Licensee
1859-1860 – William Burt
Location
One mile below Mudmelong
In the News
In July 1859, the Empire reported ‘At Mudmelong claims continue to turn out well. The new premises intended for an inn, between Merricumbene and Mudmelong, are progressing towards completion, and will be ready by next transfer day. Mr. Burt is putting up a house immediately opposite, and, no doubt, both Mr. Lawley and Mr. Burt will receive a due share of patronage‘.1Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Saturday 30 July 1859, p 3.
Mudmelong building activity was detailed by the Empire in August 1859 as ‘Below “the Pack-saddle” we noticed the erection of two new public houses, or rather; buildings intended for such-: one is designated the “Doncaster” already noticed, the other the “Diggers’ Retreat” which is being put up by Mr. Burt, so well-known to the diggers that he needs no word of commendation at our hands.’2Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Saturday 13 August 1859, p 10.
In February 1860 the Great Flood swept away Burt’s house, the Diggers’ Retreat. Many newspapers at the time reported:
- Down the creek, one mile below Mudmelong, we come to where once stood Burt’s house, the Diggers’ Retreat. In that locality the destruction was as severe (if not more so) than anywhere. I was myself a lodger in Burt’s house, and have a vivid recollection of Saturday morning, 11 February 1860. We all retired to bed at 11 o’clock (with the exception of Mr. Burt, who did not go to bed until three, when he thought everything was safe) without any idea of danger.
- A few moments after daylight we were aroused from our peaceful slumbers by Mr. A. Lawley, who, by kicks and cries, informed us that the flood would soon sweep the building away and bury us in its ruins. There were at the time in the house, Mr. and Mrs. Burt and 4 children, together with seven lodgers.
- We only had sufficient, time to escape with our lives, but our loss is nothing compared with Burt’s, for he has lost all—house, kitchen, saloon; all, all were swept away by the mighty flood, and where once stood a comfortable house for himself and family and for any traveller that asked accommodation, the ground is laid bare.
- I suppose Burt’s loss must be near £700 or £S00. It is to be hoped that he will not long want, as he would never, when in business, see any man want, if in his power to assist him. Mr. R. Smith, the artist, lost about £70 worth of property. Burt only had sufficient time to save a few articles, hardly enough to cover the nakedness of himself and family.3Illawarra Mercury (Wollongong, NSW : 1856-1950), Friday 24 February 1860, p 4.
- The Empire’s correspondent from Mudmelong adds ‘I cannot refrain from mentioning the praiseworthy and heroic conduct of W. A. Porter and John Morris, who were lodgers at Burt’s house, for to their exertions alone is due the credit of saving the few articles that were preserved from the wreck. At the imminent peril of their lives they entered the building which at the time was up to their middles in water and the torrent pouring through the windows, these two men were to be seen passing from one to the other, beds, bedding, clothing, &c., until the building, no longer able to resist the flood, gave way and was tossed into the fearful current.4Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Tuesday 21 February 1860, p 3.
The Empire in reporting on THE GREAT FLOOD of 1860 stated ‘We hear from Broulee that the sea-beach is strewn over with fragments of household furniture and other trophies of the late devastating flood. Some of these, including the including the swing sign of Burt’s ill-fated public-house, [Diggers’ Retreat] are recognised as having once belonged to homesteads in the Araluen Valley. Those debris must, in the first instance, have been carried to sea by the mighty rush of the Moruya river, and eventually to their present place, by the strong current which is known to set in towards Broulee from the Moruya heads.’5Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Thursday 19 April 1860, p 8.
The insolvents record from 14th March to 12th April 18606Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Saturday 14 April 1860, p 8. included William Burt, of the Lower Araluen, licensed victualler, while The Empire notes 7Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Monday 16 April 1860, p 4. the insolvent estate of William Burt, Lower Araluen, publican.