Glen Innes’ Tattersalls Hotel once “saw the patronage of vice-regal parties and dignitaries from all parts of the world”.
On 1 July 1905 ‘The Queenslander’ ran an effusive article on the recent modernisation undertaken by licensee CC Finney. Armidale builder G F Nott worked to the specifications of architect J F O’Connor and G B Clark was the painter.
“…the hotel accommodation to be obtained in Glen Innes is equal to the best outside the metropolis and Tattersalls Hotel which has justly earned the appellation ‘a home from home’ provides all the comforts and convenience to be obtained in the best-regulated city hotels.
“…accommodation for a large number of guests and the proprietor has spared no pains and has added hot and cold-water service to the hotel.
“There are 54 commodious rooms, besides numerous drawing rooms and parlours ….
“The Grey Street parapet extends 138 feet… the extensive balcony is supported by cast iron Corinthian columns…
“The western end of the vestibule opens into the conservatory and fernery, a really romantic nook.
“Opening off the vestibule are the pastoral parlour, and commercial room. [this was used by the numerous commercial travellers who arrived by train with their suitcases of samples].
“Access is gained to the upper rooms by means of a handsome and inviting polished cedar staircase with inlaid polished metal toe-plates… the upstairs dining room is, to speak mildly, a complete success – in point of design, finish and appointments.
“Throughout this spacious building are numerous rooms en suite, besides the many separate bedrooms… there are six bathrooms upstairs with hot and cold water. There are also six lavatories, fitted with the latest appliances as approved by the Metropolitan Board of Water and Sewage… ceilings of Wunderlich patent stamped steel …
“The Kitchen is supplied with the latest Waygood’s patent elevator. The gas fittings are of the latest and best description…”
There were 16 large looseboxes for patron’s horses.
Fifty-one years later in 1961 a Court ordered this further modernised and rather rabbit warren of a building be demolished as it was deemed very unsafe and considered a fire hazard.
Loud protests ensued over the loss of our prominent landmark!
Furniture and plant were offered for sale and Harold Parsons re-erected the main staircase in a country home.
Burnstein’s Tatt’s Tavern and Motel replaced Tattersalls – today the site of Velquip.
