George Mathews' Lachlan Brewery, Gulgong. 1872
Source: SLNSW
Lachlan Brewery detail
George Mathews, brewery owner, may be the man standing in the doorway
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)
George Mathews, brewery owner, may be the man standing in the doorway
Source: Information supplied by Baldwin & Davis, Research Gulgong (July 2006)
Lachlan Brewery on right behind the cart.
Looking east on Mayne Street along the southern side toward Medley Street, Gulgong
Source: SLNSW
NEWS ITEMS
Notwithstanding the very inclement state of the weather, the miners, wherever possible, have continued their pursuits with vigour. It commenced pouring on Tuesday afternoon last, and continued with but few and brief intermissions to rain until Sunday afternoon. One little circumstance at the termination of the storm excited a very deep interest. This was the finding of a great many nuggets in the streets and upon the slopes of Red Hill. One man picked up a solid piece of gold in front of Messrs. Driscoll and Redmond's Hotel in Queen-street, that weighed 4oz 14dwt. A lad, son of Mr George Mathews, the well-known cordial manufacturer, found another in the same locality that weighed 2oz 11dwt. They were both beautiful specimens of the precious metal. Others were fortunate in finding many smaller pieces.
From 5 p.m. until after sunset there were at least 100 men and boys at different points of the streets and upon Red Hill looking for nuggets. A large cellar was excavated when the hotel of Messrs. Driscoll and Redmond was erected, and it is thought by some that the large nuggets were thus unearthed and thrown to the surface.
1872 - GULGONG'S BREWERY
Gulgong and Mudgee will shortly be Independent of the English breweries, for the colonial manufacturers in Mudgee and Gulgong bid fair to drive the English beers out of the market. As far as Gulgong is concerned, the beer brewed by Mr Allen, of Herbert street, is equal to the best Imported, being a peculiar light, wholesome beverage just suitable for the present hot weather. We are glad to learn it is much esteemed by the public.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 27 Sep 1934 Page 13 quoting an 1872 local paper,
1874 - LACHLAN BREWERY MOVE?
In 1874, a visitor to the Palmer River Rush near Cooktown described various businesses appearing along the streets. Among them was "unbuilt — Lachlan Brewery, XXX, 6d. pint, by George Matthews". Its conceivable that George had moved his business from Gulgong. The article also records the prevalence of Gulgong miners who were trying their luck in the new area:
Yesterday, while going up the street to look for a place to camp, I had to stop several times to shake hands with several from the Canadian, Home Rule, Gulgong and Rouse's Paddock; and the news from all is disheartening in the extreme...Animals that at Gulgong a man would not release out of the pound, they ask £20 for. A friend of mine was offered £30 for one that he could not get more than £1 for in Gulgong.
