Elizabeth & Wellington Streets, possibly NE corner
1834-35 John Backer Harwood, Freemasons Tavern, Launceston
1835-36 Henry Harris, Freemasons Arms, Launceston
1836 John Peter Armstrong, Freemasons Arms, Elizabeth Street
1836-1837 John Jacobs, Freemasons Tavern, Elizabeth Street
These seem to be the same house, despite the different name.
Advertisement
J. B. HARWOOD,
JJAV1NG taken those premises, know as the Commercial Warehouse, at the corner of Elizabeth and Wellington Streets, begs leave to inform his friends and the public, that he has oa Sale the undermentioned articles, viz:—
Hyson Skin Tea, ex Lady Hayes
Isle of France Sugar
Prime Sydney Butter and Cheese
American Negro Head Tobacco
Manilla Cigars
English and Colonial Soap
Red Herrings, Starch, &c, &c.
The above articles will be sold cheap for cash, as the premises are going to b Opened, and will be known as the Free Mason’s Tavern, where the best and choicest description of wines, spirits, ales, porter, and cordials, will be kept, wholesale and retail,
N. B.—A Meeting at the above Tavern by the Brethren of the Masonic Order, will be held in the early part of next month, of which due notice will foe given.
Launceston, Sep. 3, 1834.
The Independent, 17 September 1834
EACH of the undermentioned parties residing in the Division of the Island of Van Diemen’s Land commonly called “Cornwall” has applied for and obtained a license to retail wines and spirits &c., for the period ending the 29th day of September in the year now next ensuing, provided it be not forfeited before such day. . . John Backer Harwood, Freemason’s Tavern, [Launceston]
Launceston Advertiser, 16 October 1834
SIR,– I was greatly surprised at hearing a case at the Police Office in this Town on Tuesday week last, wherein it appeared on clearest evidence possible, that a party of Captains of ships and Merchants who had met at the Freemason’s Tavern, where at the early hour of eight o’clock in the evening disturbed by a band of constables, headed by a district constable named Keenahan, who entered the room, and in the most insulting manner insisted on remaining there; that the Landlord and Landlady both begged the constables not to intrude their company upon a private part of friends, who of the highest respectability,–yet, this district constable insisted on doing so, and with the least provocation assaulted and beat those? ? about the head with bludgeons in a shameful manner and dragged them bleeding to the watchouse, and to add to their brutality, forced them into a cell amongst prisons in irons?.
[continued]
The Independent, 15 November 1834
Extract from “To the Editor”:
I was present during the whole of the investigation at the Police Office on the 4th inst. (if as you say investigation it may be called) and a friend of mine took down the whole of the evidence. The only disinterested witnesses who were examined were Mrs. Fenton, and Mr. Scott, both of whom are very creditable person indeed. Mrs. Fenton stated : that she and Mrs. Harwood the Landlady, : both begged district constable Keenahan not to intrude his company upon the Gentlemen who were dining up stairs; yet he swore he would do so, abused them grossly, and called them the most filthy and opprobrious names. Mr. Scott stated, he had not been in the room more than ten minutes when Keenahan forced his way into it, and that Mr. Harwood, the Landlord requested him quietly to go away, when he replied in an Irish accent “by J—-s I will not,” this is a licensed house, and I will stop as long as I like, and go into every room I please;” that some words ensued between him (Keenahan) and the Company, and that Keenahan collared one of the gentlemen and struck him upon the head with his bludgeon; that this was the first blow, and the Commencement of the affray.
The Independent, 22 November 1834
TO LET.— The undersigned is desirous to let on lease for the unexpired term of 5 years, all that two-story House and Premises, known as the
FREEMASON’S TAVERN.
The House has an extensive shop, capable of carrying on a first-rate Business, being in the most commanding situation in town, situated at the corner of Elizabeth and Wellington-streets.
Any person wishing to continue the license, early application is necessary, in order that it may be transferred the ensuing quarter. The stock on hand may be had at a fair valuation, which consists of Champaigne, Constantia, Port, Sherry, Madeira, Brandy, Gin, Rum, Cordials, Bottled Ale, Porter, Segars, Tobacco, Pipes, Furniture, and a variety of other goods. A first-rate Billiard Table, complete, by Curie and Co., Calcutta, the best finished in this colony.
N. B.— The undersigned being called away on urgent business for a short time, is the only reason for letting the premises.
All particulars may be known on application to Mr. J. B. HARWOOD, on the premises, or to Mr. Henry Davis, Auctioneer, Hobart Town.
Launceston, Feb. 28, 1835.
Launceston Advertiser, 5 March 1835
TO BE SOLD.
TO be Sold by Private Contract, an Allotment situate in Elizabeth-street, adjoining the Freemason’s Tavern, and on which there are erected two weather-boarded Houses, fronting the street, with garden behind the me, stable, and other conveniences. Apply the office of Mr. Paterson, St. John-street, or the owner, Robert Stenhouse, of the Crown Public House, Bathurst-street.
Launceston Advertiser, 4 June 1835
TO BE LET.
ALL those well-known premises situate in Elizabeth-street, at the principal entrance to Launceston, known as the “Freemasons’ Arms,” the proprietor Intending to leave the Colony. Particulars may be known by applying to Robert Day, the proprietor, on the premises.
Launceston, July 8, 1835.
Launceston Advertiser, 23 July 1835
Launceston, February 6, 1836.— At a Quarterly Meeting of Justices held on at the Court House, Launceston, on Monday, the 1st of February instant, the following transfers of Licenses were approved of :-
To John Peter Armstrong, of Launceston, to keep the house known by the sign of the ‘ Freemasons’ Arms,” in Elizabeth-street, Launceston, formerly licensed to Henry Harris
Launceston Advertiser, 18 February 1836
