The Bega Pioneers' Museum has countless reports and stories on local issues. This story is the history of the Central Hotel, now Target.
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THE splendid Central Hotel was opened on Saturday night, June 29, 1895, on the site of Connelly's old store in Gipps Street, which was purchased by Mr Daniel Gowing of Jellat.
In the main building, on entering the vestibule and turning right, are bar parlour, bar and office, while opposite these are the dining room (25ft x 14ft) and parlour.
In a passage leading from the dining room are two bedrooms, pantry, kitchen, scullery and store room, and at the rear are two other bedrooms.
Going upstairs, in the front is a commercial room and a drawing room, which are connected by folding doors, and can be thrown open into one room 46.5ft x 15ft.
There are two bathrooms which are supplied with cold water from a tank in the roof, or with hot water supplied by a gas apparatus. Facing Gipps St. is also the billiard room, being 34.6ft x 26.3ft with two oriel windows.
The right of way between the main building and the sample rooms are 13.5ft. The sample rooms are three in number and are 17ft x 17ft, adjoining these is a shop 20ft x 12ft, and at the rear of the shop is a sitting room 13ft x 12ft.
The architect of the building is Mr R W Thatcher who deserves great credit for the convenience of the design. Messrs Underhill and Thatcher the contractors have executed their work in their usual trustworthy style.
Axel and Smith were the sub-contractors for the brickwork and put in good substantial work, while Lever the sub-contractor for the plastering deserves the highest praise for the excellence and for the beauty of his cornice designs.
The painting was in the hands of Mr Surplice who has performed his part faithfully. Mr Dickson has displayed great artistic talent in the decoration of the vestibule and bar.
The stables, which are 88ft x 25ft, contain four horse boxes, eight stalls and two harness rooms. The boxes and stalls are paved with wooden blocks. There are lofts over the whole length of the stables, and an extensive buggy shed along the side. The yard accommodation is so great that an eight-in-hand could easily be turned in it. Water is supplied by huge underground tanks.
Bega Standard, July 2, 1895
