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Orient Hotel, corner of Pulteney Street and Wakefield Street, c1873


Photo taken 30 December 1872

State Library Catalogue Reference: B 2525

The north-east corner of Wakefield and Pulteney Streets. Built on the site of the Rose of Australia Hotel in 1863, the building, with various modifications, still stands and is used as backpacker accommodation. R.H McGee's name appears above the door, and he had the license from 1872 until 9th June, 1873. From December 1883 to March 1884 it was known as the La Mascott Hotel.

'Margaret Stewart, licensed victualler, was charged, on the information of Police-constable Dyer, with allowing gambling in her house, the Orient Hotel, Wakefield street, on the 22nd instant. Mr. A G. Downer for the defendant. The informant stated that on the evening in question he went into the bar of the Orient Hotel, and bought a cigar. He was in private clothes. He heard one man at the bar say he had bet 2s 6d on the result of his toss. Several persons ware engaged in throwing dice for drinks. The truth of the last statement was admitted by the witnesses who were called for the defence, but Mr. Downer argued that the constable had not shown sufficient to justify a Police Court action. He stated that it was -common in public-houses in town, to throw for drinks, and His Worship, he thought, would see how unfair it was to Mrs. Stewart to single her out for punishment. He did not consider that the offence was of such a nature as demanded the infliction of a penalty. Fined 5s and costs, 25s in all.'
Express and Telegraph, Wednesday 25 August 1875, page 2

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