Mudgee Bishop's Saddlery

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1876

23 September 1876
A mysterious fire occurred on Saturday morning last at the rear of the premises of Mr. Bishop, the saddler. It was discovered by one of his children, who had been roused by the noise of the flames. The origin of the fire is as yet unexplained. It is believed that a jar of sulphuric acid, having been accidentally broken, ignited some of the light timber piled up in the yard. An inquiry was held to-day, the verdict of which was that the timber was maliciously set on fire by some person or persons unknown1 .

1880

2 October 1880

2

1881

4 June 1881
District Industrial Exhibits.
- Single buggy, J. Wilkins 1, J. Wilkins 2. Double buggy, J. G. Gellately 1, J. G. Gellately 2. J. Wilkins 3. Springcart, J. Wilkins 1. Draught horseshoes, E. Safleet l, G. Hazeltine 2. Saddle horseshoes, G. Hazeltine. Best shod horse, G. Hazeltine. Cart harness, plough harness, collection of harness, collection of saddlery, W. Bishop. Stockman's saddle, riding saddle, E. Murphy. Gent's bridle, lady's bridle, W. Bishop. Men's boots and shoes, ladies' do, A. E. Thomas and Co. 1, McCawley and Burgess 2. Embroidery and fancy lace, Miss Honeysette 1, Miss E. Bax 2. Wool work, models, B. King (for ship). Special prize for saddlery, W. Bishop; do. stock-saddle, E. Murphy; do. boots and shoes, A. E. Thomas and Co.; do. embroidery, Miss Honeysette. Hoffnung and Co.'s prize for double buggy. J. G. Gellately. Best jewellery, Cetta Brothers. School Exhibits. - Plain needlework, Miss D. Cox Fancy needlework, Miss Sheppard 1, Miss Everett 2. Drawing. Miss Leslie C. Cox 1, Miss Mabel D. Cox 2. Miss Cecil D. Cox 3, Miss P. Muller commended; special prize for needlework. Miss Janet Shaw 1. Minerals. - Antimony, Abel White. Building stone, H. Patterson. Coal, Stewart, Taylor, and Co. Fireclay. Stewart, Taylor, and Co. Lime, John Wright3 .

1895

20 April 1895
Disastrous Fire at Mudgee.
MUDGEE, Sunday.
The largest fire ever seen in Mudgee occurred last night, when Messrs. Tait and McDiarmid's large warehouse was completely destroyed. The premises formed one of the oldest landmarks in the town. The fire started in the oil store, to which place one of the hands went to get some kerosene, and like a flash of lighting it extended to the other departments, and the hands had to escape without getting their clothing. A man named Hart, when rushing for water became enveloped in flame, and his hands and arms were severely burnt. The girls in the showroom had to flee for their lives. Mr. Tate, one of the proprietors, managed to close the safe before beating a retreat. Within 10 minutes the fire was in all the departments, both down and upstairs, and only a few pounds worth of goods were saved. An immense crowd assembled, but could not do anything, as the premises burnt like matchwood. The fire engine, manned by volunteers and firemen, prevented the fire reaching the adjoining premises. Within 40 minutes the place was completely gutted, the floors falling through with loud crashes, and portions of the walls trembled and fell in, presenting a grand sight. The first stage of the fire was accompanied by sounds like a desultory musketry fire as the flames ignited the cartridges. A couple of loud explosions shook the place and caused a wholesale retreat of the spectators. The adjoining premises were occupied by Mr. Sheppard, chemist, and Mr. Bishop, saddler4 .

1906

17 May 1906
A MUDGEE SADDLER'S MISFORTUNE.
DROUGHT AND FIRE CAUSE BANKRUPTCY.
Examined before the Registrar in Bankruptcy (Mr. Arthur Henry), William Bishop, saddler, of Mudgee, whose estate was sequestrated on April 12, stated that he had carried on business at Mudgee for considerably over 50 years. He had never been bankrupt before, nor had he assigned his estate or made a composition with his creditors. His bankruptcy was caused by the continued dry weather, property of his being damaged some years ago by fire, and falling off in trade. He had never recovered his trade since the fire, which took place eight or ten years ago. Until the fire, he had always carried on a profitable business. He owned the chemist's shop next door to his own, and received £100 a year rent for it up to the fire; since then he had never been able to let it. Both properties were mortgaged to the Bank of New South Wales, and they took possession about two years ago. He had dealt with that bank ever since they came to Mudgee. He was married, and had 10 children living, the youngest being about 14 years of age.
He was unable to realise anything under his fire insurance policies, as the fire never touched his property. He had been doing very little business during the last two years. He had a farm of about 140 acres at Spring Flat, near Mudgee. A few years ago he had a very good season, and the crops were sold to Greenwood, of Newtown. A fire came along and destroyed everything, his loss being about £500. The dry weather set in, and he let the farm for £65 a year. The third year, the tenant, who had not paid his rent, let his cattle into the crop, and afterwards cleared out with them. He also had a place in Mudgee, which he had let to a butcher, who for years paid £65 per annum and taxes. When the butcher died, the other butchers boycotted the place, and he could not let it.
The farm was eventually sold by the bank, who had it under mortgage. He could not complain about the way the bank treated him, as they had carried him on as long as they could. He lived at Redbank, in Mudgee. The buildings, which stood on a block of 28 acres, cost him £3600, apart from the land. The property was sold by the bank for £1250. He was now living in the shop at Mudgee, the bank letting him do so. A number of his creditors wished to allow him his furniture. The fire caused the trade to leave his end of the town, and property became absolutely valueless.
The official assignee (Mr. W. H. Palmer) said the case was evidently one of misfortune, and he would not require to examine the bankrupt any further.
The matter was adjourned for a fortnight, for the production of the bankrupt's books, which had not reached the official assignee5 .

1914

5 October 1914
MR. WILLIAM BISHOP.
There died on Friday night last one of the oldest and most respected citizens of the Mudgee district, in the person of Mr. William Bishop, at the advanced age of 85 years. Death took place in the Mudgee District Hospital, of which institution he had been an inmate since July 22, 1914. The late Mr. Bishop was, perhaps, one of the best known men that lived in this district. He came to Mudgee in those days when the town was, for most part, erected in a makeshift sort of way, and when our principal streets of today were nothing but bush. He was born in Somersetshire (Eng.), and came to Australia in 1851. He was then about 25 years of age. Coming into the Mudgee district he found his way to Hargraves, where he engaged in mining, but here success seemed to be very indifferent. At Hargraves he did not stay for any length of time, and he came to Mudgee and stayed here until his death. Deceased was a saddler by trade, and commenced business here in that capacity. He purchased a business in the shop now occupied by Mr. J. Nelson, hairdresser. His business began to prosper, and before three years had elapsed he had nine hands in his employ. When a young man, deceased began to take a lively interest in local affairs. He was elected an alderman of the Cudgegong Council, and in 1885 was elected Mayor. It was in this year that the present Council Chambers were built, and today his name may be seen inscribed on the plate of the building. The occasion was marked by a most brilliant banquet. In the same year he became an alderman in the Mudgee Council, and held the seat for some considerable time. The holding of two seats gave him the sobriquet as the "double-breasted alderman." Right throughout his municipal career he held the esteem of his fellow aldermen. He would always back up his contentions in a solid manner, and invariably had carried anything he wanted done by the Council. He was ever solidly supported in the Council by the late Mr. W. Wilton, of McDonald's Creek.
Many years ago, deceased was the owner of the largest saddlery business in Mudgee. For a considerable time he carried on business next to Mr. A. Low's shop in Market-street. About four years ago his health rendered it imperative that he should retire from business. This he did, and ever since he had hardly been able to get about. Deceased also engaged in pastoral pursuits, and he had a fine property near "Beaudesert," on the Mudgee River. He had another property at Redbank. He also built several buildings about Mudgee, one being that fine residence now occupied by Mr. W. B. Heath.
When the news of Mr. Bishop's death was announced much sorrow was felt by residents, especially by those older citizens, who years ago had stood with him in assisting to further the town and district's progress. He was most influential in all local affairs, and for a long time was a committeeman of the Mudgee District Hospital. He was ever ready to assist in all charitable institutions. In 1864 he married Miss M. C. Warren, who came out from London with her parents 60 years ago, and has lived in Mudgee almost ever since. The deceased leaves a widow and the following children: Mrs. T. R. Matthews (Geelong), Mrs. E. Tray (Adelaide), Mrs. W. Egan (Adelaide), Mrs. B. Simpson (Mudgee), Mrs. S. Mitchell (Sydney); Mr. William Bishop (Sydney), Mr. Henry Bishop (residence unknown), Mr. Alex. Bishop (in camp at the present time as a member of the Expeditionary Force).
The remains were interred in the Church of England portion of the Mudgee General Cemetery on Saturday last6 .

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