File:Criterion Hotel - Rockhampton.jpg

The First Decade.

(by Fitzroy)

The usual order of forming a township in Australia in the old times was first a hotel, next a general store, followed by a blacksmith's smithy, and saddler's shop. Another hotel was the pretty sure to follow. Rockhampton was no exception from the order, for the Bush Inn, as previously stated, was the first building of any importance here. It started on the site of the present Criterion Hotel in a very modest way, but was considerably enlarged and improved after the Canoona rush. Mr Parker, the proprietor, died in 1860, and the following year his widow married Mr J. A. Wat, who owned the principal butchering establishment in the growing town. In 1862 Mr John Ward took the hotel, which was named the Criterion. Later in the year he transferred it to Mr Thomas Nobbs, of North Rockhampton. Mr Nobbs kept the hotel for a good many years., when the lease expired, and Mr John Cramp, who meanwhile had married Mr Watt's widow took over the hostelry. It has changed many hands a good many times since then. About a dozen years ago it was rebuilt, and the handsome three-storied brick building of the present day is one of the finest hotels in Queensland.

To continue reading visit: The Capricornian, 19 July 1902

View the original image at the Queensland State Archives: