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George Furber
was an early licensee of the Golden Fleece.
He announced the opening of the Inn situated near
the Court House in East Maitland in June 1835
(44).
George Furber then built the
George & Dragon and the
Golden Fleece
license was held by others before James Smith became publican in the 1840's.
In 1843, the
'Golden Fleece' was chosen as the
venue for an election dinner given in Mr. McGreavy's
honour. Several of Major Wentworth's friends from
Newcastle attended and the chair was taken by
solicitor Mr. Turner. After the cloth was
removed a number of toasts were made and several
excellent speeches were delivered. The evening was
spent in 'great conviviality and the utmost good
humour and hilarity prevailed until a late hour when the guests
separated well pleased with their evenings entertainment.'
(13)
In 1845 James
Smith had a narrow escape from being fined for
obstructing a constable after he had prevented the
arrest of bullock driver William Houghey who was accused of being drunk. The
Constable had appealed to James Smith for assistance
and Smith went into the 'Golden Fleece' to bring two
men for that purpose however on being told that Houghey was to be arrested for drunkenness he
changed his mind, refusing to aid in apprehending
Houghey for drunkenness when he considered him to be
sober. He told the constable that he was determined
that Houghey should not go to the watch house. He
then put his hands on Houghey's shoulders and parted
him from the constables grasp. Under Captain Smith
who acted as Magistrate for
Edward Denny Day, Houghey was fined 50/-. The case against James Smith was dismissed on an
informality in the summons. (14)
In
July 1845 the 'spacious house and premises' well
known as the 'Golden Fleece Inn' was advertised
for lease by John Smith (who was married to
George Furber's mother). It was considered to have
every possible accommodation for a good business
having been in full trade for ten years. Also
offered was the nearby shop and premises lately
occupied by Mr. Pitt. (Probably
Charles Saunders Pitt)
In
November 1846 John Smith was once again advertising the
'Dwelling house formerly known as the "Golden
Fleece Inn" and adjoining the Mill' to be leased
along with the Mill.
An application for
Publican's license for the Golden Fleece Inn by
Charles Whittaker
was refused by the Bench in April
1847, although a license was later issued for this
building by Whittaker under a different name. In
1849 it was known as the Farrier's Arms .
(47)
(13)MM 13 May 1843
(14)MM
14 June 1845
(44)SG
29 June 1835
(47) MM 17October
1849
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