensive business. The proprietor’s solo wish for disposing of the Hotel is a family matter which requires their presence in a neighbouring colony. Satisfactory references and all other information can be obtained on application to Messrs. FERGUSON AND CO., Elizabeth street.
From “Recorder’s Court”: John Atkins was charged with stealing a pocket-book containing cheques, on the 2nd September, the property of Alfred Bowen, Moorina. A second count charged a prisoner with feloniously receiving the same. Prisoner, who was undefended, pleaded not guilty. The following jury was empanelled :- Messrs. Sydney Gaunt (foreman), James Thirkell, Thomas Wildghurst, O. G. Croft, Wm. Harris, John Stephenson, Thos. Griffiths, Wm. Thomas, Alfred Archer, James Ferguson, David Barr, Arthur Green. Alfred Bowen deposed that on the 2nd September last he was. manager of the Moorina Hotel; prisoner had been living at Moorina, and witness had known him for t1o or three months; he was a charcoal burner occasionally, but witness did not know whether he had any settled occupation or not; he had been spending money at the hotel before the 2nd September, but witness never saw him with any considerable sum in his possession before that date
[continued] Launceston Examiner, 16 October 1878
Some days ago as Mr M’Kenzie, landlord of an hotel at Moorina, was cutting a track to a tin claim about three miles from his home he met with rather a startling incident. In stepping over a log he disturbed a large black snake, which was coiled up on the other side, and the reptile sprang at him and bit him in the calf of the leg, but having thick trousers on but a slight puncture in the skin was made. Mr M’Kenzie however did not stop to examine it but started for the hotel, and on arrival there the wound was scarified and sucked by a lad, and first brandy and then brandy and ammonia were administered to the sufferer until there were evident signs of the liquor having taken effect, when he was considered out of danger, and beyond feeling a little queer next day, Mr M’Kenzie was none the worse for the unpleasant adventure. Weekly Examiner, 21 December 1878
Mrs.Bonser, wife of the landlord of the Moorina Hotel, died very suddenly yesterday afternoon. The deceased was highly respected, and was a daughter of the late Mr. J. Burston, of the. Fire Brigade Hotel in Launcestoa. Much sympathy is felt for the bereaved, husband. and the five little children who survive the deceased. The Tasmanian, 31 October 1885
George Cunningham applied for permission to sell liquors under the existing public house license held by E. Bonser, in respect of the premises at Moorina known as the Moorina Hotel, till the next quarterly licensing meeting. The application was granted. The Bench then rose. The Mercury, 14 October 1887
The Moorina Hotel, so well and favorably known to travellers of all classes, has changed hands, the new proprietor being Mr W. L. Nobes, who is well known throughout the district. Mr Nobes, until recently, has kept himself chiefly to mining, but it will be greatly to the interests of residents that he has started in this new sphere of labor. I can safely say the new proprietor of our leading hotel has the good wishes of all the residents of East Ringarooma. Mr G. Cunningham, the late proprietor, goes to Derby to take charge of one of the hotels there. The Colonist, 14 September 1889
MOORINA HOTEL, MOORINA-J.T. Trowbridge wishes to notify that he has taken over, from Mr. J. Whitmore, the business of the above hotel, and respectfully solicits a fair share of support. Good accommodation for travellers. First-class stabling. Best wines, etc. Coaches leave the hotel daily for St. Helen’s, Derby, and Gladstone. The Mercury, 25 September 1893
The Moorina Hotel was burnt to the ground one night last week at Moorina. The fire broke out in the billiard-room about 1 o’clock, and when discovered was too far advanced to permit of any attempt being made to save the building. The National [Bank] opposite was scorched brown, and the windows cracked. The Post and Telegraph Office also had a very narrow escape, but was saved owing to a good water supply. Although the hotel was insured, the proprietor, Mr Trowbridge, is a considerable loser. A small quantity of furniture only was saved, the bedding and wearing apparel being burned. The hotel was insured in all for £990— £270 in the Commercial Union, £330 in the Liverpool, London, and Globe, and £390 in the Phoenix. Besides that it is stated the billiard table was insured. Zeehan and Dundas, 18 August 1894
1900-27 William Whitmore, Esplanade Hotel, Moorina
MOORINA, Tuesday.
For the past five or six years the town of Moorina has been badly in want of an hotel for the convenience of the travelling public and those in terested in the various mineral sec tions in the locality. This want is now being supplied. Mr. Tyler, from Beaconsfield, has succeeded in making brick of excellent quality and appearance close to the township. Launceston Examiner, 16 December 1899
It is reported that a hotel is to be erected here — appropriately enough opposite to the Police Station—the people having tired of the temperance beverages they have had to imbibe since the destruction of the old publichouse. Tasmanian News, 30 September 1899
From “Licensing Courts”: Mr. Whitmore placed before the Bench plans for a new hotel at Moorina, to be known as the Esplanade Hotel. It was pointed out that there was nothing on the plan to show the size of the rooms, but this was explained by the applicant. The plan was received and approved of. Launceston Examiner, 4 December 1899
Considerable interest was taken in the application of William Whitmore for a transfer of the licence held by him at the Esplanade Hotel, Moorina, to a new hotel built by him at Winnaleah, to be known as the Winnaleah Hotel. Mr. P. D. O’Reilly appeared for the applicant, and inspector Donohue for the police, who entered an objection to the granting of the transfer on the grounds that the house was not required in the neighbourhood. The Bench called on Inspector Donohue regarding his objection, and the inspector gave evidence to the effect that there were several licensed houses within a small radius from Winnaleah, and sufficient to satisfy the travelling public. The Moorina Hotel was necessary at the present time in view of the extensive road work going on. Further, there was no police protection at Winnaleah To Mr. O’Reilly: Personally, he would give Mr. Whitmore a testimonial and the house he had built was up-to-date in every respect. There were hotels at Golconda, Legerwood, Herrick, South Mt. Cameron, Pioneer, Weldborough, Pyengana, and Gould’s Country, and no resident police in any of these places. Winnaleah was a thriving township. After the applicant had given evidence regarding the desirability of a hotel at Winnaleah, the nature of the district, the permanency of the population. and the nature of the house built, which he stated had cost £3000, Mr. O’Reilly was proceeding to call further evidence, when the Bench intimated they did not want to hear him further. After a short consultation between the chairman and Mr. Collins (Mr. Ryan not being in attendance at the time), the application was duly granted. North-Eastern Advertise, 25 November 1927
QUARTERLY LICENSING MEETING.- The Quarterly meeting of justices for considering applications for transfer and granting licences for public houses, was held on Monday, when the following justices assembled :- W. H. Breton, Esq, chairman, William Tarleton, Esq., P.M., H. Welman, Esq., C. S Henty, Esq.; A. Gardiner, Esq., James Robertson, Esq.. D’Arcy Wentworth, Esq, W. G. Sams, Esq.- Transfer:-The following transfer was granted: Benjamin Hyrons to James Whiting, “Angel Inn,” Charles-street. New Licences: -The following new licences granted with very little discussion, Mr. Tarleton alone opposing: William Bryant, “The Market House,” St. John and William streets; John King, “York Wine Vaults,” York-street; William Smart, “Lamb & Flag,” Bathurst and York streets; William Webb, “Jolly Anglers,” Wellington street; Augustus Wood, ” Macquarie Hotel,” George Town. Launceston Examiner, 3 November 1847
Cornwall Chronicle, 13 November 1847
Licensing Meeting. -The following transfers were allowed by the magistrates on Monday–To J. Will, the “Tam o’Shanter, Upper Canning-street; to W. Bryant, junr, the Market Tavern, St. John street; to S. Story, the Albion Inn, Cocked Hat; to J. Harvey the Brisbane Inotel, Brisbane-street; to J. Clydesdale, the Royal Hotel, Wellington-street. A license for a new house on the river could not be granted, the number being complete. An application to transfer the license for the Horse and Jockey to J. Cole, was allowed to drop. At an adjourned meeting, held yesterday, a license was granted to Messrs. Hyrons and Myers for the new river steamer Governor Wynyard. Launceston Examiner, 9 February 1854
Present— J. Whitefoord. Esq. (Chair-man), John Murphy, Esq. (Mayor), Thomas Mason, Esq. (Stipendary Magistrate), Dr. Miller, Henry Bennett, Thos. Barnard, E. D. Harrop, W. K. Hawkes, J. J. Hudson, and Henry E. Lette, Esquires, Justices of the Peace. The following licences were granted :—
APPLICATION FOR RENEWAL OF LICENSES
William Atkinson, Elephant and Castle, Wellington and Frederick streets
William Bull, Tam o’ Shanter, Canning street
William Burston, Fire Brigade Hotel, Brisbane street
Thomas Bryan, All the Year Round, Wellington Road
William Chester, White Hart, Wellington street
Henry Clayfield, Bath Arms, New Town
Andrew Clephane, Carpenter’s Arms, Charles street
Charles George Croft, Star Hotel, Charles streel
Michael Austin Cleary, International Hotel, Brisbane street
Joseph Dyson, Shakespeare Hotel, St. John street and Quadrant
Philip Davis, Glasgow Wine Vaults, George street
Henry Evans, Coach and Horses, Charles and Patterson streets
Richard Thos. Fraser, Volunteer Hotel, Brisbane and George streets
Jane Green, Hibernian Inn, Brisbane and Bathurst streets
William Hurst, York Hotel, York street
John Hogan, Terminus Hotel, William and Tamar streets
John Hart, Prince of Wales Hotel, York and Wellington streets
Robert Jones, Sydney Hotel, Elizabeth street
Henry King, Marine Hotel, Wharf Esplanade
Michael Lawler, The Wilmot Arms, Brisbane and Wellington streets
James Ley, Railway Inn, George Town Road
James Lilly, Salmon and Ball, Charles and William streets
Margaret McCann, Black Horse, Wellington and Elizabeth streets
Duncan McGregor, Tasmanian Inn, Patterson street
Ellen Morrison,Launceston Hotel, Brisbane street
James Murphy, Edinburgh Castle, Frederick and Bathurst streets
Hugh McRudden, Sportsman’s Hall, Charles and Balfour streets
Edward Marston, Jolly Butchers, Balfour street
Henry Davey Parr, Royal Hotel, Wellington street
Elijah Edward Panton, Enfield Hotel, Charles street
Joshua Peck, Queen’s Head, Wellington street
Henry Pittard, City Hotel, St. John street
James Ray, Royal Exchange, George street
Joseph White Simmons, Brisbane Hotel, Brisbane street
Gavin Scott, Commercial Hotel, George and Cimitiere streets
William Turner, Steam Packet Hotel, Lower George street
William Ignatius Thrower, Court House Hotel, Wellington and Patterson streets
George Talmage, Criterion Hotel, St. John street
John West, Ship Inn, Queen’s Wharf
Thos. Wadham, Plough Inn, Charles and Patterson streets.
COUNTRY LICENSES, DISTRICT OF SELBY.
John Baker, Young Town Inn, Young Town
William Edwards, Vine Grove Hotel, Scottsdale
James Featherstone, Cricket Club Hotel, Hadspen
Walter Harris, St. Leonards Hotel, St. Leonards
Sarah Pitcher, Rising Sun, Prospect Village
James Thomas Smith, Mowbray Race Course, Mowbray
William D’Arcy, Sir William Wallace, Franklin Village
Thos. Wootton, Bush Inn, West Tamar.
PERSONS HOLDING LICENSES BY TRANSFER.
Mary Jane Bruff, Horse and Jockey, York street
Samuel Carey, George Inn, Elizabeth and Wellington streets
Elizabeth Fraser, Royal Oak, Brisbane and Tamar streets
Mary Ann Mason, Caledonian Inn, York and George streets.
COUNTRY TRANSFER.
George Smith, Swan Inn, King’s Meadow.
NEW APPLICANTS-TOWN.
Benjamin Crow, Tamar Hotel, William street
Michael Fahey, Cornwall Hotel, Cameron street
William John Hoblin, Scottish Chief, Wellington and Canning streets
Charles Johnson, Market House Tavern, St John and William streets
William Laing, Crown Inn, Elizabeth and Bathurst streets
Benjamin West, Duke of Wellington Inn, Wellington Road
Frank Watts, O’Connell Hotel, Wellington Road.
NEW APPLICANTS-COUNTRY.
Wm. Wyndham Barton, Woolpack Inn, Breadalbane
George Horder, Newstead Inn, Newstead.
1839-53 Samuel Page, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1853-57 Nicholas Augustus Woods, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1858-66 Joseph McEwan, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1867-73 Edward Currie, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1873-79 George Rodda, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1880
1881-84 T. Hogan, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1884-88 John Smith, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1889-90 George Munnings, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1890-93 Joseph Law, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1893-99 James Burrill, the younger, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1899 Thomas Salmon, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1899-00 Thomas Alfred Burrill, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
1900 Charles F. Cooley, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands
83 HIGH STREET
Now the site of a modern police station, this was once the Oatlands Hotel, a substantial sandstone hotel which was very similar to the Midland Hotel on the opposite side of the road.
The Oatlands Hotel was run by Samuel Page, best known for his coaching service between Hobart and Launceston. Welcome to Oatlands: Everything you’ll need to know to enjoy your visit (PDF)
1829-30 George Aitchinson, York Inn, Oatlands
1831 Francis Bryant, York Inn, Oatlands
1831-32? F. Bryant York and Albany Hotel, Oatlands
1832-33 John Edward Cox, York and Albany Hotel, Oatlands
1833-34 Henry Samuel Benjamin, York and Albany Hotel, Oatlands
1834-37 Goerge Dudfield, York and Albany Hotel, Oatlands
1838-54 THomas Nicholls, York and Albany Hotel, High-street, Oatlands.
Samuel Page, Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands. Joseph M’Ewnn, Inverary Castle, Ditto, Thomas Nichols, York and Albany, Ditto. George Aitcheson, Lake Dulverton, Ditto. John Page, Bath Inn, Lemon Springs. Joseph Cahill, London Inn, Spring Hill, Robert Jones, Halfway Inn, Jericho. James Fisher, Young Queen, Bathurst. H. M. Cockerill, Bothwell Castle, Bothwell. James Macdonald; Crown Inn, Bothwell. E. Greenbank, Halfway House, Antill Ponds. N. Poole, Tunbridge Wells, BIackman’s River. J. Ayers, Cape of Good Hope, Black Marsh.
How many hotel were there in Launceston prior to 100?
