Crowning the Bar: The Queen of White Feather

The Queen of White Feather A true story of the introduction of the first barmaid in Kanowna in 1896 by John Drayton. Smith’s Weekly – Sydney – 2 September 1922 TOM DOYLE, licensee of the Kanowna Hotel (White Feather) in 1896, introduced the first barmaid to the fields. There were women in the camp, and […]

Where Belinda Bought the Drinks –

Where Belinda Bought the Drinks by Andree Hayward – 1896 In the outback pub, it was always known when ‘womenfolk’ would be arriving in town. The news could never be kept secret. When the weekly coach arrived, all eyes would be on the lookout to catch a glimpse of the ‘new girl’. There was no […]

Yerilla – from gold to gems

Yerilla (Aboriginal name for white Quartz) Latitude: 29 29 S Longitude: 121 50 E Yerilla is an abandoned goldfields townsite located 105 km east northeast of Menzies and 37 km southeast of Kookynie. Gold was discovered in the area in the mid 1890’s, and the miners soon formed a progress committee, and in 1896 requested […]

Arthur Cyril Leevers – pioneer & publican

Arthur Cyril LEEVERS was born on the 9th of March 1866 at Sowerby Bridge, Yorkshire, England. His parents were John LEEVERS and Mary Ann RATHY. In 1872 he travelled to New Zealand with his parents and brothers. He married twice, 1st to Isabella HEBLY in June 1886 in Wellington, New Zealand and 2nd to Alma […]

The Binduli Blood House –

The Binduli Bloodhouse – The following article appeared in ‘The Sun’ newspaper on the 28th October 1906. The sentiments and derogatory comments about foreigners and women were common at the time. THE BINDULI BLOODHOUSE. BARTOLO MORATTI’S PUB CLAIMS TO THE ATTENTION OF POLICE Disreputable Boozing Den— For Dissipated Dagos.— No Attractions for Picnickers.— Closure Badly […]