Alexandra Times at KellyGang 12/8/1876 (2)
There is a customs-house on each side of the bridge, and everything of the least importance is overhauled, and a great pest it is. I heard that teams were often kept waiting a considerable time before they get a “pass.” The inhabitants on both sides of the river are disgusted with the delay and drawback to the traffic between the two colonies, and one of the first duties of both Legislatures should be to abolish the Border duties and bring increased prosperity to this important district.
Getting over the bridge, the first indication l have of Albury proper, about half a mile on, is the commencement of Townsend street, where I asked, the driver to let me down at Mr E T Powell’s Royal Hotel which I made my home during my stay in Albury, and a better conducted establishment you rarely find in travelling these colonies. It was now about 6 o'clock, so I asked to be conducted to my room to prepare for my evening meal, of which I stood much in need. At 6 the dinner-bell rang. My room adjoined the dining room, so I had simply to step out of the door and take my seat at the table, and I must say made as good a meal as I had in my life. I then adjourned to the bar and negotiated with Mr Powell for cigars, so that I could enjoy some good smokes during my stay, for no none knows better than yourself, Mr Editor, how I enjoy a good weed. Mr Powell having presented me with a patent match box, I lit my cigar and started for a quiet walk through the principal streets of the town, which I must say impressed me favourably with its importance.
As this was only a preliminary affair, and as I intended to commence a careful survey of the town in the morning, I returned early to my hotel, and after a ‘Long John’ hot with a small dash of lemon. I retired to rest, very much pleased with my first days travel from home. Nine o’clock next morning found me enjoying some fine Murray cod after which I made my way to Messrs Kyle and Hall’s butchery establishment. My old friend Mr George Hall – I may say an old friend of very one who ever knew him - shook me heartily by the hand and said, “I am glad to see you old boy, looking so well.” I was happy to be able to return the compliment, as I never saw Mr Hall looking in better health and he has quite recovered from the attack of sickness he recently encountered. It afforded me great, pleasure to see two partners in a large business working so amicably together as Messrs Kyle and Hall.
They do all the buying themselves, and superintend the business. They have a large establishment, built of brick, their private property, with fine show windows one them expressly for small goods, as they employ one of the best London tradesmen in that line. They are doing a splendid trade. I don't remember the number of sheep but they kill an average of ten bullocks a week. Having answered each other's questions respecting all our old friends and acquaintances, I said, "Now, George, I can you do me a favour – that is to show me through the principal public buildings and everything worth seeing in Albury." His kind answer was simply, “I am your man,” and I may state that he kept his word faithfully, and I have to thank him for my trip being such a pleasure.
I will now give a slight account of the town and a few of the sights worth recording during my few days' sojourn.
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