History with Brian James: Inquest into 1890 hotel fire

William Mather stated that he was a butcher his shop is opposite Cope's Hotel in Main Street. He ran across the road to where the fire was burning in Cope's yard. By the time he arrived the fire was burning inside and outside. He took up a bucket and threw water on the fire, Mr D McKenzie did the same.

They then tried to break in the front door, this was not successful. Speirs got an axe and with the help of Mr Berlyn burst the door in. The fire was successfully put out. The biggest portion of the fire was inside the house, and they knew Sanders was away as he had news of his wife's death.

James Sanders informed the inquest that he was a cordial maker and carried on his business in a house rented from Mr Stevenson from Burrowa, he paid 30s a week rent. Sanders said that he had purchased bedsteads and mattresses and chairs from Geo Watson and Son.

Other witnesses including; John Speirs, Sarah Speirs, David Rintoul, Constable Milne, RM Hunter, Joseph Powell and James Allison gave evidence on insurance policies and values. Also evidence was give about a previous fire and about possible causes and suspicions.

After all evidence was heard and the Coroner had summed up the Jury returned a verdict to the effect that the fire was caused by incendiarism by some person or persons unknown. (Inquest published in Burrangong Argus, Wednesday, April 16, 1890).

Note: Cope's Star Hotel would have been on the SE corner of Burrowa and Main Street intersection. It was adjoined on the Main St. side by two dwellings, Sanders, owned by Mr Stevenson of Burrowa and Speir's owned by J R Dunlop. The hotel and both residence had back yards. Sanders occupied he house nearest the hotel and ran his cordial manufactory here and may have sent them out as "Sanders Temperance Hotel".

Note also: William Mathers butcher, refers to his shop in Main St, opposite Copes Hotel in Main St. so this was on the west side, between Short and Main Sts. Although Schmidt's were probably , by 1890, already on the Burrowa Street Corner.

Margaret Reus conducted a fruit and confectionary shop in Main Street in late 1860, she was the mother of barber Cristy Reus.

Between the Star Hotel and Rosemary Lane (in 1885) was Worms' General Drapery and Boots Store and two wooden structures including Tim Darley's Baker's shop.

A H Dunn, wooden Chinese Grocers shop, burnt in 1910, rebuilt in brick in 1912. Building belonged to Svenson's (sold after Phyllis died) On Lee and Co was next to Mrs Reus.

Nicholas Sardelich Berdelich Marketo, bootmaker, in part of 78 Main Street 1943-1949, Tom Munn Furniture, Antiques (1980s), Solar Power (2018). Wok and Roll 1991, Chow King 2017 m2019.

No. 78 Ronald Muir, Garage 1958. National Tyres 1963. No. 80 Bo-peep baby-wear 1964.

Windmill Antiques 1983, No. 82 Harry Delamont, Dealer 1964. No. 86-92 Main Street On Lee's General Store. This store stood out into the street several feet and had to be eventually realigned, it was a grocers, Ironmongers and mercers. On Lee 's Drapery Store bought out by Tom Phillips, became at least three stores.

George Quay was a shop assistant at On Lee's store, Charley Ah Young was a cook at On Lee Co. A fire destroyed On Lee's store in Main Street on May 25,1897.

On Lee's Store was rebuilt, as old-timers remember On Lees from the early 20^th century. Sid Briggs said his Barbers shop was the groceries section, Bowles was the Mercery and DeBritt's Dry Cleaner the Ironmongery. Watson Bros offered to buy On Lees' business and On Lees' reply was, "You sell out, we buy you".

On Lees Store was on the east side of Main Street, opposite the present Service Station. Alf Phillips and his father, Arthur, bought On Lees shop between them.