Australian Town and Country Journal at KellyGang 20/7/1872 (5)
The hotels are in the hands of respectable men, but are built after the most approved gold-field designs, that is to say, there is the usual stable-like erection, with a skillion-verandah in front; the interior being divided into apartments, by paper pasted upon coarse cloth, or very thin boarding, the ceilings being entirely of the former; apartments thoroughly unsuitable for a Masonic lodge, where important secrets are supposed to be kept. I almost feel constrained to inform the public some of the tales I have heard; to divulge the cause of some of my almost sleepless nights while under the roofs of these paper apartments - the "curtain lectures," ending as Mrs Caudle's did, by exhausted nature coming to the relief of the poor Benedicts ! The lovers' tales, all teeming with noble aspirations, brilliantly lighted with the sunshine of future prosperity and happiness! The sayings and doings of travelling actors, some of a serio-comic character, others not so pleasant! The daily hopes and disappointments of the manly and sturdy digger, who works-rushing from one part of the world to another - ever expecting his "jeweller's-shop," but still not despairing, if field after field refuses to yield him the precious metal; a fine example of perseverance to all good colonists. There you can, at times, find the reckless gamblers and thieves, whose voices are only heard when they quarrel about loaded dice, marked cards, or the "props" telling against them; besides many others who play very curious parts upon this world's stage; but I must refrain, because I should occupy too much of your space.
The principal hotel is kept by one, known for many years on this gold-field, a thrifty, yet liberal Scotchman ; and his good table, his choice liquors, his clean beds and rooms, and his attention to his patrons, fully entitle him to the support of the Judges and others, who regularly visit this township. The lovers of billiards, will find two good tables, well lighted and properly attended. Horses are well groomed and fed, and vehicles properly looked after. The old-established hotel having the renowned "Van" still as its proprietor, is too well known to require a comment. "Van" is always "at home" with his patrons. The others are Bray's Family Hotel, Newall's, and some half-dozen more.
The usual class of tradespeople are to be found, including several first-class smiths and one coach-builder, a working-jeweller, several saddlers, and a chemist. There is also a branch of the Sons of Temperance Society.
This township has been raised into a municipality, and signs of improvement already appear in the shape of strong bridges over the creek; but, of course, after a; fight for the particular places they were to bridge. However the people have now done what ought to have I been done years since by them, or by our paternal government; and their wide streets are being improved, and the "collective wisdom" of the district is very busy in various ways, in enhancing the value of the property of the township, by making it more approachable, and healthy. What a -pity the Municipal Act; does not make it compulsory for every township of five hundred adults to be enrolled under its clauses, as a preliminary to the whole of the roads being also handed over to the inhabitants, to be provided for by country rates.
There are many pleasant rides and drives about this township, in dry weather; not the least being to Dronbalgie, where the widow of the late Mr Ibbotson, an intelligent and fine specimen of the English gentleman farmer, resides, in one of the most comfortable hotels in the colony, and where a few are treated en famille. This hotel has been built many years, its walls are very thick, and being composed of cob - that is mud or clay, it is cool in summer, and the reverse in winter. There is a large fruit and flower garden in the rear, and everything is done to make the visitor imagine he is at home. The distance from Forbes (on the Orange road) is about six miles, and many gentlemen stay at this really comfortable and quiet hotel, driving, or riding, into Forbes to transact their business, and returning afterwards. A sheep station and cattle run is attached to this place. It is situated on the banks of the Lachlan. It is on the walls of this hotel that a few of the well-known paintings of Mr Croft are hung; and few visitors will forget the "hand at whist," and the really pleasant social evenings passed here.
PERAMBULATOR.
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