Licensees
1864-1866 – George Dunn
Location
Redbank, adjacent to the Racecourse
In the News
On 3 June 1862, the Sydney Morning Herald1Sydney Morning Herald (NSW: 1842-1954), Tuesday 3 June 1862, p 2 reported ‘At Jembaicumbene, right away from Booth’s to Mr Dunn’s, the O’Connell Inn, the claims are turning out very rich proceeds. This is in the main attributed to a new system of working which has been successfully brought into operation, namely, the amalgamation of European and Chinese labour.‘
In July 1863 the Freeman’s Journal2Freeman’s Journal (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1932), Wednesday 8 July 1863, p 4 reported ‘Araluen is now the centre of attraction amongst the different gold-fields in this district, the population increasing every day, most of the population leaving Jembaicumbene for this place. It is said that Atkins, Dunn, and Coleman, are all coming here, in consequence of Jembaicumbene having now become a dead letter, or next door to it.‘
In October 1863, an announcement was placed in the Araluen Star newspaper, regarding the relocation of the O’Connell Arms from Jembaicumbene, to newly erected premises at Redbank, adjacent to the Racecourse.3Araluen Star and Miners Right (1863-1964), Saturday 5 October 1863, p 4
On Wednesday, 22 August 1866, by special (marriage) license, at St. Patrick’s Church, Araluen, NSW, by the Reverend G. J. Riordan; D. Doherty, of Dublin, only son of the late Mr. P. Doherty, to Louisa May Josephine, third daughter of Mr. George Dunn Araluen.4Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842-1954), Friday 31 August 1866, p 1
Mrs Eliza Watson’s reminiscences in 19125Sydney Mail (NSW : 1912-1938), Wednesday 17 July 1912, p 23, ‘that the principal houses in Araluen were the O’Connell Arms, London Inn, Half way House, Sapling Point Hotel, Criterion Hotel, Rose and Crown, Free Selection Inn, Araluen Arms, Northumberland Arms, Pick and Shovel Inn, Racecourse Hotel, Currency Lad, and Peace and Plenty Inn. Some of these places were conducted by storekeepers, who paid upwards of £30 per ton for the haulage of goods from Moruya and Nelligen. There were few of what are now called boarding-houses. There were some substantial buildings of wood, and brick, but most of the houses were of flimsy construction — of battens and canvas. There were some of the wattle and dab (daub) order.‘
In March 1865, a ‘For Sale’ advertisement6Empire (Sydney, NSW : 1850-1875), Thursday 2 March 1865, p 7 was placed for the O’Connell Arms Hotel.