Kilmore Free Press
31/10/1878
... part of the KellyGang story
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Continuing my rambles, I passed Geo Sharpe, MLA's house, which of course I did not know until I was informed of the fact upon enquiring afterwards. I think that it is without exception the handsomest house in the town of its size. That is about all the changes so far as I went that I saw, and now referring to the inhabitants of this end of the bridge, first comes my old friend the "bottle" alias G Louch, who has a sign board as large, and certainly much broader than himself. I could not find the slightest difference in him, turn him round as I would, he is in the Commission line now, and has a very awkward office door at the back of the "hut" but when once inside things look little brighter, and to judge by the paper strewn about, a good general business must be done by him.
Next comes the barber same as usual, then Marcus as short as ever. I think Martyz must have left the town with a good reputation as the North Eastern Ensign makes out. In the Colonial Bank are Brock, little Jones, and two young gentlemen. It don't know, and never saw before, and the, "yellow" one I hope 1 shall never see again. Brock and Jones are the same, on for anything in the shape of fun. Brock is as usual cricket mad, and so are a few more in the town, but I am a cricketer myself so I don’t blame them for that, Mr Hamilton keeps his hotel of course in his usual efficient style, and does I believe a good trade. I heard he was married again, but did not see his better half. Mr A Robertson I think has just returned, I did not know much of him, but I hope to know more. Mr M'Burney in just the same as usual, only richer I should think, and not married, although there was some talk of it not long ago.
The doctor looks very well under, his dual duties of Doctor and Justice of the Peace, and so does Messrs Burbury, Jarman, Willis and a few others of my acquaintance. Going across the river the first place of consequence is Weaver's, who is, I have not the slightest doubt, fully a stone heavier than when I saw him last, just the same old stick, not a bit of a change in him, anyhow, the hotel still keeps up its name, and old Sam still waits the table in his usual polite way. Mr Turner has got married since I was last up, and my old friends E Watts, is still alive and doing his best to make good beer. His brother, Mr J Watt, has dissolved partnership with Mr Boger, on account of the latter going home and has taken in Mr M'Bean, a gentleman of standing, and one likely to further the interests both of the business and of the town.
Our Lawyer, Mr M'Donnell, is, still at the same old business but has changed his office to the end of Weaver's. Hotel. He does not look one whit changed, in fact, his hand has the same touch and his hair the same color as when I saw him some 20 months ago; he has got an opponent in business by the name of O'Leary.
The local cricket ground has been much improved, a grand stand of good structure having been erected on it, and as for the ground itself it is much nicer and better looking than when I saw it last. Thanks to the exertions of a few members of the club. Talking about Cricket and; seeing that the Benalla have such a good ground formed principally by nature, would it not be as well for them to try some artificial means for the purpose of dispensing with the cocoa nut matting, as some of their, bowler’s best balls rise to such an extent as to injure the batsman and miss the stumps. If I might be allowed to give the club an advice I should say -- practice more as an eleven in your own particular fields. I noticed on Saturday last, that although the wicket keeper stopped the balls very well, he was occasionally rather lame, such is the case with a few others, but it is very hard to get a team that will field as well as Benalla, I speak regarding country teams. only, and now
Mr editor 1 think l have taken up a considerable amount of your valuable space with my ? ? it but I trust that your numerous ?? will appreciate what I have said ?? trust that when I visit the town ?? again as I intend doing on the Prince of Wales birthday, I shall meet with the kind wishes of' those, whom I appreciate so highly. ALBURY
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