Country

Cnr Hurst Street & Main Street (about here)

1897-99 Edward Lynch. Palace Hotel, Zeehan
1899-03 John Lawler, Palace Hotel, Zeehan

Zeehan Coffer Palace.—The Zeehan Coffee Palace will be opened about January 1.
Tasmanian News, 27 December 1890

The fourth quarterly meeting of the Licensing Beach for the above district was
held yesterday, when Messrs E. L. Hall and B, A. Dunns disposed of the following applications:
Mr. Lynch applied for a licence for the building known as the Zeehan Coffee Palace,
and was represented by Mr A. G. Omant.
Mr Keen appeared for Mr James Kerrigan, who, on behalf of the licensed Victuallers Association, objected to the granting of the transfer. Mr Kean explained that the objection was lodged by Mr Kerrigan not individually bat as the representative of an association. and no one bad turned up to support it.
Application was granted, and Mr Omant, on behalf of his client, asked the bench to allow’ costs, as the objection might be termed vexatious since no evidence had been tendered to support it.
The bench agreed that the objection was vexatious and unwarranted, as no witnesses
were present to support it, and allowed £1.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 2 November 1897

WESTERN NEWS.
ZEEHAN, Thursday.
Mr. Edward Lynch, proprietor of the
Palace Hotel for the past two years, leaves almost immediately for the new township near the Magnet mine. Before coming to Zeehan Mr. Lynch owned an hotel at Whyte River, where the mines failing caused his prosperity to wane. He intends removing the hotel from the Whyte River to his new abode, he being largely interested in the Magnet mining ventures.. Mr. Lynch is very popular here, and his services will be missed from the Town Board. Arrangements are in progress for a suitable send-off.
Launceston Examiner, 21 April 1899

DISASTROUS FIRE AT ZEEHAN.
KITTSON’S HOTEL AND LAWLER’S PALACE HOTEL DESTROYED,
TOTAL LOSS ESTIMATED AT £7000.
NO LIVES LOST.
HEROIC EFFORTS OF THE FIRE BRIGADE,
(By Wire)
[FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
Zeehan, Monday
A disastrous fire occurred this morning about 1 o’clock, commencing at Kittson’ Zeehan Hotel, Main street, and in a considerably short space of time this hotel, of 65 rooms; Lawler’s Palace Hotel of 85 rooms and three smaller business places were entirely demolished.
It seems hard to form an estimate of the damage done, but roughly the total loss will range from £7000 upwards, while the owners and occupiers are only partly covered by insurance.
Up to the present the names of the offices interested have not been obtainable, bat it is believed that the New Zealand Company will be the heaviest loser.
The inmates of Kittson’s Hotel lost almost everything. Many of these were boarders; and it is most fortunate that no lives were list.
The sight when the huge pile was burning fiercely was magnificent in the extreme. Hitherto the Fire Brigade have been ridiculed for poor work, owing to the absence of a good water supply, but this morning it was chiefly through their efforts, aided by the bucket brigades formed by the citizens that many other premises were saved. Had it been a windy morning, there is no knowing where the fire would have stopped.
. . .
H. E. Kitson states the cause of the fire was carelessness on the part of a casual lodger named J. ?. Burke. At a late hour he asked for a bed, and was given a light and conducted to his room.
Kittson then visited the room of border named Cody, who ? ?, and returning found the room occupied by Burke in flames. He got Burke out, practically stupefied by the smoke, and then tried to extinguish the flames, but they had got too strong a hold.
Kittson at once turned his attention to arousing the inmates, all of whom made hurried escapes, and were heavy losers(?), as by this time the interior of the premised were filled with smoke.
Charlie(?) Murphy, nightman, passed Kittson’s Hotel, and about eight minutes afterwards heard a cry of fire from Lawler’s premises, where he was engaged with his duties. He at one rung the fire bell, and a large number of citizens were responsible for splendid work in fighting the flames. Foremost amongst these have been mentioned Ensign Weisbach and R. and W. Lowe, of the Salvation Army ; Revs Ebb and W. B. Stone, Church of England; W. Calder, F. Kastells, James Crossin, W. H Pettit, and Hugh Morgan, members of the Fire Brigade, and many others.
The Zeehan Hotel was owned by E. G. Clarke, of Ulverstone, and cost £4000 to erect. It is believed to have been insured for £2000.
The Palace Hotel was owned by E. G. James, and it is believed was uninsured.
Kittson’s furniture and stock, estimated at a value of £2000, was insured for
£500.
All the premises destroyed were weatherboard.
Tasmanian News, 16 November 1903

ZEEHAN
Zeehan, Monday. — The Licensing Bench to day granted all the applications for licenses at Zeehan excepting those of H. E. Kittson, Zeehan Hotel ; J. A. Lawler, Palace Hotel, and S. Smith, Madame Melba Hotel ; these houses were burnt down recently, and the bench held the applications over until next Monday, lending further information.
North Western Advocate, 8 December 1903

1989-90 Thoms. H. Anderson, Mount Zeehan Hotel, Mount Zeehand
1890 Rich & Bowne, Mount Zeehan Hotel, Mount Zeehan
1890-98 Edwin George Clarke (Mount) Zeehan Hotel, Zeehan
1898-03 Henry Edward Kittson, Zeehan Hotel, Zeehan

T. H. Anderson applied for a license for a new hotel at Mount Zeehan. Mr. Crisp appeared in support of the license being granted. Petitions from the inhabitants of Mount Zeehan, and certificates of charioteer from merchants and others in Launceston were put in. The Sub-inspector of Police stated that he had . visited the promises which were not quite finished, but would be, completed by January 1, 1889. A telegram from Mr. Superintendent- Armstrong stating that the applicant was a fit and proper persons to keep an hotel, was also put in ; and there being no objection by the police the license was accordingly granted at reduced fee, £12 10s.
The Mercury, 10 December 1888

After a glance at the Mount Zeehan’s main shaft a substantial piece of work-and a brief rest at Anderson’s Mount Zeehan Hotel,  [the State Treasurer and Minister of Lands] returned to Trial Harbour, but their work was not over yet.  Trial Harbour, or as it is now gazetted, Remine, is going ahead, and its small population seem to be particularly pushing
The Mercury, 24 December 1888

A short distance beyond the Silver Queen are the Mount Zeehan Silver Lead Mining Co.’s two sections, containing 120 acres. It is on one of these sections that the Mount Zeehan Hotel is situated, and the beginnings of a township are to be found.
The Mercury, 14 March 1889

Signs of progress are now visible in all quarters. Since my arrival a large store has been erected for Messrs. R. Kennan and Co.. who are doing a good business : also another store finished for Messrs. J. James and Co., the latter carrying on butchering also a commodious billiard-room for Messrs. Parker and Camm adjoining the Mount Zeehan Hotel, and by the appearance of the building it is the largest on the coast : also another store in course of erection for Messrs. Fowler Bros. When those that an: in course of construction are finished, there will be in all on the present town of Mount Zeehan three stores, one hotel, one billiard room, one bootmaker’s, on barber’s, and a butchery.
Daily Telegraph, 1 April 1889

Mr. Anderson, of the Zeehan Hotel, is about putting up a building for a post and telegraph office in a very convenient position, And a petition is on the way to Hobart, praying the Government to let us have telegraphic communication, a money order office, and a savings bank.
The Mercury, 16 September 1889

More stores are going, up and the Zeehan Hotel is being greatly enlarged.
The Mercury, 28 November 1889

STRAHAN.
The annual Licensing Court was held on the 30th ult., Mr. G. H. Fowell, S.M. (chairman), and Mr. F. O Henry, J.P., officiating. The Chairman stated that the Bench had inspected the different houses, and were pleased at their appearance, accommodation, and cleanliness. Special praise was given the King River Hotel, Macquarie Harbour Hotel, Strahan, Trial Harbour Hotel, Remine, and Union Hotel, Strahan. The following licenses were granted:-Thomas Dams, Star Hotel, Corinna, Henry W. Simmons, King River Hotel, Strahan ; J. G. Gaffney, Macquarie Harbour Hotel, Strahan ; G. Webster, Trial Harbour Hotel, Remine, Charles Grining, Union Hotel, Strahan ;T. H. Anderson, Mount Zeehan Hotel, Zeehan, Frank Harvey, Queen’s River Hotel, Queen’s River, J. D. Robertson, Silver King Hotel, Remine.
The Mercury, 6 December 1889

From Trial Harbour I walked to Mount Zeehan and was much impressed with the’ activity of the place in the building trade, and in developing and opening out the silver lodes. There are some excellent shows, and when the miners have machinery to aid them & considerable quantity of ore will be raised. The best paying claim at present is Anderson’s Mount Zeehan Hotel, which is a great boon to travellers ; it is well conducted and provided with every comfort. A second hotel is nearly completed at the Government township, which will benefit that end of the mining population.
Daily Telegraph, 23 December 1889

William Rich made application for permission to sell liquors under the license of Thomas Anderson, Mount Zeehan Hotel, until the next quarterly licensing meeting Permission granted.
The Mercury, 8 April 1890

ZEEHAN, THURSDAY,
Mr. Thomas Anderson of the Zeehan Hotel, who lately sold his business to Messrs. Rich and Bowen, was last night entertained at a banquet, and presented with an illuminated address by his friends prior to his leaving the field. There was a large gathering, the managers of all the principal mines being present. The new proprietors provided an excellent spread, and the affair passed off with eclat, Mr. Anderson having been very popular with all classes. Mr. Sinclair, of the Silver Queen, occupied the chair, and Messrs. Little and Fowler acted as vice-chairmen.
The Mercury, 12 April 1890

APPLICATION UNDER LICENSING ACT. –
Mr. Anderson applied for a permit for his large and commodious hotel at Mount Zeehan, which is approaching completion. Application granted. Messrs. Rich and Bowen applied for a permit for the Mount Zeehan Hotel. Application granted.
The Mercury, 9 May 1890

Nearly opposite the shaft of the Mount Zeehan Co.’s claim, and exactly opposite the terminus of the Silver Queen Extended and the Argent Companies tramway, stands the Mount Zeehan Hotel. Until recently it was the only house of its kind in the place, and consequently always did a roaring business. The accommodation is certainly capable of improvement. It is only within the last few months that anything like privacy could be obtained. At one time the bar-parlour was the only sitting room, and there was nothing for it but to sit there or go outside Now, a private sit- ting room has been added, and decent bed rooms, and things are a little better. One rule of the establishment, and one upon the carrying out of which Messrs. Rich and Bowen, the proprietors, are to be congratulated, is that no drinks are served in the private parlour. At any rate this helps to keep the place quieter and more select. Sleeping accommodation is but meagre, and dining facilities insufficient. The latter is supplied in a long room at the rear of the main building, and very bleak at that. Generally, two or three relays are required before the whole of the boarders and others are attended to. Mr. Anderson originally held this hotel, but sold out to the present proprietors.
The Mercury, 5 June 1890

Mount Zeehan Hotel Company.–In the advertising columns of this issue appears the prospectus of the Mount Zeehan Hotel Co. (Limited), to be registered. It is intended to issue 200 shares at £50 per share, on the following terms :- £10 on application, £15 on allotment, and the balance as required, in calls not to exceed £2 10s. per share per month. Tho object of the company is to acquire the Mount Zeehan Hotel, situated on the silver Hold, and which is now under offer to the company for £3,500, and stock at a valuation ; also, to erect a substantial front to the premises, and make other improvements warranted by the fast increasing business of the district, and steady inflow of population
The Mercury, 15 August 1890

MOUNT ZEEHAN HOTEL,
MOUNT ZEEHAN.
RICH AND BOWEN,
PROPRIETORS.
The Oldest Established House of the Field, and situated in the centre of the leading mines.
THE BEST BRANDS OF WINES AND SPIRITS ALWAYS ON HAND.
SUPERIOR ACCOMMODATION FOR VISITORS.
GOOD STABLING. HORSES ALWAYS ON HIRE.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 20 October 1890

Messrs Rich and Bowen, the proprietors of the Mount Zeehan Hotel, have sold out to Mr Clark, the erstwhile popular host of the Leven Hotel, who will take the business over in three weeks’ time.
Launceston Examiner, 8 November 1890

At the Police Court this morning Mr. C. Miller, representing Urquhart and Omant, made an application on behalf of H. E. Kittson, of the Zeehan Hotel, for authority under the Innkeepers’ Relief Act “to sell one horse, saddle, and bridle, the property of one Finlay, which had been left in the stable of the Zeehan Hotel.” The application was granted. This is the first case of the kind heard on the West Coast. The act is a very old one, and not often out into operation.
Examiner, 16 January 1901

DISASTROUS FIRE AT ZEEHAN.
KITTSON’S HOTEL AND LAWLER’S PALACE HOTEL DESTROYED,
TOTAL LOSS ESTIMATED AT £7000.
NO LIVES LOST.
HEROIC EFFORTS OF THE FIRE BRIGADE,
(By Wire)
[FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.]
Zeehan, Monday
A disastrous fire occurred this morning about 1 o’clock, commencing at Kittson’ Zeehan Hotel, Main street, and in a considerably short space of time this hotel, of 65 rooms; Lawler’s Palace Hotel of 85 rooms and three smaller business places were entirely demolished.
It seems hard to form an estimate of the damage done, but roughly the total loss will range from £7000 upwards, while the owners and occupiers are only partly covered by insurance.
Up to the present the names of the offices interested have not been obtainable, bat it is believed that the New Zealand Company will be the heaviest loser.
The inmates of Kittson’s Hotel lost almost everything. Many of these were boarders; and it is most fortunate that no lives were list.
The sight when the huge pile was burning fiercely was magnificent in the extreme. Hitherto the Fire Brigade have been ridiculed for poor work, owing to the absence of a good water supply, but this morning it was chiefly through their efforts, aided by the bucket brigades formed by the citizens that many other premises were saved. Had it been a windy morning, there is no knowing where the fire would have stopped.
. . .
H. E. Kitson states the cause of the fire was carelessness on the part of a casual lodger named J. ?. Burke. At a late hour he asked for a bed, and was given a light and conducted to his room.
Kittson then visited the room of border named Cody, who ? ?, and returning found the room occupied by Burke in flames. He got Burke out, practically stupefied by the smoke, and then tried to extinguish the flames, but they had got too strong a hold.
Kittson at once turned his attention to arousing the inmates, all of whom made hurried escapes, and were heavy losers(?), as by this time the interior of the premised were filled with smoke.
Charlie(?) Murphy, nightman, passed Kittson’s Hotel, and about eight minutes afterwards heard a cry of fire from Lawler’s premises, where he was engaged with his duties. He at one rung the fire bell, and a large number of citizens were responsible for splendid work in fighting the flames. Foremost amongst these have been mentioned Ensign Weisbach and R. and W. Lowe, of the Salvation Army ; Revs Ebb and W. B. Stone, Church of England; W. Calder, F. Kastells, James Crossin, W. H Pettit, and Hugh Morgan, members of the Fire Brigade, and many others.
The Zeehan Hotel was owned by E. G. Clarke, of Ulverstone, and cost £4000 to erect. It is believed to have been insured for £2000.
The Palace Hotel was owned by E. G. James, and it is believed was uninsured.
Kittson’s furniture and stock, estimated at a value of £2000, was insured for
£500.
All the premises destroyed were weatherboard.
Tasmanian News, 16 November 1903

ZEEHAN
Zeehan, Monday. — The Licensing Bench to day granted all the applications for licenses at Zeehan excepting those of H. E. Kittson, Zeehan Hotel ; J. A. Lawler, Palace Hotel, and S. Smith, Madame Melba Hotel ; these houses were burnt down recently, and the bench held the applications over until next Monday, lending further information.
North Western Advocate, 8 December 1903

1890-96 Andrew Theoder Anderson, Commercial Hotel, Zeehan
1897-99 Francis Henry Farner, Commercial Hotel, Zeehan,
1899-1900 A. T. Anderson, Commercial Hotel, Zeehan

Another Hotel for Mount Zeehan.— The various forms of activity and general progress towards civilisation which Mount Zeehan and that part of the West Coast is now beginning to show in view of the opening up of the silver fields and construction of the Mount Zeehan Railway, will during the coming week be added to by the preliminary steps for the construction of a good substantial hotel to the order of Mr A. T. Anderson, late of the Tamar Hotel, William-street. When the hotel is completed it will be kept by Mr Anderson, and as he has been long connected with mining and hotel business in this colony the needs of those who visit the silver fields will be well considered. His name is also a guarantee that the establishment will be conducted with a strict adherence to order and decorum : things which are seldom found on large mining fields.

The hotel, which will be named the Exchange, will be situated on the Silver King Extended Company’s claim, and about 20 chains from the Mount Zeehan Hotel, now kept by Mr W. Anderson, will be a two-storey structure of wood, containing a large bar 25 x 20, with parlor and commercial room attached. A 6ft entrance hall will lead to a public dining-room 29 x 18, ; and a private dining-room and parlor. The lower flat will also have kitchen, servants’ room, and the necessary outbuildings, and all rooms on the ground floor will be wainscotted 4ft deep. The top flat will comprise 11 large bedrooms divided by a corridor, and the building will be adorned by a 6ft balcony in the front, and extending along one side. Mr A. E. Luttrell, of Cameron-street, is the architect, and the plans of the building, which it will be seen is intended to be alike serviceable and 1 attractive, will be on view at Mr J. Barclay’s, Brisbane-street, to-day. The whole of the requisite timber, etc., will be shipped for Macquarie Harbor in the s.s. Cambria, which has been chartered for the purpose, and sails about Thursday next. Mr A. Luttrell, builder, proceeds to Mount Zeehan in a few days to personally superintend the erection of the hotel.
Daily Telegraph, 15 February 1890

APPLICATION UNDER LICENSING ACT. –
Mr. Anderson applied for a permit for his large and commodious hotel at Mount Zeehan, which is approaching completion. Application granted. Messrs. Rich and Bowen applied for a permit for the Mount Zeehan Hotel. Application granted.
The Mercury, 9 May 1890

Further along the road, and about half- way between the Zeehan Hotel and terminus of the railway, stands a new hotel, built by Mr. Anderson, not the former proprietor of the “Zeehan,” but another enterprising man who saw the requirements of the district and attempted to meet them. It is a 2-storey building containing 23 rooms, including 14 bedrooms, public and private dining and sitting rooms, bar parlours, and other conveniences. On February 25 the work was commenced, and now it is completed. Everything is fitted up well, almost sumptuously for a country hotel, and travellers to Mount Zeehan will find their wants attended to in a civil and obliging manner.
The Mercury, 5 June 1890

COMMERCIAL HOTEL,
MOUNT ZEEHAN.
A. T. ANDERSON,
Formerly of East Coast, late of Tamar Hotel, Launceston, wishes to draw attention of visitors to Zeehan and the mining public that he has now completed his magnificent hotel, and can confidently recommend its superiority of accommodation to anything on the West Coast.
PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DINING ROOM , BATH , ETC.
All of the most modern convenience.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 20 October 1890

Mr A. T. Anderson, proprietor of the Commercial Hotel, was welcomed back to Zeehan yesterday by a number of old friends.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 8April 1899

Mr A. T. Anderson, the owner of the Commercial Hotel, Zeehan, has resumed the business of that well-known establishment and solicits a share of support. The premises have been renovated throughout and many improvements effected to add to the convenience and comfort of patrons.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 13 April 1899

1890-91 John Simpson, Railway Hotel, Zeehan
1891-92 James Frederick New, Railway Hotel, Zeehan
1892-93 Richard Camm

An application was made by — Simpson for a license for a new house at Zeehan, to be called the Railway Hotel. The police report stated that the house was required, but it was not yet quite finished, though it would be built in accordance with the licensing Act. License granted on condition that the premises be in proper order by the 31st inst.
The Mercury, 6 December 1889

RAILWAY HOTEL.
JOHN SIMPSON, Proprietor.
ON ZEEHAN TOWNSHIP.
This Hotel in now open for the Accomodation of the Public. Situated close to the Little Henty River, on the main Dundas Road and near the proposed Railway Station, its position for health and convenience is unrivalled. Best liquors, good stabling. Terms moderate.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 20 October 1890

The Licensing Bench sat on the 4th inst., to bear and determine as to granting licenses and transfers from the different applicants. The Bench was occupied by Messrs. E. H. Fowell, chairman and A. R. Pontifex, J.P. The first application was that of James New for the transfer of the license of the Railway Hotel, Zeehan, from John Simpson, there being no objection by the police the transfer was granted. The next application was from Timothy Creed for a license for a new house to be called the Club Hotel, Mount Zeehan. In this case also, there being no objection by the police the license was granted. There were also several plans of new houses at Zeehan and Dundas submitted to the Bench, the owners intending to make application for licenses at the next quarterly meeting of the Licensing Bench.
The Mercury, 7 May 1891

LICENSING, DISTRICT OF MACQUARIE.
FOURTH QUARTERLY MEETING.
NOVEMBER 7, 1892.
NOTICE is hereby given that the following applications for Justices’ Certificates approving of the following transfers have been received: —
James F. New to Richard Camm, Railway Hotel, Zeehan.
Joseph Taylor to John J, Mulcahy, Union Hotel, Zeehan.
Dated at Strahan 18th day of October, 1892.
E. V. GOLDSMID,
Deputy Clerk of the Peace.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 20 October 1892

MACQUARIE LICENSING BENCH.
FIRST QUARTERLY MEETING,
6th February, 1893.
The following applications have been received for Justice’s Certificates approving
of Publichouse Licenses being granted : —
Andrew Frederick Brown, Silver King Hotel, Zeehan
James Holman, Miners’ Arms, Hotel, Dundas
John Henderson, Zealandia Hotel, Dundas
Thomas Unwin, Comstock Hotel, Comstock
Also of liquor being sold at the Federal Hotel under the license held by Richard Camm, of the Railway Hotel, Zeehan.
Dated at Strahan the 17th day of January, 1893
E. V. GOLDSMID,
Clerk of Petty Sessions

1890-1900 James Kerrigan, Kerrigan’s Hotel, Zeehan

We were shown the plans of Mr. James Kerrigan’s new hotel now being erected here. When finished the building will be an ornament to the town and district, and much in advance of any structure of its kind on the field. It will present an ornate front after the Queen Anne style of architecture, and contain 30 lofty and commo-dious rooms. It is anticipated that sufficient headway will be made with the work by the 3rd proximo to justify the Licensing Bench in granting Mr. Kerrigan his license on that day. When finished, the new hotel will resemble Lee’s Park Hotel at Launceston. Mr. A. Manser, of this place, executed the plans, and, Mr. J. Taylor, of Launceston, has the building contract.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 14 October 1890

NOTICE
I, James Kerrigan, of Mount Zeehan, in Tasmania, Gentleman, hereby give notice that I did on the twenty-fifth day of October, now last past, deposit with the Clerk of the Peace at Stratum, in’ Tasmania, a notice of my intention to apply at the next Annual Meeting of the Licensing Bead), to be holden at Strahan afore said, for the district of Macquarie, for a Justices’ Certificate approving of my receiving a Public-house License in respect of the house situate at Mount Zeehan aforesaid, and intended to be known by the sign of ‘Kerrigan’s Hotel,’ which: I intend to keep as a Public-house. And I further give notice that I did on the same day deposit with, the said Clerk of the Peace complete plans of such house, showing exactly the site of the house and the boundaries of the land to be occupied therewith, and the situation of the front door of such house. Dated this fourth day of November, 1890.
JAMES KERRIGAN.
XD, 12 November 1890

One of the oldest established hotels of Zeehan is Kerrigan’s Hotel, directly opposite the A.M.A. Hall, in Main street. Being within easy reach of the Post Office and principal business places, it is most conveniently situated for travellers and visitors. Attached to the hotel is a first-class billiard room, with splendid table. The very best brands of wines and spirits are kept on the premises.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 9 December 1898

A Popular Hotel.
In another part of this issue Mr. D. J. O’Keefe, favorably known for so many years as a journalist on the West Coast, notifies that he has taken over the popular hostelry known as ”Kerrigan’s Hotel,’ which has been conducted in such exemplary manner by Mr James Kerrigan since the earliest days of the Zeehan field. The new proprietors side and special knowledge on all matters relating to mining and sporting should ensure him a fair share of patronage in his new rule, and as he intends to do his utmost to maintain the good name that “Kerrigan’s Hotel” has borne for the last ten years he should not fail to secure the support of the public.
Zeehan and Dundas Herald, 19 March 1900

DISASTROUS FIRE
Damage at Zeehan Worst in History
Eight Buildings Gone
The most disastrous fire that has ever occurred in Zeehan broke out in Kerrigan’s Hotel yesterday at 10.15 a.m., and the hotel and the old “Zeehan and Dundas Herald” offices were completely destroyed. By superhuman efforts on the part of many willing helpers, Brumby’s old auction mart and Mr. D. Nicholas’s butcher shop, although considerably damaged, were saved.
On the opposite side of the street the intense heat, aided by a strong northerly breeze, caused the old A.N.A. Hall and buildings to catch. The flames then quickly spread along that side of Main Street, demolishing Mr. J. A. Duff’s tobacconist shop, two empty shops owned by the Zeehan Investment Co.; the Returned Soldiers’ Hall and offices (one of which was occupied by Mr. W. G. Pybus, “The Mercury” representative, and Registrar of Pensions), the office of Mr. A. J. Spotswood, and Mr. R. W. Sansum’s boot shop.
The fire was here checked by a vacant block, where once stood the old Victoria Hotel, otherwise the conflagration would have continued down the street to the Central Hotel. The offices occupied by Mr. Spotswood were owned by Mr. C. E. Brown, of Ulverstone, and Mr. Sansuni’s shop by Mr. J. G. Duncan, of Launceston. Owing to the fire starting at the top of Kerrigan’s Hotel most of the contents of the hotel were saved. The linotype machine and other printing machinery In the “Herald” building could not be shifted.
The Mercury, 10 July 1931