Local Government
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Region
Goldfields
Cnr Columbia & Dwyer Sts Boulder
Main Reef Hotel
Kalgoorlie-Boulder
Goldfields
Constructed from 1896
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 09 Jul 2001 | Category 3 | |
| Statewide Hotel Survey | Completed | 01 Nov 1997 | ||
The place is representative of the Australian Pub tradition as a single-storey tavern with a verandah that extends over the pavement as a dominant streetscape element. The place is significant for its continuity of use. The place is a landmark on the corner of Dwyer Street and Columbia Street. The place is associated with the 1934 race riots.
It has not been established whether the hotel is a substantial reconstruction of the original 1896 building, or a new building that replaced the original that burnt down during the 1934 riots. A cantilevered awning extends over the pavement.
The building was established as a hotel and continues to be used as a hotel. "The bar was opened in the morning to catch the passing trade, the butchers and all - they had brandy and a whisky, or a rum and cloves - a lovely drink on a cold morning" Mrs Mary Trembath (Webb, 1993: 975). The riots in Kalgoorlie and Boulder in 1934, which led to considerable damage to the Main Reef Tavern, are documented as being the result of anti-foreign feeling among miners (Webb, 1993): "During the Depression, jobs were at a premium and thousands came to the Goldfields in the hope of finding employment. The competition for jobs gave rise to racial tensions as many Australian-born miners did not appreciate the alleged bribes immigrants offered in exchange for work. In January 1934, a row in a bar resulted in a death and ignited a violent riot which lasted several days" (Laurie, 1995: 5). General Comments: The role of hotels was crucial to the social and economic life on the goldfields. If mines were the sources of the miner's wages, the hotels were the sinks into which a lot of it was poured. Hotels not only provided alcoholic drinks, food and accommodation, but provided men with comfortable surroundings quite beyond their normal experience. Hotels were also vital social centres for travellers and residents alike (Webb, 1993: 543-544).
Integrity: High Authenticity: Low
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Webb M; "Golden Destiny: The Centenary History of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia". p. 543-544 | City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder | 1993 |
Individual Building or Group
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Present Use | COMMERCIAL | Hotel, Tavern or Inn |
| Original Use | COMMERCIAL | Hotel, Tavern or Inn |
| Style |
|---|
| Federation Filigree |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | BRICK | Common Brick |
| Roof | METAL | Corrugated Iron |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| OCCUPATIONS | Hospitality industry & tourism |
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.