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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New beer serving device, ‘Pluto’ arrives in Melbourne
“These pots have an extra good look about them, but don’t be hopeful. The picture shows a new beer servicing device known as “Pluto” in use in a Melbourne hotel [National Hotel]. It consists of six feet of transparent plastic… Read More ›
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Sydney carter ‘shouts’ for his horse
This Sydney carter has the “kindness to animals” spirit. In the terrific heat recently, he had a pot of beer himself and then “shouted” for his horse. – The Longreach Leader November 28 1936.
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Guests at Walgett’s Imperial Hotel cooled off in ice baths during heat wave
Ice put in hotel guests’ baths Sydney, Friday. THE water was so hot at Walgett (NSW) yesterday during the fierce State-wide heat that at the Imperial Hotel ice had to be put in the baths for guests. Temperatures ranged from 106.3 (41.2C.) at Sydney to… Read More ›
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Mt Isa celebrated Christmas nine months late, after 1930 beer strike
BOIL OVER Unable to Beer It Mount ISA, Saturday, The 12-months-old beer strike is over, but beer is still one shilling a pot, which means that for 12 dusty, dreary months Mount Isa has thirsted in vain. But today Mount… Read More ›
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Sydney’s early ‘growlers’ were a little expensive compared to tap beer
BUYING beer in schooners and middies in Sydney hotels and then bottling it yourself is an expensive way of buying it, although not illegal, provided you pour the beer into the bottle yourself. To the right is a bottle containing… Read More ›
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Market gardener established Waterloo’s Cauliflower Hotel
By MICK ROBERTS © DURING the early part of the 19th century, many of Sydney’s pubs had quaint names, accompanied by an indicative sign, swinging from posts or awnings. There was the Black Boy, in George Street, the Brown Bear… Read More ›
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Pub tales from the past… Strange but true
Strange But True was a contributors column, which appeared in the newspaper Smith’s Weekly, from 1919 through to 1950. 1925: GOATS STICKY END – Jerry, a William goat owned by a publican in Townsville (Q.), was a valuable asset to the “house”… Read More ›
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Sydney’s beer guzzle: What do you think about it?
COMING OVER: Often the rush is so great that beer is handed over the heads of people lining the bar. Customers don’t resent this refinement in hotel service. We leave you to be the judges: WE ran a story… Read More ›
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Barmen strike forces Adelaide’s Imperial Hotel publican behind his bar
As a result of the decision of Adelaide barmen to cease work, following on the 8/ a week reduction, members of the families of many licensees took their places behind the bar on Monday. Max Flannagan of the Imperial Hotel hard at work. – Observer… Read More ›
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Musicians’ Hotel
“You’ll have to wait — only eight to the bar !” – The Sun (Sydney, NSW) Monday 10 March 1947