Walter’s life as a publican at the “Ship Inn”

The publican’s licence for the “Ship Inn” was initially transferred from John Muir to Walter on 3^rd May 1841 and renewed in December 1841. [1]

Port Phillip Patriot 5 July 1841

Walter placed an advertisement in the Port Philip Gazette, 28 August 1841:

(the three symbols appear to represent: food, liquor and accommodation)

and the Geelong Advertiser Saturday 4 September 1841 p3:

The Hobsons Bay Library has the following information on the ‘Ship Inn’

“ On 7^th January 1939 James Fawns received a license for Leard’s house calling it the ‘Ship Inn’. James Muir was the next licensee of the ‘Ship Inn’ for 18 months followed by Walter Butler who shifted the licence to a new building (ie. 31 Nelson Place in 1860, later renumbered) in December 1844. The original building reverted to a boarding house and bakery used by William Outen, a boatman, and at times by a Mr Jennings, a baker. Sometime early in 1850, Jennings must have taken out a license, calling the old building ‘Steampacket’. The ‘Ship Inn’ however continued in Nelson Place. Louis Michel was there in 1853, followed by William Leach prior to 1856. A fire destroyed several shops and both the Ship Inn and the Albion Inn on 29 July 1862.”[2]

Plaque of Steam Packet Hotel built in 1863 on site of original Ship Inn

Walter held the license for the “Ship Inn” in Williamstown, annually until his last application in March 1853. Although, there were a couple of unlicensed public houses before the “Ship Inn”, such as the “Bucket of Blood”, the “Ship Inn” was one of the first licensed hotels. Walter was one of the first licensed nominees in Williamstown.

The hotel was owned by a Captain Bowden, who employed Walter, as he himself was not granted a licence due to his conviction for sly-grogging between Hobart and Melbourne. The Bowdens, Joseph and Henry, both from Hobart, witnessed Walter’s marriage in Williamstown, and it is possible that Walter had initially met Captain Bowden in Sydney when he was employed outfitting ships, or during his time in Tasmania.

The following is an extract from an article in “Port of Many Prows”, by Wilson P. Evans -a book about the history of Williamstown, the original port for Melbourne.

‘Hotels were of vital importance to early Williamstown in days when thousands of migrants were pouring ashore and needed temporary accommodation for the first few days. These hotels also provided the only available public meeting places, and in the 1850’s most had assembly or amusement halls attached to them. Joseph Fawns was granted a licence to conduct the first tavern under the style of The Ship Inn.

The Ship Inn was constructed by John Bradshaw as an eight- roomed Tasmanian hardwood framed cottage, with interior partitions of wattle and daub. A verandah encircled the building, which had bat-wing doors and a thatched roof.

Bradshaw must have suffered remorse at building this inn, for he also arranged for the first church service to be held at Williamstown.

The Ship Inn was also known as Captain Bowden’s, because that mariner in 1840 brought over from Tasmania a brig load of ale and beer for disposal from it. He purchased the building, but was convicted of sly-grogging and his application for a license was refused. He did, in after years, hold licenses in other parts of Victoria, and died at Horsham in 1891. It must be said in Bowden’s favour that the bottle of spirits he was convicted of selling illegally was supplied to a lady staying at the hotel on her own request. She informed on him immediately on her return to Melbourne.

Bowden obtained the services of Walter Butler, who achieved the honour of being the first (?) licensed nominee at Williamstown. Butler returned to Tasmania in 1856, after marrying a local girl. His wife died at Collins Street, Hobart, on the 23^rd of April 1866. Butler was the licensee of the second Ship Inn also, and this hotel was taken over by William Leach. The hotel in Cole Street, became a boarding house until Edward Jennings assumed tenancy and opened a bakery in the building next door. He also obtained a licence for the building, which became the ‘Steampacket Hotel’.[3]

Steam Packet Hotel built 1863

Although the article above states that Walter was the first licensed nominee at Williamstown, this was incorrect as the “Port Phillip Patriot” states that the license was transferred from John Muir to Walter Butler in July 1841, and Muir’s licence for the “Ship Inn” was confirmed in the “Port Phillip Patriot” (April 22^nd) in a list of licence approvals.

From the information given in the two articles quoted above, it would appear that Walter’s initial licence of Bowden’s hotel was in Cole Street, and that Walter transferred the license to a newer building in Nelson Place overlooking the Bay, in 1844. Whether he built the new building is uncertain, but given his skills, that is quite likely. It would also appear that by 1844, he was branching out on his own, severing his tie with the Bowdens.

The “Ship Inn” burned down in 1862 in a fire that consumed several shops and a second hotel.

Map of Williamstown- location of both Ship Inns

The following description of Williamstown in the 1840’s, comes from Michael Cannon’s book “Old Melbourne Town- Before the Gold Rush”:

“Williamstown, as the main port for ocean going vessels, possessed several public-houses generally regarded as being of low quality and even used as ‘crimps’ for kidnapping crews. The first pub, Thomas Field’s unlicensed wattle and daub shanty known as the ‘Bucket of Blood’, was especially notorious, but became slightly more respectable when licensed as the “Williamstown Inn’. Other licenses held in the early 1840’s included William Dawson’s ‘Albion Hotel’, Walter Butler’s ‘Ship Inn’, and James Austin’s ‘Woolpack Inn’.” [4]

Paul McGuire’s book, “Inns of Australia”, described Williamstown as the place “where Joseph Fawns had the licence for “The Ship” at Cole and Little Nelson Streets in 1839. It was the first substantial house and was commonly known as Captain Bowden’s. Bowden was much away at sea until he retired to hotels at Emerald Hill and Horsham. It took the title of “The Steam Packet” with the march of progress, and though it burnt out in 1861, it was restored to ride all the gales of history since. In 1841, a Directory records 19 residents at Williamstown, six were publicans.” [5]

Michael Cannon continues: “According to one immigrant of 1840, Williamstown at that time comprised two hotels - ‘the “Ship Inn” and the “Woolpack”-one general store and one bakery, some half dozen weatherboard houses, a few tents, and some sod or turf huts.’

Williamstown’s only striking building of the 1840’s was the Langhorne two-story bluestone warehouse.

Williamstown felt the full force of the depression of 1842-3. “The place is quite deserted” reported the ‘Port Phillip Gazette’ 1 April 1843. “Days sometimes pass and hardly a stranger is to be seen. The taverns look empty- business is at a complete standstill…. The temporary clouds of misfortune encircle our once prosperous district.” For weeks on end no ships appeared and the wharves remained empty. Sanitary problems came to the fore when several landowners protested that one resident had allowed his cattle and pigs to increase from 50 to 150 and they were roaming at large through the streets.

In the rough little settlement, great scope existed for illegal activities. The first Water Police superintendent and magistrate was appointed in 1841 and began to clean up ‘the dirty, drunken, brothel ridden settlement of Williamstown’. He frequently sentenced offenders to several hours in the stocks. He also complained bitterly about the insanitary state of the little township. It was customary, he wrote, for butchers supplying ships ‘ to throw into the streets the refuse of slaughtered cattle and sheep’. The result was that Williamstown was ‘over-run with hundreds of pigs, goats, and dogs. Bare-knuckle fights, although illegal, were often held on deserted stretches of the Maribynong River. Within a few weeks, 65 seamen had been charged with various offences. Violence tended to break out wherever the world’s seamen landed in Port Phillip Bay. One resident’s wife complained to the authorities that she and her children were in a fearful situation from daily threats, abusive language, and ‘disgusting intrusions even at my own tent’.

Williamstown began a fresh period of development when government land sales resumed in 1847, and when the gold rush began in the 1850’s, huge profits were made from the streams of new immigrants.”[6]

Walter’s publican’s license was renewed every year until 1853. He also applied for “Night and Billiards” licenses as well as a license for a liquor booth at the Melbourne race meetings.

Walter was fined twice in October 1847 for selling liquor out of hours. It would appear that some vindictive person was out to trap Walter and have him charged. It is noticeable in the second case that the Bench thought so also.

Port Philip Gazette & Settlers Journal Wed 6 Oct 1847 p2
Caution to Publicans
An information, at the instance of District Sergeant Bloomsfield, was, on Saturday last, laid against Mr Walter Butler of the "Ship Inn" Williamstown, for having on the afternoon of Sunday, the 19th ultimo, after the hour of three o'clock, sold spirits to one Edward Moriarty, the same party not being a bonn fide lodger in his house. Mr Butler having admitted the offence, he was fined in the sum of 40 shillings, and 7 shillings and 6 pence costs. We trust that the Licensed Victuallers will be on their guard.

Port Philip Gazette & Settlers Journal Mon 25 Oct 1847 p2
An information was laid against Mr Walter Butler of the 'Ship Inn" Williamstown. the offence was stated to have been committed on the evening of the 7th October instant. A witness of the name of Neil Duffy was called, and stated that he called for a glass of ale, for which he paid four-pence. He did not taste it himself, because he was a tee-totaller! He thought it was a spirituous liquor. It was drank by a party of the name of Wells, a sailor. Mr John Stephen in defence said, it was not clearly proved that it was either fermented or spirituous, and also that whatever sort of liquor it was, it was drank by a traveller. he should also prove that instead of its being on a Thursday evening, it was on a Friday. He then called a witness who stated that he was at the house of Mr Butler, and the former witness had the liquor before 9p.m. The Bench fined the defendant 40s and costs. Duffy applied to have his expenses paid, but the Bench would make no order in the matter.

The Port Philip Patriot & Morning Advertiser Mon 25 Oct 1847 p2, also reported the case but the reporter was a bit more scathing of Duffy and the sitting magistrate, saying in part:
There had been, it seemed, an "ancient grudge" between the parties, and then means had been adopted "to set this ancient quarrel new abroach".... Duffy ordered a glass of ale and paid for it; and as this occurred during the hours prohibited by law, he filed the information: the informer being a teetotaller, did not take anything himself, nor could he swear that it was ale which was supplied, and even the time at which the offence was alleged to have been committed, was not distinctly proved; indeed the only evidence was the 'onimus' with which the thing was done, and yet the sitting magistrate (Mr Jas Smith) fined Mr Butler 40s. and costs. Mr Stephen's defence in the matter was an ingenious affair, and somewhat resembled that so often quoted anecedote of the kettle alleged to have been lent to a person, who returned it cracked, and who pleased, first that the kettle was cracked when borrowed; secondly that was whole when returned; and thirdly that it was never borrowed at all.

Port Philip Patriot & Morning Advertiser, Mon 8 Nov 1847, p2
Licensing Business- On Saturday a Night License was granted to Walter Butler, for the "Ship Inn", Williamstown.

Argus, Mon 24 June 1849 p2

Licensing Sessions

Police Office- Sat 23^rd June

Before his Worship the Mayor and James Smith Esq.

The following applications for night licenses postponed from the previous Saturday were disposed of as follows;

District Night Licenses

Walter Butler, Ship Inn Williamstown

Argus, Mon 24 June 1850 p2

Publican’s Night and Billiard License- At a Court of Petty Sessions, assembled at the police office on Saturday and composed of his Worship the Mayor, James Smith, and E.P.S.Sturt, Esqs, the applications for the night and billiard licenses for the following persons were severally granted;-

For the District.

Walter Butler, Ship Inn, Williams Town.

In 1850 he received a caution about his management of his hotel:

Argus, Wed 21 April 1850 p4

District Licensing Bench

The annual meeting of the District Licensing Bench was held yesterday afternoon

After Transfers;

The remaining applications which were renewals without change, were all granted except that of Philip Donahue which was postponed.

The licence to Walter Butler of the Ship Inn Williams Town, was accompanied by a caution as to his future behaviour, complaints having been made of the management of his house.

It would be interesting to know what the basis of the complaints about the management were, and by whom.

Argus, Thurs 27 Feb 1851 p2

Court of Petty Sessions

An adjourned Court of Petty Sessions was held at the Police Office yesterday for the purpose of considering the applications made by the district publicans for the extension of their licences to the Melbourne Race Course.

The Clerk of the Court then called the name of the first applicant, Walter Butler.

On granting the application, Mr Simpson observed that it was the opinion of himself and brother magistrates that the booths should only be opened for the sale of spirituous and fermented liquors, between the hours of 12 at noon and 3 o’clock; and he cautioned the publicans present, that this regulation would be strictly enforced.

The following names were then called over, and their applications for extensions granted;-

Walter Butler, and 13 others.

Mr Simpson cautioned several of the applicants, and especially Mr Sheedy of Richmond.

Argus, Wed 21 April 1852 p4
District Licensing Bench
The licence to Walter Butler, of the Ship Inn, Williams Town, was accompanied by a caution as to his future behaviour, complaints having been made of the management of his house.

Walter sold his interest in the “Ship Inn” in March 1853, just before relocating his family to Hobart.

Argus, Wed 2 March 1853 p6

County of Bourke Quarterly Licensing Day

Transfers

The following applications for the transfer of publican’s licenses were proffered:

The Ship Inn from Walter Butler to Lewis John Mitchell. Granted. (ie. Michell)

THE WILLIAMSTOWN FIRE DISASTER

A disaster in Williamstown in mid 1862 would have far reaching consequences for Walter and his family. Walter still had considerable investments in Williamstown which he later claimed were destroyed in the fire in 1862. It would appear that there were two fires, one in February and one in July 1862. The old 'Ship Inn' in Cole Street which became the 'Steam Packet Hotel' was destroyed in the first fire, and the new 'Ship Inn' in Nelson Place was destroyed along with the 'Albion Hotel' in the second fire.

The Argus (Melbourne) Wednesday 30 July 1862 page 5

A disastrous fire occurred at Williamstown early yesterday morning, when several of the principal houses in the front street were destroyed, About half-past two a.m. the constable on duty discovered fire issuing from one of the back rooms of the Albion Hotel. He immediately gave the alarm, but, a light north-west breeze blowing at the time, the flames soon spread to the premises of Mr. Brotchie, boot- maker; Mr, Sufferen, jeweller; and the Ship Hotel, communicating ultimately with the Customs offices. The crew of H.M.C.S, Victoria, under Lieutenant Gascoigne and Mr. Griffith; the men of H.M. Customs, under Messrs. Macfarlane and Bock ; and the police, under Mr. Inspector Nicholas, were promptly on the spot, and rendered efficient assistance ; but owing to the combustible nature of the buildings, they were consumed in a very short space of time. Several tenements were torn down, and the greatest exertions were used to prevent the fire spreading. The value of the properties destroyed is estimated at about £4,500, some portion of which is covered by insurance. The greatest loss falls upon Mr. Gibbs, of the Ship Hotel, who is unfortunately uninsured. As usual, the municipal fire-engine was not in working order, so that the water had to be convoyed in buckets to the scene of the fire.

Walter’s investments in Williamstown, including the ‘Ship Hotel” which he still owned, were destroyed in this event, resulting in loss of income, as he was uninsured.

There was another report of a fire in Williamstown in February that year:

"The Star" Ballarat Mon 17 February 1862 p1

FIRE AT WILLIAMSTOWN

On Thursday night last an extensive fire took place in Williamstown. It seems that at about a quarter to eleven p.m. flames were seen issuing from a house in Cole Street, occupied by Mr L. La Roche, paperhanger, &c., by a groom in the employ of Dr McLean. He at once proceeded to the premises to give the alarm, but finding the occupants absent, he attempted to subdue the flames, but owing to the inflammable nature of the premises, the fire soon gained the ascendancy, and within a few minutes, communicated with the Steam Packet Hotel (ie. the old 'Ship Inn'), which was totally consumed. The police, under Mr Inspector McNeill, were immediately on the spot; also the men of H.M.s Customs, under Messrs Macfarlane and Roch; and the officers and crew of the ship Hope; who all energetically rendered assistance. Fortunately it was perfectly calm at the time, and several tenements were pulled down, which prevented the fire extending. The want of the long promises Yan Yean was generally commented on, as scarcely any water could be obtained. Mr La Roche's house was insured; not so the Steam Hotel- Argus, 15th February.

According to the book "Port of Many Prows":

Walter Butler was the licensee of the first 'Ship Inn', and also the second 'Ship Inn', and this hotel was taken over by William Leach. This hotel in Cole Street became a boarding house until Edward Jennings assumed tenancy and opened a bakery in the building next door. He also obtained a licence for the old building which became the 'Steam Packet Hotel'. The third 'Ship Inn' stood opposite Gem Pier, with Thomas Masons' store between it and the Albion Hotel. All three buildings were destroyed by the fire on 28 July 1862, which wiped out six properties. Licensee Samuel Crickner of the Albion Hotel escaped with his life, but minus his trousers and boots, which he took off downstairs before going to bed. This was the fifth large conflagration of the year. John Gibbs of the razed 'Ship Inn' transferred his licence to the two-storied bluestone house in Douglas Parade.

From these reports it is difficult to determine which of these properties were still owned by Walter Butler when consumed by fire.

OTHER NEWSPAPER REPORTS of WALTER BUTLER at WILLIAMSTOWN

Port Philip Gazette Wed 15 December 1841 p3:
FRAUD- Some days since, a man named W.F. Berkeley, alias Black Billy, went to Mr Walter Butler's, WilliamsTown, and presented to him an order, drawn by Captain Phillipson, of the 'William Metcalfe', for £3.5s., the condition being that it would be paid if Billy went to sea in that vessel. Mr B. advanced him £3, but when the vessel sailed, Billy kept out of the way. For this obtaining money under false pretences. Billy has been committed to take his trial (Is not this rather a case for civil jurisdiction?)

Port Philip Patriot and Melbourne Advertiser Thurs 23 December 1841 p3

£3 REWARD

LOST, at William's Town, the following Bank Notes: one five pound note, No.5032, one one pound note, No.175, one one pound note No.2756, and one two pound note No.7664; payment of the same has been stopped, and any person finding them will receive the above reward, on delivering them to Mr Walter Butler, Ship-inn, William's Town.

Port Philip Gazette Sat 30 July 1842 p1:
FOR SALE
BATMAN'S celebrated Draught Horse BLACK BOY, own brother to POST BOY, warranted sound. Apply to Walter Butler, Ship Inn WilliamsTown.
(Was this referring to John Batman's horse?)

Melbourne Times, 30 April 1842:
MECHANIC"S INSTITUTION
The following donations to the library have been received and thankfully acknowledged.
(6 donors named, plus) Mr Walter Butler, a small collection of Copper Coins.
John Stephen, secretary

Melbourne Times Sat 23 July 1842 p3:
SUPREME COURT- CRIMINAL SIDE
His Honor having taken his seat, the following Jury was empanelled: Messrs G. Cole (Foreman), John Cummins, Walter Butler, etc.

Port Philip Gazette Sat 8 July 1843 p2
WATER POLICE
On Tuesday last James Jordan was charged before Captain Bunbury, the Superintendent of Water Police, at Williams Town by Mr Walter Butler, the proprietor of the Ship Inn, at that place, with grossly abusing and threatening him the precious evening on board the steamer 'Vesta' on her passage from Melbourne to Williams Town. The conduct of Jordan was most infamous, and Captain Bunbury directed he should find bail for his good behaviour, some doubts have arisen whether Jordan being an Insolvent, can enter into the required sureties, and the matter has been referred to the Crown Prosecutor. The defendant is allowed in the mean time to do at large on bail.

Port Philip Gazette Sat 16 September 1843 p2:
September 14- 'Henry', brig, from Launceston- ......... 10 bags flour, Walter Butler.

contact butler1802 @hotmail.com (no spaces)

Link back to Introduction chapter:http://butlerfamilyhistoryaus.blogspot.com.au/2012/08/walter-butler-introduction.html

[1] Ibid; and, Port Phillip Patriot, 5 July 1841

[2] Ibid

[3] Wilson P. Evans, Port of Many Prows (ie. History of Williamstown), Hawthorn Press, Melbourne 1969, Chapter 8 pp60-61

[4] Michael Cannon, Old Melbourne Town- Before the Gold Rush, Loch Haven Books, 1991, pp 41-52

[5] Paul McGuire, Inns of Australia, Heinemann Ltd, 1952, page 237

[6] Michael Cannon, Old Melbourne Town- Before the Gold Rush, op.cit p427

Walter Butler (c.1807-1870)- the life of a 'currency' lad born in the colony of NSW

Tuesday, 21 August 2012

Walter Butler- Ch. 8: The Ship Inn at Williamstown

Walter’s life as a publican at the “Ship Inn”

THE WILLIAMSTOWN FIRE DISASTER