Commercial Hotel (Smeaton)
- For other hotels with the same or similar names see Commercial Hotel.
 Picture needed | |
| History | |
|---|---|
| Town | Smeaton |
| Closed | 18 March 1911 |
| Known dates | 1885-1911 |
| Evidence | Building removed 1913 |
| Demolished | Earlier hotel destroyed 1891 |
The Commercial Hotel was a hotel in Smeaton, Victoria, <1891-1911.
Site[edit | edit source]
Background[edit | edit source]
History[edit | edit source]
In December 1887, the Smeaton Estate of 22,839 acres which had been subdivided was offered for sale at an auction at the hotel. Two hotels were included on land sold in the subdivions, Poole's Hotel at Moorookyle, and the Telegraph Hotel at Mount Prospect.[2]
In June 1891, the hotel was totally destroyed by fire:
Milne's large Commercial Hotel, Smeaton, was totally consumed by fire, shortly after midnight last night. The fire originated in the vicinity of the kitchen, but it is not known from what cause. The servant girl was the first to be awakened with the crackling of the fire, and in her hurry to escape and alarm the other inmates, she opened a door to the south of the building, from which direction a strong wind was blowing. The building throughout was of wood, and the flames spread with lightning rapidity, so that nothing whatever could be saved, and it was only with the greatest of difficulty, the inmates escaped, partially dressed. Nothing remains of the structure but the seven chimneys. The building was a most complete one and well furnished, and was only covered by insurance to the amount of £1 200, so that the loss will be great. Several cottages adjoining narrowly escaped.[1]
The building, which was of wood, was the largest place of business in the locality.[3]
The hotel was rebuilt (or another hotel renamed).
In February 1911, the License Reduction Board accepted the surrender of the hotel's license, and to cease trading on 18 March 1911.[4]
In October 1913, the delicensed hotel building was sold for removal:
OLD LANDMARK SOLD. An old landmark, the delicensed Commercial hotel, was realised upon by auction by Messrs John T. Slean and Co., on Thursday, when it was purchased by Messrs. A. M'Gregor and Sons, of Ballarat, at £40 for removal. The old site, one and three-quarter acres, was secured by Mr. F. C. Redman, after keen competition at £69 16s. Mr M. Kane, the former licensee, has become the licensee of the Kingston hotel, and leaves for his new location on Monday, after a lengthy residence here.[5]
Community Involvement[edit | edit source]
- In September 1885, the Smeaton Turf Club held their annual meeting at the hotel.[6]
The People[edit | edit source]
- In September 1885 and June 1891 the licensee and owner was C. W. Milne.[3][6]
- In February 1911, the last publican was Michael Kane.[4]
See also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1891 'DESTRUCTIVE FIRE AT SMEATON.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 20 June, p. 10. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article8618272
- ↑ 1887 'SALE OF THE SMEATON ESTATE.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 15 December, p. 8. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article7864631
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 1891 'FIRES AT CRESWICK AND SMEATON.', The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), 20 June, p. 2. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article209716689
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 1911 'THE LICENSING ACT. REDUCTION BOARD.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 28 February, p. 5. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article10882553
- ↑ 1913 'SMEATON', The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), 4 October, p. 8. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215798545
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 1885 'SMEATON TURF CLUB.', The Ballarat Star (Vic. : 1865 - 1924), 24 September, p. 4. , viewed 11 Feb 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article203312216