Licensees
1863-1870 – W. H. Johnson1New South Wales Government Gazette (Sydney, NSW : 1832-1900), Tuesday 13 August 1867 (No.136 [SUPPLEMENT]), p 1893
1871 – Mary Ann Johnson (London Tavern)
Location
Redbank
In the News
In October 1863, the Empire 2Empire(Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Saturday 24 October 1863, p 2 reported that ‘Dr. Wilson, the present member for the Southern Gold Fields electorate, will be opposed, at least if we may judge from the placards which were stuck up all over Araluen, on Monday. Placards stating that a meeting was to be held last evening at Mr. Johnson’s, London Tavern, Redbank , to consider the propriety of adopting a resolution to call upon Frederick Augustus Cooper, Esq , J.P., to contest the electorate of the Southern Gold Fields, as Dr. Wilson has accepted Office in the Martin Ministry. We believe, however, that this step, which has been taken by the miners of Araluen is entirely antagonistic to the wishes of Mr. Cooper.’
In February 1864, Redbank, the Braidwood News 3Braidwood News and Southern Goldfields General Advertiser (NSW: 1864), Saturday 27 February 1864, page 2 suggested, was ‘fast becoming the principle theatre for the efforts of the miners…[describing that] Mr. Johnson has also added largely to the conveniences of the London Tavern; in addition to his long room, he has recently opened a summer retreat, with a bar underneath the house, where Visitors may coolly, inhale their cigar over a came[game] at billiards, or quietly lounge during the heat of summer in sequestered shade. “The Shades” will no doubt be well patronised during the season’.
An advertisement for “The Shades” at the London Tavern was placed in The Araluen Star4Araluen Star and Miners’ Right (NSW: 1863 – 1864), Saturday 12 March 1864, page 4 in March 1864, describing the Shades as ‘a Cool retreat from the Summer’s heat... elegantly fitted up and are replete with every attribute to procure, Luxury, Comfort and Ease.’
Advertisements were placed in The Araluen Star in May 18645Araluen Star and Miners Right (1863-1964), Saturday 14 May 1864, p 1, for Dr Borck, Surgeon, Accoucheur (a male obstetrician or midwife), notifying of his intention to practise from his residence at Johnson’s London Inn and R. Smith, Commission Agent, London Tavern, advertising his liberal advances, if required, on properties for immediate sale.
A case was dismissed in September 1867 against Frank Johnson who was charged with using indecent and obscene language, against W. H. Johnson, of the London Tavern6Braidwood Independent (NSW : 1867), Saturday 14 September 1867, p 5, as the prosecutor was not wishing to press the charge.
On 11 July 1869, a dinner and testimonial presentation to Peter Hume Gentle, MD at Araluen was held at Johnson’s London Tavern, Araluen7Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1854), Thursday 23 July 1868, p 4. ‘The chair was occupied by Mr. J. H. Blatchford, supported by Dr. Gentle and the Rev A D Faunce who expressed appreciation of the manner in which Dr. Gentle has at all times discharged the onerous duties of his profession, his skill as a physician, and kind and humane conduct as a man. A watch was presented to P H Gentle, M D, as a recognition of the skill and humanity displayed in his professional services generally, more particularly in the late operation performed on Mr Oliver Lodge, accountant of A J S Bank, Araluen, 14th July, 1868.’
In December 1869, Dr. Alley addressed about 250 electors, at Johnson’s London Tavern.8Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Thursday 2 December 1869, p 5 He gave a full exposition of his political views, and his future course, if returned.
On 14 December 1869, the elections for the seat of Braidwood are on record as one of the most violent with mob rule and intimidation. It became known as the ‘Pick Handle’ Election. In an article titled “When mob took over Araluen at the pick-handle election,” the Canberra Times 9Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 – 1995), Saturday 21 November 1992, page 4 describes ‘Dr George Alley, one of the candidates, was present throughout the days of the riot. He saw Sergeant Brennan attempt to escort Mr Johnson, of the London Tavern pub, at Araluen, to cast his vote in the courthouse. They never made it. Sergeant Brennan drew his revolver. His arm was pushed up in the crush of men around him and he fired in the air, probably by accident. But the report of his weapon was hardly heard above the din‘.
A correspondent writing to the Evening News 10Evening News (Sydney, NSW : 1869-1931), Monday 12 June 1871, p 3,on 12 June 1871, in 1871, detailed Araluen ‘Its Past and Present Condition‘ noting ‘about fifteen public-houses, and in Redbank the London Tavern run by Mr. W. H. Johnson, who at one time held a most prominent position in mining, but through reverses has had to submit to heavy loses. For comfort, civility, and attention this is equal to any hotel in the Valley.‘
Following the flood at Araluen, in May 1871 a monster meeting of miners and others was held at Johnson’s, London Tavern,11Newcastle Chronicle (NSW : 1866-1876), Tuesday 9 May 1871, p 3 convened by requisition to the Police Magistrate, who attended, and was unanimously voted to the chair. Various resolutions were submitted, and carried, the principal one being ‘That application be made to the Government, asking aid by a loan of £6000 on security. Very great depression prevails, and business generally dull. Hundreds are out of employment, and there is no immediate prospect of opening ground, consequent upon the irreparable losses sustained by the flood. A local committee has been formed, with power to add to their number. One or two engines have been unearthed, but there is no trace of the others. The present computed loss occasioned by the flood exceeds £20,000.’
In May 1872, the Australian Town and Country Journal12Australian Town and Country Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1870-1919), Saturday 11 May 1872, p 14 reported that ‘Mr. W.H. Johnson, late of the London Tavern is now at the celebrated Araluen Arms‘.