Author Archives
A journalist, writer and historian, Mick Roberts specialises in Australian cultural history, particularly associated with Australian pubs. Mick has had an interest in revealing the colourful story of Australian hotels or pubs and associated industries for over 35 years. Besides writing a number of history books, Mick has managed several community newspapers. Editorially, he has managed the Wollongong Northern News, The Bulli Times, The Northern Times, The Northern Leader and The Local - all located in the Wollongong region. As a journalist he has reported for Rural Press, Cumberland (News Limited), City Hub Sydney (City News), and Torch Publications (based in Canterbury Bankstown, Sydney).
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The O’Briens and Mossman’s Exchange Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © IN August 2014 we visited the northern Queensland township of Mossman where we stopped by the magnificent Exchange Hotel. This pub dominates the streetscape, and dates back to 1896. The Exchange Hotel at Mossman was built… Read More ›
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When the beer drought ended: They rushed this hotel
Beer rationing during the war years – and for some years after – caused a frenzied rush to the bar when publicans announced that they had secured a supply of the amber nectar. For more on beer shortages visit the Time… Read More ›
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Victoria’s ‘Petticoat Pub’
Regular customers of a hotel in St. Kilda (Victoria) call it ‘Petticoat Pub’ [Gippsland Hotel]. Women comprise the whole staff. Licensee Mrs. O. K. Edgar says that women are quicker and more courteous than men at hotel work. The staff of six includes her… Read More ›
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Grosvenor Hotel: Pay-back practical joke cost Melbourne publican £50
THE long-gone Grosvenor Hotel was located at the corner of Little Collins Street and Equitable Place, Melbourne. I’m not sure exactly when we lost this pub from Melbourne’s past, and would appreciate any information on its demise. The pub was… Read More ›
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Hawthorn’s Tower Hotel: Tearful scenes in Melbourne bar
By MICK ROBERTS © THE year before the original Tower Hotel was demolished, 300 weeping customers staggered from the bar after a mystery person dropped a “tear gas bomb”. A practical joker, it seems, left a ‘gift’ for customers of… Read More ›
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A mass murdering publican and punting at the Royal Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © WAY before pokies and TAB machines, pub drinkers found other means to gamble, and try their luck at winning a ‘quid’ or two. Cards, dice, billiards, bagatelle and other illegal lures were often used by publicans… Read More ›
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Memories of Bulli Family Hotel
DURING the 1920s and 30s, a pub on the NSW South Coast became the centre of social life for coal miners in the little town of Bulli. The Bulli Family Hotel, now trading as the Heritage Hotel, opened for business… Read More ›
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He went to the Harp with his Grandfather
BILLY Fitzpatrick of Market Square, went to work with the City’s milkman, Charlie Price, at the same age that he became a regular at the Harp Hotel *.He earned 2/6 a week.“I walked from house to house, carrying four gallons… Read More ›
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Wollongong’s ‘Upper Crown Street Push’, were ‘artistic types’, who met at the Royal Alfred Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © LONG before the Sydney Push met in pubs around the harbour city, a group of “theatrical types, well primed with soda and a dash” paved the way for artists by reciting poetry and “warbling” songs in… Read More ›
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Regents Park Hotel, Regents Park
Salvationist Arrested: Hotel Scene Lidcombe police yesterday charged a Salvation Army captain with “disorderly conduct” at the Regents Park hotel. The publican, Mr. Eric McLean, asked police to make the charge after the captain had gone into the hotel with… Read More ›