Kilmore Free Press at KellyGang 26/9/1878 (4)
A VISIT TO BENALLA
It is some time over a year, since I was last Benalla, and it is almost needless for me to say that the changes there are numerous. Allow me to commence first with the improvements, the Council have made. The pathway from the bridge to the Post office, has been constructed in a a creditable manner indeed, in fact in the summer time I should think one feels the benefit derived from it, in its being raised above the dust line, and in the winter above the mud line. Although this Shire has had some difficulties re defaulters, it has pulled so well together as a whole that it is now in a flourishing condition. Mr Martyr is not secretary now, but his place I should think is ably filled. by a gentle man of my acquaintance, Mr J Knox, and I am. also glad to be able to say that Mr J Clarke holds the position of collector.
Leaving the Shire, let me note changes about the township itself, afterwards I shall come to the inhabitants. There are few if any changes in Bridge street, with the exception of Mr Roe, who as far as I can remember, has changed sides (of the street only) and has gone into a much more respectable shop; and I hope he still continues to do a good business. Then there is Mr John M'Nally, who has got into an entirely new place, next to, the Colonial Bank. As far as I could see his business is in the hardware line, a line in which I never thought he would venture. Almost opposite there Mr Shortell has opened a house called; the Benalla Club, his wines are good, as I was treated in the house, the landlord " shouting," the bar is a nice little tidy place, clean and neat; next to him is Mr -- who is not yet even got the length of putting his name on the shop, perhaps this is intentional, as people might, feel curious to see what sort of an individual kept the establishment, and I believe that is the fact.
Going round the corner, past Hamilton's Hotel, stands a house with no name on it, as well as the above draper's shop, but as far as I could judge from the smell, (the shop being shut when I passed) it must have been a butcher's shop, but I don't know and did not like to ask. A little further. down we notice our old friend Mr M'Burney, busy among his drugs, if any thing he is the least bit stouter than usual and fuller in the face; he must have been getting on well as he has got the length of an assistant, but perhaps he had one before, which I cannot definitely say. Then comes a block of new building, shops painted black. Why, I don't know. I saw a shoemaker busy in one of them, Going on I found that Dr Nicholson had so greatly improved his place that I did not know it. In fact if he had not been standing under his verandah at the time l was passing and hailed me, I should have gone further on for his house. As it was I went in and had a glass of very good old whisky.
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