The Bega Pioneers' Museum has countless reports and stories on local issues. This story is the history of the Central Hotel, now Target, in Gipps Street.
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THE first proprietor of the Central Hotel was Mr Dickson who came from the Family Hotel in Bulli. Many extensions and renovations were done at the hotel over the years, and there were many licensees and managers, some of whom are detailed below.
The licence was transferred to Joseph A Payten in January 1897. An advertisement in June, 1897 was - "Lost That Headache I used to have before drinking XXXX Catolloph. Only to be obtained at the Central Hotel."
In August 1897 the licence was transferred to J W Twyford, the former host of the Ocean View Hotel, Tathra.
In December 1899 Mrs Rafter was the new manager of the Central, from where she moved to the Commercial in 1901.
In September 1900 Underhill and Thatcher finished additions to the hotel, making over 40 rooms, including 20 spacious bedrooms, two dining rooms, pantry, meat room, scullery and store room.
The parlours and dining room are separated by folding walls which can be removed at the moment's notice and a room capable of seating 60 or 70 people at luncheon.
At the back there is a splendid brick stable of 10 stalls besides three other stables. The proprietor Mr D Gowing has not been sparing of expense in providing an up-to-date hotel.
The additions just completed comprise five bedrooms, with two large shops underneath. The new licensee of the Central is Mr P Daly who hails from Lismore.
Mr P Daly sold out to the commercial traveller Mr H Cockerill in April 1903 and moved up to Brisbane. However Daly came back after 4 months and purchased the Bank Hotel.
Ryan Bros repainted the hotel in August 1907. H Cockerill described the Central as having 27 rooms, brick building, furniture, four closets, stabling, water supply, underground tank and iron tanks, business good, no convictions, all in good condition, licence fee £35 - to the licensing review board.
The proprietor Harry Cockerill advertised as "under the patronage of the Governor-General", in January 1909.
In September 1909 Mr and Mr T Murray took over the Central after Mr and Mrs Cockerill left to make a trip to Java. The Murrays left in May 1911 for Sydney. A tender for the erection of a motor garage at the Central was granted to Mr W Tonkin in December 1909.
Harry Beresford took over after the Imperial lost its licence.
