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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Where beer was thicker than blood
By Henry McCarthy THE licensee of the Amos Hotel in Newcastle employed his sister as a barmaid and, because he believed that blood was thicker than beer, refused to put her in the union. He told the other barmaids who… Read More ›
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Telling the ‘Yanks’ about us
By a Staff Reporter YESTERDAY I spied on the man who spied on us. He is William Winter, one of America‘s best-known news commentators. Mr Winter is recording general aspects of Australian life and air-mailing the records to… Read More ›
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The Swan Brewery, Perth
The Swan Brewery is unquestionably one of the finest of its kind in Australia. Its large premises, extending with yards and stables over 54 acres of land, are situate on one of the loveliest spots on the banks of the… Read More ›
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Bowen River Hotel, Bowen River
Bowen River Hotel, Bowen Queensland 1951. The Bowen River Hotel was established in 1873 and was once the change post for the mails from Bowen Downs, Aramac, and Bowes. When this photo was taken in 1951 it was located in… Read More ›
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Metropolitan Hotel, Sydney
The original Metropolitan Hotel, at the corner of George and Bridge streets Sydney, was demolished in 1910 and replaced with the current heritage listed structure. The site of the Metropolitan has been occupied by a hotel since the 1830s. In… Read More ›
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Draught beer off in Canberra
SUPPLIES of draught beer have “dried up” in four Canberra-hotels and canned and bottled beer supplies are dwindling. Hotel Kingston barmaid Marg Kean (pictured) is shown pouring beer from a can for a customer yesterday. The only other man in… Read More ›
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At 104, Willie Jones met a challenger
Willie Jones, 104 to-day, and for many years undisputed claimant to the title of oldest inhabitant at the Lidcombe State Home [NSW], now has a challenger. A new arrival, Bill Campbell, who offered Willie birthday greetings, claimed he was 107…. Read More ›
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Just a taste for 15 thirsty miners
Read the Time Gents’ story of the Save Yourself Club: Coal miners’ world beer drinking record: 15 men drink 600 gallons of beer in 15 days! 480 GALLONS OF BEER IN 12 DAYS WOLLONGONG, Monday: The 15 Corrimal miners who are trying… Read More ›
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Bringing out the corpse
UNDERTAKERS do not always take their pleasures sadly, and some of the best parties have been thrown in the workshop of one establishment where wooden overcoats are tailored to measure. One night the drinks ran low, and as it was… Read More ›
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Strong Man Inn, Parramatta
Breasting the bar earns Margaret time in the watch house MARGARET Carey, after enjoying a couple of rums at the Strong Man Inn, Parramatta in September 1828, was ordered to spend time in the watch house “until sober” after souveniring… Read More ›