Emu Inn (Pitfield)

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For other hotels with the same or similar names see Emu Inn.
Emu Inn
Picture needed
History
Town Pitfield
Street Great Western Road
Known dates 1841-1853
Other names Pitfield Hotel
Demolished Destroyed by fire, 1853

The Emu Inn was a hotel at Pitfield, Victoria, <1841-1853.

Site[edit | edit source]

The hotel was on the Great Western Road from Geelong to the Western District of Victoria, where it crossed the Woady Yallock River.

Background[edit | edit source]

The Emu Inn was in existence from at least 1841 but was destroyed by fire in 1853.[1] There are newspaper advertisments naming the the hotel as the terminus of a new coach line in October 1855.[2]

History[edit | edit source]

The new publicans set up a mail service to and from Geelong in June 1846:

A by-mail from Geelong to the Emu Inn, (formerly Hardy's) at the Wardy-Yallock, has been established by Messrs. Edward Langhorne (formerly of William's Town) and Mr Macnamara (late of the customs,) who are now the proprietors of that establishment. This will be a very great convenience to the settlers in the populous country intervening, who will doubtless gladly avail themselves of Messrs. L. and M's, enterprising undertaking.[3]

The inn was mentioned in June 1846 in a report on the road:

The spirited conduct of the Sheep proprietors and others on the line of road between Geelong and the Emu Inn, is, we are happy to say, likely to be followed by those on the road diverging to the left from Captain Ormond's and passing Mr Charles Brown's, better known as the Frenchman's.[4]

The mail contractor was offering a weekly service to the inn in July 1846:

Conveyance, on Wardiyallock Road. TERRY EVANS, Carrier, of the Private a Mail to and from the Emu Inn, begs to inform the public that he will run a One Horse Vehicle from Geelong to the above inn, calling at Capt. Ormond's and other intermediate places. The vehicle will start every Wednesday morning from Mack's Hotel, at 8 o'clock, and will return on Tuesday, leaving Captain Ormond's at 9 a.m., Parcels will be received at Mack's, Fares for passengers moderate.[5]

In September 1846 the publican Edward Langhorne was charged with breaches of the licensing laws:

Edward Langhorne, of the Emu Inn, Wardiyallock, appeared to answer three informations-one for having no light, one for allowing card-playing on his licensed premises, and one for having no oats. To the first he pled guilty, stating, however, that the glass was broken, and that during the time which it necessarily took to get it replaced, he had used a stable lanthorn, as the best substitute he could procure. Fined 20s and costs. The second charge he denied, and on Corporal Brack's appearance in support, of the information, Mr Langhorne asked him whether or not he took a hand himself, to which having replied in the affirmative, the case was immediately dismissed. The third information Mr Langhorne admitted to be correct, but pled the loss of his own horse, and the difficulty of hiring carriage, from the bad state of the roads; he also said that he had plenty of hay, and that a supply of oats purchased some time since, would have been at his house in plenty of time but for the difficulty he had mentioned. The Bench observed that several reports had reached them to Mr Langhorne's prejudice, or rather relative to a want of proper attention in conducting his house, and, in dismissing the charge, as the Act permitted them no other alternative except cancelment of license, expressed a hope that they would have no further occasion to recur to the subject.[6]

In September 1846, the partnership between Langhorne and Matthews ended:

Dissolution of Partnership. NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership existing between Edward Langhorne and John M'Namara, as Innkeepers, on the Wardyyallock Creek, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All debts due to the firm will be received, and all due paid, by Edward Langhorne. Signed EDWARD LANGHORNE JOHN M'NAMARA. Witness PETER HARDIE, STUART MATTHEWS. Emu Inn, 1st September, 1846. Emu Inn. The undersigned begs to return his sincere thanks to his numerous friends, for the liberal support which he has received from them since his commencement in business, and assures them it shall be his constant study to merit a continuance of it. The house Is undergoing a thorough repair, and additional rooms added to it for the accommodation of families. The undersigned has laid in a fresh stock of Wines and Spirits, the best that could be procured in the Melbourne market. Barclay and Perkin's Stout on draft. EDWARD LANGHORNE.[7]

In July 1847 there was a suicide at the hotel:

SUICIDE.-Last Monday week, a person named William Martin committed suicide at the Emu Inn, Wardiyallock. Some time previously, Martin had contracted a virulent disease, which not only disabled him from work but seems to have caused aberration of mind. His employers, Messrs Gibb and Gordon, were consequently obliged to discharge him, but being rather an object of sympathy, he was permitted to remain in the neighborhood. A few days ago, the men in the employment of Messrs Gibb and Gordon, believing him to be in want of medical attendance, and without the means of procuring it, each subscribed ten shillings to enable him to proceed to town for that purpose. On Saturday, the 3rd instant, he called on his way at the house of Messrs Langhorne and Matthews, and remained about the premises till Monday morning; at eight o'clock he was seen by some parties in the house, and at twelve o'clock he was found in a room adjoining, suspended from a cross-beam and quite dead. He drank only one class of gin, and that on Saturday, spending no more than three shillings during the period of his stay. The rash act can only be attributed to insanity, symptoms of which he had occasionally exhibited. The sum of £14 5s was found on his person, although the amount subscribed for his relief did not exceed £4. Information of the occurrence was immediately forwarded to Mr Rousell, the nearest magistrate, (residing at a distance of twenty-six miles from the Emu Inn,) who returned instructions that the body should be inspected by one or two respectable residents in the neighborhood, whose statement, as well as that of all parties having any knowledge of the circumstances, should be forwarded to the bench at Geelong. He also directed that the body should be interred, the expense of which to be deducted from the £14 5s 4d, and the remainder to accompany the written accounts.[8]

Up until 1847 the mail service to Fiery Creek (Beaufort) went via the inn, and there were complaints when this service was to be discontinued.[9]

In January 1848 Langhorne advertised for the return of a missing horse:

Five Pounds Reward. STOLEN OR STRAYED, FROM a Paddock at the Emu Inn, on the Wardiyallock, on Friday the 17th December, 1847, an Iron Grey Colt, two years old, broken into saddle, branded T on the near shoulder, hind feet white, streak down forehead, bang or racing tail; the above reward will be given to any person that may give such information as will lead to the conviction of the thief; if strayed, TWO POUNDS will given on delivery of same at the Emu Inn, Yardiyallock, or Mr Langhorne, Geelong. Wardiyallock, 1st January, 1848.[10]

In February 1848, the partnership between Langhorne and Mathews was dissolved, and Langhorne left the hotel:

Geelong, 19th Feb , 1848 NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership existing between Edward Langhorne, Stuart Mathews, and Robert John .Baillie Stuart, trading under the firm of Langhorne and Mathews, as Innkeepers and Storekeepers on the Wardy Yallock Greek and in Geelong, is this day dissolved by mutual consent. All debts due to the Inn and Store on the Wnrdy Yallock to be paid to Stuart Mathews, who will carry on the business, and all debts due by the firm will be paid by him, debts due to the store in Geelong to be paid to Edward Langhorne Signed, EDWARD LANGHORNE. S. MATHEWS. R. J. B. STUART. By his attorney, S. MATHEWS. Witness- C. S. Morrow[11]

In March 1848 the annual race meeting was held at the inn:

Wardy Yallock ANNUAL RACES, 1848. WILL be holden on Thursday, March 16th instant. FIRST RACE, For a splendid Saddle, entrance to go for a Sweepstakes for the second Race, Caich Weights ; Heats, 1½ miles. SECOND RACE. Of Sovereigns, with entrance added. CONSOLATION STAKES, Of Sovereigns, for all beaten horses. Post entry. All horses to be entered before eleven o'clock at the Emu Inn, for the first Race, on the morning of the race.[12]

In May 1848 this rather interesting advertisement appeared in the newspaper:

I HEREBY caution all parties from harboring my wife Bridget Cobb, maiden name Bridget Sherlock, especially Stewart Matthews, Emu Inn, Wardy Allock. Parties harboring her after this notice will be dealt with according to law. P.S.--I will not be answerable for any debts she may contract after this notice. JOSEPH COBB.[13]

In December 1848 the publican William Lawson to action against Matthew Hall, of Wardy Yallock, for unpaid accounts of £33. The court case was reported on at length as Hall was drunk in court:

"...Mr Williamn Lawson, landlord of the Emu Inn, sued Matthew Hall for £10, on a bill or promissary note, given by the latter (so alleged) for board and lodging. The bill was not signed by Hall in his own hand writing, but his mark was put to it and writnessed by a person named Perkins, who swore in court to having read three different bills, each for £10, to the defendant, who put his mark to them in his (witness's) presence. Lawson, the plaintiff, in answer to some questions put by Mr Belcher, stated that the amount of these three bills, one of which was contracted for board and lodging, was £30; and, on being more close examined, admitted that the defendant only remained ten days in his house, his bill amounting to £33 in all..."[14]

In January 1849 the inn was a major point for the mail delivery services:

"...from and to Geelong and Muston's Creek, once a week, by way of the Leigh, Emu Inn, and Elephant Bridge, the distance between Geelong and Emu Inn to be performed by two horse mail cart, and between Emu Inn and Muston's Creek on horseback...[15]

In June 1849, a local shepherd disappeared after leaving the Inn:

MELANCHOLY -An old man lately in the employment of Mr Chirnside, as a shepherd, left the Emu Inn, at Wardy Yallock, ten days ago, and not having been heard of since, it is feared that he has missed his road and perished in the bush. On leaving the Inn the unfortunate creature took with him two bottles of spirits, it is possible he wandered from his track while under intoxication. Every search has since been made for him but up to the present time without success.[16]

The mail contractor's horse went missing in June 1849:

Horse Lost. LOST or strayed, from the Emu Inn, Wardyyallock, one of the Post Horses. Color, dark brown; long tail; stands about 16 hands; branded D1 on near shoulder; has a white spot on the nose. Any person finding the above Horse, and delivering him to Mr Mathews, Emu Inn, shall receive the reward of Two Pounds Sterling. JAMES BYRNES, Mailman.[17]

In September 1850, the groom at the hotel bought stolen property:

Caution to Employers. A BENGALEE calling himself "Abdual", lately in my service, has absconded, taking with him a horse, saddle and bridle, which he connived to sell to the Groom, at the Emu Inn, on the Woady Allah, on the 17th July. Should this man present himself for employment I should feel obliged if informed of his whereabouts. HENRY GOTTREUX, The Gums, Muston's Creek. August 31. 7502[18]

In January 1851 entries for the fourth annual race meeting were required to be made at the hotel. This was a much bigger event than 1848, with more races, and bigger prizes.[19]

In March 1851 P. Matthews was advertising for the return of a horse stolen from the stables in November 1850:

£5 REWARD. Stolen. On the night of Wednesday, the 20th inst, some ruffians broke into the stable of the Emu Inn, Wardy Yallock, and stole therefrom a chesnut mare, white face, branded M 3 on near shoulder, 3 on off shoulder. Whosoever will give such information as will lead to the conviction of the offenders, will receive the above reward, or any person finding her and restoring her to the undersigned, will receive two pounds reward. P. MATTHEWS. Emu Inn, Wardy Yallock, Nov. 25, 1850.[20]

In December 1851 the inn was offered for sale after the death of the owner:

MONDAY, 29th DECEMBER. ADVANTAGEOUS INVESTMENT FOR CAPITALISTS, EMU INN, WARDY YALLOCK. In an Intestate Estate. W. M. TENNENT & CO. Have received instructions to sell by public auction, at their Rooms, Elizabeth-street, On MONDAY, 29th INST., At Twelve o'clock, THE "EMU INN," licensed house, situated in the thriving township of Wardy Yallock, and on the direct line of road to the Glenelg, the New Country and Adelaide. This well-known hotel has been erected on two half acre allotments, is built of brick, very commodious, and the apartments have been laid out with great judgment. This house contains three sitting-rooms, six good bed rooms attached to the Inn, and two detached ; a stone pantry, kitchen, bar, taproom, store and coach-house : also, a new ten stall stable, built of wood, which will require to be removed, as it stands on Government ground. The Furniture is of the best description ; hair bottom chairs, &c., and the bedsteads are of iron, the original cost of the whole being £180, which will be given in, according to a list signed by the deceased twelve months ago. The Inn is at present let to a respectable tenant until the 1st July next, at a rental of £200 per annum. The purchaser will be required to take the stock on hand at town prices with carriage added, and furniture to the content of 40l, additional to that included in the above-mentioned list. Payment for the same to be made in Cash. In addition to the above, there is also a very neat weather boarded cottage, plastered inside, about 100 yards from the Inn, which was erected at the expense of 70l but which must be removed, being on Government Land. The above will be sold to the highest bidder and the Terms are Cash.[21]

The sale was withdrawn a couple of days later:

NOTICE. THE SALE of the Emu Inn, Wardy Yallock, is withdrawn for the present. W. M. TENNENT & CO. 22nd December, 1851.[22]

In January 1852 the inn was the starting point for exploring the new local goldfields:

The Wardy-Yallock gold having been much talked of lately, I take the liberty of making the following statement for the information of the public, with the view of giving prospecting parties some encouragement to try the ranges in that locality, as I feel certain told exists there in considerable quantities. I was one of four who went to Spindella Creek from the Emu Inn, Wardy Yallock, on Friday afternoon last, and found there sufficient gold to pay well for working...The Spindella Creek Diggings are about one and a half miles from Mr Brown's home station, and six miles from far Elder's or from Mr Baird's Inn.[23]

In February 1852 the publican again advertised for information about lost or stolen horses:

TWENTY-SEVEN POUNDS Reward.-Lost one BLACK MARE, aged, branded DL near ride under the saddle, collar marked foal at foot. A reward of Five Pounds will be paid on delivery of the Mare to the undersigned, or for information that will lead to her recovery: and Twenty Pounds, if stolen, on conviction of the thief. Also, a light Grey Mare, long switch tail, branded J. near shoulder, WP off side, under the saddle, had four shoes on when lost; a reward of Two Pounds will be given for the delivery of the mare, or information that will lead to her recovery. M. H. BAND, Emu Inn, Wardy Yallock. 15th February, 1852.[24]

The delayed auction was re-advertised for 22 June 1852, with the purchaser able to take possession on 1 July.[25]

In October 1852, Baird was advertising for a horse lost near Bendigo:

TEN POUND REWARD. Caution to Poundkeepers and Others. LOST, from Bendigo, a bay horse, 16 hands high, small star on forehead, branded R or R and anchor, near shoulder. Ten pounds reward will be paid by the undersigned for such information as may lead tohis recovery. M. H. BAIRD.[26]

In October 1855 a new coach service to the hotel was announced:

NOTICE. The NUGGET CONVEYANCE, to and from the Wardy Yallock.-A Conveyance will leave the Black Bull Hotel, Malop street, Geelong every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, at 7 o'clock, a.m., for the Wardy Yallock arriving at 3 p.m. same day, and returning each succeeding day. Passengers will be allowed to take parcels, under I0lbs. weight. To start for the first time on Wednesday next, from the above Hotel, at the above stated hour. Messrs. C. YOUNG and LEWIS HUGHES, Proprietors. Booking Office, Black Bull Geelong. Booking Office Wardy Yallock, Emu Inn.[2]

In November 1855 H. M. Baird is offering the Pitfield Hotel for sale.[27]

Community Involvement[edit | edit source]

The People[edit | edit source]

See also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ Woady Yallock Historical Society, 'Pitfield Hotel', Facebook, 24 October 2018,https://www.facebook.com/167087926814982/photos/a.167792553411186/935359559987811/
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 1855 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 - 1856), 16 October, p. 1. (DAILY.), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91863902
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 1846 'Domestic Intelligence.', The Melbourne Argus (Vic. : 1846 - 1848), 5 June, p. 2. , viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4759232
  4. ↑ 1846 'ANOTHER PRIVATE MAIL.', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 17 June, p. 2. , viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94447622
  5. ↑ 1846 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 22 July, p. 3. , viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94443155
  6. ↑ 1846 'GEELONG POLICE COURT.', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 2 September, p. 2. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94444539
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 1846 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 16 September, p. 3. , viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94443955
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 1847 'FRIDAY EVENING, JULY 16, 1847.', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 16 July, p. 2. (EVENING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94445008
  9. ↑ 1847 'MAIL TO THE WARDIYALLOCK.', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 28 September, p. 1. (EVENING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94446494
  10. ↑ 1848 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 4 January, p. 2. (EVENING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91459135
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 1848 'Advertising', The Melbourne Argus (Vic. : 1846 - 1848), 29 February, p. 3. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4763347
  12. ↑ 1848 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 7 March, p. 2. (EVENING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91457810
  13. ↑ 1848 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 20 May, p. 3. (MORNING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91458437
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 1848 'THE NEW REGULATIONS FOR THE SETTLED DISTRICTS', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 7 December, p. 2. (MORNING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93134985
  15. ↑ 1849 'CONTRACTS FOR CONVEYANCE OF MAILS IN 1849.', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 12 January, p. 1. , viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4766470
  16. ↑ 1849 'LOCAL INTELLIGENCE.', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 2 June, p. 2. (MORNING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93134900
  17. ↑ 1849 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 26 June, p. 4. (MORNING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article93137266
  18. ↑ 1850 'Advertising', The Melbourne Daily News (Vic. : 1848 - 1851), 4 September, p. 3. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226519910
  19. ↑ 1851 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 28 January, p. 4. (DAILY and MORNING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91919695
  20. ↑ 1851 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser (Vic. : 1847 - 1851), 12 March, p. 1. (DAILY and MORNING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91916787
  21. ↑ 1851 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 19 December, p. 4. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4782325
  22. ↑ 1851 'Advertising', The Melbourne Daily News (Vic. : 1848 - 1851), 22 December, p. 3. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article226912427
  23. ↑ 23.0 23.1 1852 'WARDY-YALLOCK DIGGINGS.', Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 - 1856), 13 January, p. 2. (DAILY and MORNING), viewed 02 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91929442
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 1852 'Advertising', Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 - 1856), 20 February, p. 4. (DAILY and MORNING), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91929663
  25. ↑ 1852 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 18 May, p. 1. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4785109
  26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 1852 'Advertising', The Argus (Melbourne, Vic. : 1848 - 1957), 18 October, p. 8. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4787708
  27. ↑ 1855 'ABSTRACT OF SALES BY AUCTION.', Geelong Advertiser and Intelligencer (Vic. : 1851 - 1856), 27 December, p. 3. (DAILY), viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article91871278
  28. ↑ 1846 'OCCUPATION LICENSES.', Geelong Advertiser and Squatters' Advocate (Vic. : 1845 - 1847), 22 April, p. 2. , viewed 03 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article94447578
  29. ↑ 1847 'Domestic Intelligence.', The Melbourne Argus (Vic. : 1846 - 1848), 23 April, p. 3. , viewed 11 Nov 2018, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article4761439


External Links[edit | edit source]

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