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1899
23 September 1899
MR. G. D. YOUNG'S FEDERAL BREWERY, MUDGEE.
In every community where a section, and that perhaps a large section, has decided opinions on certain matters; in every community where the subject of total abstinence exercises the minds of many it becomes a moot question as to whether it would subserve the interests of a people to cast a halo around a brewery business, but to such carpers, if there be any, I say that it has almost passed into an axiom that the Britisher without his roast beef and his ale becomes a sort of intractable animal of the genus homo, and when we come to consider that even in the days of the Saxons a beverage named Mead was used in the banqueting halls in lieu of beer and ale, we see at once that, with the British population, at all events, the partaking of the beverage in question is not so much a matter of habit or even custom as of heredity. Go where one may through England, Ireland, or Scotland, one will find a proclivity for beer in such populaces "a thing not a part, but literally of themselves." Knowing that such is the case, and quite convinced that the supremacy of the British Army, not only in the days of yore, but of recent years, is chiefly attributable to the preference of its units for that same roast beef and humble ale, it is not to be wondered at that the consumption of ale in the colonies is truly amazing, and that every large centre is ornamented with one or more big breweries. Taking into consideration that the population of many towns is rather meagre, it speaks volumes for the inherent love of beer in the populace that even in such small centres buildings of such excellent structure, and appliances of the most approved kind, are in evidence. This, at all events, in the case of Mr. G. D. Young's Federal Brewery in Mudgee. One may argue that, in order to have a chance in the keen competition, which is the order of the day, not only in brewing, but all other businesses, it becomes imperatively necessary that all modern appliances be erected; but this argument will not hold water in regard to brewing in small country towns, where a good beer could be produced without the expense that a good many brewers go to, and the only reasonable solution of the matter lies in the fact that doing a good business amour propre will not admit of country brewers being a whit behind their brethren in the large cities in the desire to possess modern appliances and having everything "up to the mark," as it were, and that is strikingly evident in the colonies, and at once proves that it is not a matter of incumbency, but of choice or pride, It has been, over and over maintained, with every semblance of justice, that in Australia, where a large portion of the revenue of each colony is derived from malt liquor, the brewing industry holds a pride of place which is not easily to be set aside. Directly and indirectly, the brewing industry is allied to so many others, and furnishes employment to so many individuals, that any description of a brewery should prove interesting reading matter. Mr. G. D. Young's brewery, in Mudgee, a fine brick structure, which is illustrated elsewhere, is situate at the corner of Mortimer and Lawson streets. Ascending the building to the top floor, on which stands the mash tun, a monster, capable of holding many barrels of liquor in its incipient stage. In this tun the process of brewing commences when the malt is steeped. The malt or mash liquor is gradually brought to a certain temperature, which varies in accordance with the ideas of the brewer, and is then conveyed through piping into the boiling-vat on the next floor, where it is subjected to a long boiling with hops. and sugar. After being boiled, it goes through the refrigerator, and from thence to the fermenting tuns on the next floor, where the yeast is next added, and from these fermenters the liquid, which is now beer, is gradually drained into big butts in the cellar through hose, where refining is next carried on. The cellar is a fine one, 60ft by 24ft, with a solid concrete floor, and scrupulously clean. On one side right along the whole length are stands garnished with their quota of hogsheads and casks containing the precious amber liquid so dear to the sons of man. That the cellar, the sides of which are of brick, whitewashed as well as the ceiling, is an exceptionally cool one, and, fitted up with a scrupulous eye to the keeping of beer in a state of perfection, only needs a visit to it to determine. Somewhere about 250 hogsheads can be easily stowed in this capacious underground room, and not infrequently its huge capacity is made use of. It is a fact known to the general public that a suitable water is the main element in the brewing of beer, and in this respect Mr. Young owes some portion of the kudos which attaches to his brewing to a fine supply brought from a well on Mr. Daly's farm. This water has been voted by Dr. Helms, analytical chemist, Sydney, as possessing the best properties for manufacturing the finest ales. The water from the underground tank is lifted by a steam pump into the boilers and other necessary receptacles. A large shed flanking the main building is used for the storage of casks, of which quite a host at present are in evidence. There is also a cooperage; and adjoining a shed filled with steam and hot water pipes, where the scalding and cleansing of casks is carried on. The malt crusher, which is on the ground floor, is placed in continuity to the engine - a six-horse power vertical one. In the summer season Mr. Young brews several times a week. Of course, in winter half the number of brews suffice. Every ingredient used is carefully selected from the best sources, and this part practically accounts for the excellent quality of the beer manufactured. Absolute cleanliness is observed. The machinery is the latest and the best for the manufacture of beer. English and Tasmanian hops only are used. Gulgong, Mudgee, Hargraves, Leadville, Mundooran, Coolah, Casillis, and other places draw their supply from the Mudgee Federal Brewery. The stouts and ales manufactured by the firm have established a reputation second to no other in the country. The brewer is Mr. J. C. Fletcher, a gentleman of long repute and varied experience in different parts of Australia1
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1900
1 June 1900
The Federal Brewery.
Mudgee.
Young, Ferrier & Co.
Having resumed the Management of the Federal Brewery, desires the Hotelkeepers of the North-West to continue the very cordial support extended during the past year. No effort will be spared to produce an Excellent beer and we only look for a General Support to achieve the success that this Local Enterprise merits. The Brewery plant now equals anything in the West, and is supervised by a gentleman whose credentials rank him second to none. We appeal to the Hotelkeepers to give us their best support. The existence of the Brewery means the employment of Local Men, and which, in a year, totals a considerable item2
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1916
12 September 1916
Number INX-48-251
Title Blank Title
Index Name Register of Firms Index
Index Number 48
Name of Firm A C WADE
Nature of Business Brewers
Place of Business Mortimer Street Mudgee
Person Carrying on Business SMITH, Henry; WADE, Alfred Cornelius; BIRTLES, Jack
Date of Registration 12 Sep 1916
File No 27628
Item No 2/85463
1936
30 April 1936
FINE CITIZEN PASSES
DEATH OF MR. A. C. WADE
Town and District Mourn
ONE of Mudgee's most honorable and best-liked citizens, in the person of Mr. A. C. Wade, has gone from our ken, and his familiar figure will be sadly missed by many in this community.
Although he had not been in the best of health for some time, no one anticipated that the end was so near. Admitted to a private hospital a week or so ago for heart trouble, he appeared to be making progress, when dread pneumonia supervened. Medical and nursing staffs used every means at their disposal to combat the disease and the patient fought gallantly against its ravages. It was all of no avail, and the end came rather suddenly early on Tuesday morning.
Alf. Wade's 63 years of life were notable for endeavor. He met and surmounted many obstacles, and made good in the face of handicaps which would have daunted other men. Born in the Guntawang district, his boyhood days were spent in that locality, but at a comparatively early age he came to Mudgee. When still young he entered the employ of the Mudgee Dairy Co., and soon became a trusted member of the staff. Diligent, intelligent and determined to get on, he acquired a sound knowledge of the business, and was chosen by the directors of the Wollar butter factory to take over the management of the new venture in that centre. At a later stage he returned to Mudgee and linked up with the Mudgee brewery, and for approximately 40 years he was to be found at the one address.
When Mr. G. D. Young decided to retire from the business and there was a distinct prospect that the old established industry would be lost to Mudgee. Alf. Wade, with characteristic pluck, sought to gain control, and succeeded in interesting Messrs H. Smith and J. Birtles. The three acquired the business, and for 20 years Alf. acted as manager. Displaying marked enterprise, he was in a large measure responsible for extending the firm's operations, and today the brewery enjoys an enviable reputation.
A rather notable fact is that the business has never employed motor transport in its operations. Right through the years Alf. Wade was a great lover of horses, and the brewery stables always housed fine animals. Practically up till the last he exercised a keen supervision over the stables, and was never happier than when sitting behind one of his spirited trotters. This was one of the sports which appealed to him, and in the days when the Trotting Club flourished he was a keen supporter. Alf. was also deeply interested in the ring activities of the Mudgee Agricultural Society, and was a successful exhibitor on many occasions.
Another organisation which numbered him among its staunchest supporters was the old Coursing Club, and the presence of many of the original members at the funeral was ample evidence of the respect in which he was held.
As a citizen Alf. Wade had the qualifications which attracted and held friends. He mixed with his fellows in nearly everything, and no one, perhaps, will ever know the extent of his charity. Privately, his purse was open to every deserving cause, while his firm never turned down a request for assistance. Many and many a lame dog has Alf. Wade helped over the stile, and among all classes will his memory be reverenced. He was a man to respect and admire, and all his actions were prompted by the desire to make this world a little better to live in.
At the funeral, which took place to the Methodist portion of the Mudgee cemetery on Wednesday morning were gathered all classes of the community. Boyhood friends from many parts of the district came to pay a last sad tribute of respect to the memory of one who had always been a live figure in their lives. Professional men, commercial leader's, and the manual laborer were among the throng of sincere mourners. At the church the Rev. R. Gibson conducted an impressive service. He told, briefly but eloquently, of the fine qualities of deceased, of his great charity, and of his love for his fellows. He also extended deep sympathy to those who had been bereft of a loved one.
At the graveside, where a large gathering assembled, the religious service was again impressive. Bro. F. G. Cooke, I.P.D.G.M. of the Mudgee district, M.U.I.O.O.F., of which branch deceased had been a member for 44 years, recited the beautiful service of the Order, and, on behalf of the Grand Lodge, extended sympathy to the widow and other sorrowing ones.
The collection of floral tributes was one of the most beautiful ever seen. The glories of many gardens had been gathered by loving friends and were mute, but glowing, tributes of respect to the memory of one who had departed from their midst, but would be long remembered. Among the various organisations which forwarded wreaths, etc., are the following: Mudgee Council outdoor staff; Jones and Co., carriers; Matron Cimpey and nursing staff of Broughton Hospital; Mudgee Hospital Wood Day Committee; Mudgee brewing staff; Webster's cordial factory; Mayor and aldermen of Mudgee Council; Austral Meat Co., Sydney; Captain and members of the Mudgee Fire Brigade; Mudgee dairy Co. manager and staff; officers and brethren of Loyal Sovereign Lodge; Mudgee railway staff; president and members of the Mudgee Bowling Club, with which deceased had been connected for a lengthy period.
Messages of sympathy were received from the Departments of Health and Lands, Acting-Premier's Department, Legislative Council, Mr. W. F. Dunn, M.L.A., and very many others. Mr. Crews, of the Lands Department, motored to town in order to be present at the funeral.
A widow and son - Mr. Norman Wade, secretary to the Minister for Lands - were among the chief mourners. Others were: Mrs. Beattie (sister), Kensington; Mr. Edgar Wade (Burwood); Mr. B. Wade (Five Dock), and Mr. C. Wade (Neutral Bay), brothers. Mr. A. Wade (Burwood) is another brother.
To the sorely stricken ones the "Guardian'' extends its deepest sympathy.
A large gathering of brethren of the Loyal Sovereign Lodge, local hotel proprietors, and members of the brewery staff preceded the funeral cortege, and also acted as pall-bearers at the church and grave-side.
Messrs. J. C. Swords and Son conducted the funeral arrangements.
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