James Holdstock worked in England and America as a baker before coming to Australia. He was also a keen cricket player so it was appropriate that when he was  finally given a publican's license  for a house in High Street West Maitland, he would name it the 'Cricketers Arms'. He had been refused a license twice before in 1844 and was granted a license in April 1846. The Cricketer' Arms was situated near the Bricklayer's Arms.

In September 1846 the Cricketers Arms was the scene of a meeting of the journeymen carpenters and joiners of Maitland. They unanimously agreed that none of their body ought to work at a lower rate of wages than four shillings and sixpence per day. The Maitland Mercury reported that one or two employers were present and expressed their willingness to accede to the terms and in consequence, a 'number of workmen struck their work yesterday until wages should be raised for all.'

Holdstock was fined £5 for allowing billiards to be played in his hotel in March 1847 and soon after was advertising the Hotel for sale. However he was challenged as to the ownership by Thomas Ramplin who, in a notice placed in the Maitland Mercury stated that he laid claim the house and premises in Holdstock's possession. He stated he would endeavour to enforce his claim against any person who purchased the Inn. James Holdstock was quick to respond and the following notice appeared soon after.

'To Mr. Thomas Ramplin Junior. You having thought proper publicly to claim the 'Cricketers Arms'  advertised by me for sale, I hereby publicly challenge you to make good your claim; and I only regret that your circumstances are not such as to make it worth my while to compel you to do so in a court of justice. My title is clear and distinct and open to the inspection of any one interested. The deeds can be seen by applying to F.W. Davies solicitor Maitland'

James Holdstock had spared no expense in putting the premises in a first rate business condition and when he decided to leave the colony in 1847, had high hopes of realising a profitable and speedy sale. The Cricketers' Arms was a two story building with 3 parlours, a Billiard room, bar and tap, back parlour and bed room on the ground floor and four bedrooms on the first floor. Underground there were two cellars (one under the tap), a kitchen and  a servant's bed room. It was said to be well known that the Cricketers' Arms was in a flourishing condition and doing  as  good a trade as any other Inn or public house in Maitland.

James Holdstock was buried in the Raymond Terrace pioneer cemetery in 1857.