Family of Robert Jillett and Elizabeth Bradshaw A Tree with many Branches: B28 Albert and his sister Alice Jillett in Oatlands

When An Oatlands Hotel is not A Hotel in Oatlands

Sometimes a small item necessitates a great deal of work. Nothing more so than trying to determine which hotel that Albert and Merion Jillett owned in Oatlands.

Weeks of research failed to find any mention of his name associated with the Midland Hotel. The reference was however provided on a street sign in Oatlands.

The sign outside the building called Oatlands Coach House.

The design of the home of Albert Jillett was no different than that of many others built years earlier.

For comparison, Clarence House and Stanton, in fact there are numerous buildings throughout Tasmania all built in a very similar fashion.

Albert Edward Robert Jillett was the son of John Jillett and Ellen Whiteway. He was born June 1871 and died in 1934 in Oatlands. He is buried in St Peter's Cemetery in Oatlands. He married, in 1918, Marion Evelyn May Bayles.

Marion was born in 1884 and died in 1975. She was the daughter of Robert Bayles and his wife Sarah Ann Stock. Robert was a butcher in Oatlands. Marion and Albert had four children.

Albert was a Fellmonger. That is a fancy word for a dealer in skins and hides. In 1928, there were only 3 Jilletts living in Oatlands. His sister Alice, Albert and Marion.

The children were:

Ruth Hope Bayles Jillett 1918 1984 m George Crosley Campbell and Reginald James William Baker.
Lawrence Albert Jillett 1919 - 2004 m Edna Joyce Hale
Myrtle Rayma (Bett) Jillett 1922 m Harry Inman
Robert John William Bayles Jillett 1923 - 2005 m Joan Ellen Williams d 2007

Their Home in Oatlands

Albert Jillett lived and worked the Midland Hotel from 1911, or that is what the signage implies.

He was a skin buyer and there may be evidence on another building of the signage.

There was a series of events which took place in Oatlands while Albert was living in High Street. There was a terrible fire in the building adjoining his home.

In 1914, there was a terrible fire at the Drapery store next door to Albert's hotel.

The Mercury’ (Hobart) Monday, 21 September 1914, page 4

FIRE AT OATLANDS/ DRAPERY STORE AND DWELLING DESTROYED/ NARROW ESCAPE OF OTHER BUILDINGS: Mr. J. Burrill’s drapery store and dwelling at Oatlands were destroyed by fire on Saturday night. The business part of the building comprised shop and showrooms, and the residential part six rooms. It was built of stone, and roofed with iron. The fire broke out about 8.30 p.m. and all the inmates were away at the time.

The flames spread very rapidly and the building soon completely enveloped. A large number of people gathered, and by carrying water from neighbouring dwellings endeavoured to check the fire, but were unsuccessful. The heat was so great that it was impossible to save any of the contents of the shop and the dwelling. The fire is supposed to have started in the showroom, but its origin is a mystery as the shop was closed at 1 o’clock on Saturday afternoon. The storerooms at the back of the building were kept saturated with water and saved from destruction. A grocery store belonging to Mr. Burrill which was separated from the main building by a cart entrance was saved.

The dwelling house of Mr. A. Jillett containing 10 or 12 rooms adjoining Mr. Burrill’s premises was in great danger, the woodwork around the spouting catching fire. As a precaution the contents of the whole of the contents were removed to the street. Fortunately, the home was composed of stone and roofed with iron and thereby escaped destruction.

Only the walls of Mr. Burrill’s premises were left standing, except the front portion, which has since fallen in. The loss is estimated about £1,000. The amount of the insurance at present is not known.

From that, the location of his home is known, to be next door to the Drapery Store of Burrill's. Mr Burrill's son held a hotel license.

The Pubs in Oatlands

The only way to be assured that information would be correct, was to then research the pubs and who held the licences in Oatlands.

The following names of pubs were featured in different stories in the newspapers.

Page's Hotel Oatlands now Wood's Hotel 1854

Midland Hotel 1860 William Jones 1864 William Barwick 1873 Rodda's

Oatlands Hotel 1854 1921 Mr Mills 1922 Now Mills Hotel 1928 OH

McEwans Hotel Oatlands 1859

Morrisons Hotel Oatlands

Newboys Hotel 1866

Currie's Hotel 1867

White Horse Inn 1868

The Kentish Hotel 1876

Bailey's Hotel 1915 1923

Lords Hotel 1930

Turf Hotel 1893

Lake Dulverton Inn

The Midland Hotel was mentioned in 1860 then William Jones, William Barwick, Mr Rodda and Joseph Law were the licences with the last being issued in 1895.

The Kentish Hotel was mentioned in 1876, and is still operating. In 1925 the licensee was L.J. Jones.

The Oatlands Hotel was changed to the Mills Hotel when Mr Mills took over in 1922, and then in 1928 it was once again known as the Oatlands Hotel. Samuel Page ran his stage coaches from the Oatlands Hotel.

Research up to 1949, proves that the following hotels are operating:

The Kentish Hotel Still operating as it had since 1876.

The Oatlands Hotel Had a name change in 1920's then rebadged as Oatlands Hotel.

The Midlands Hotel Not the Midland Hotel.

A Check of the Licensees over time revealed varying details. The details have been sorted into sequence relative to Oatlands.

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Saturday 5 December 1863, page 2

OATLANDS. OATLANDS ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING.

A meeting of Justices was held at the Court House, Oatlands, on the 1st instant for the consideration of applications for public house licenses for the ensuing year.

Present: Mr. James Maclanachan, in the chair, Mr. Tabart and Mr. Harrison, Justices.

Applications were read by the Deputy Clerk of the Peace from the following, and considered.

John Bailey, for the house called the Kentish Hotel, High-Street. Granted
William Jones, of the Midland Hotel, High street, Oatlands, was granted the Justices' certificate.
Joseph McEwan received a certificate for the Oatlands Hotel, in the same street.
John Newby applied for a certificate for a license to the house, in the same street, by the sign of the Wilmot Arms. Granted.
Edmund White applied for a certificate approving of a license for the house called The White Horse Inn, High-street, Oatlands.

The applicant was not present when his name was called. It appeared, however, that he had attended but had temporarily retired. The application was acceded to.

William Mark White applied for a license for the house known by the sign of The White Horse, High-street. Granted.

District OF OATLANDS. ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING, December 1, 1885.

I hereby give notice that the following applications for a Justices' Certificate for receiving a Public-house License have been received by me :

· From George Cross Sturgeon, White Horse Inn, Oatlands.

· From Henry and E. and F. Sturgeon, Kentish Hotel, Oatlands.

· From John Smith, the Oatlands Hotel, Oatlands.

· From Joseph Law, the Midland Hotel, Oatlands.

· From George Rubens, the Wilmot Arm, Oatlands

Dated at Oatlands this 10th day of November, 1885. JOHN L. B TABART, 23n Deputy Clerk of the Peace.

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF OATLANDS.

ANNUAL LICENSING, MEETING, to ho held at the Police Office. Oatlands, on WEDNESDAY, the 1st day of December, at 10 o'clock forenoon.

I hereby give Notice that I have received the following APPLICATIONS for JUSTICES' CERTIFICATES, approving of Licences being granted for Public-houses in the above Municipality :- ,

· Joseph Law, Midland Hotel. Oatlands

· George Reuben, Wilmot Arms, Oatlands

· John Smith, Oatlands Hotel.

· John Sturgeon, Kentish Hotel. Oatlands

The following are NEW APPLICANTS for old houses :

William Lodge, York Hotel.

Charles Sutton, Victoria Inn. . ,

John Tremaine, Wilmot Arms. Oatlands

The following is a FRESH APPLICATION for a house formerly licensed, :

Frederic J. Nap, The White Horse Inn. Oatlands

Dated at Oatlands, ; tho 20th , day of No\ember, 1880. JOHN L. B. TABART, -. Deputy Clerk of the Peace.

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Wednesday 24 November 1886, page 4

RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF OATLANDS.

ANNUAL LICENSING MEETING, to be held at the Police Office, Oatlands, on WEDNESDAY, the 1st day of December, ' at 10 o'clock forenoon. J '

I hereby give Notice that I have received the following APPLICATIONS for JUSTICES' CERTIFICATES, approving of Licenses being granted for Public-houses in the above Municipality

· Joseph Law, Midland Hotel. Oatlands

· George Ruben, Wilmot Arms. Oatlands

· John Smith, Oatlands Hotel. ,Oatlands

· John Sturgcon, Kentish Hotel. Oatlands

The following are NEW APPLICANTS for old houses :

William Lodge, York Hotel.

Charles Sutton, Victoria Inn.

John Tremaine, Wilmot Arms.

The following is a FRESH APPLICATION for a house formerly licensed :

Frederick J. Wass, The White Horse Inn.

Dated at Oatlands, the ' 20th ''day of November,',

1895

Ferdinand Bailey Bailey's Hotel Oatlands
James Burrill Jnr Oatlands Hotel Oatlands
Thomas Alfred Jones Kentish Hotel Oatlands
Joseph Law Midland Hotel Oatlands

1896

Ferdinand Bailey Bailey's Hotel Oatlands
James Burrill Jnr Oatlands Hotel Oatlands
Thomas Alfred Jones Kentish Hotel Oatlands

1897

Ferdinand Bailey Bailey's Hotel Oatlands
James Burrill Jnr Oatlands Hotel Oatlands
Thomas Alfred Jones Kentish Hotel Oatlands

1898

Ferdinand Bailey Bailey's Hotel Oatlands
James Burrill Jnr Oatlands Hotel Oatlands
Thomas Alfred Jones Kentish Hotel Oatlands

From that evidence, Mr Joseph Law held the last license for the Midland Hotel, expiring 1896.

There are though, 3 pubs in 1898: Bailey's Hotel, Oatlands Hotel and Kentish Hotel.

Returning to 1915, and the consequences of the serious and questionable fire which burnt the drapery store of Mr Burrill's, there was an inquest, a claim made on the insurers, who subsequently they appealed the claim. Albert Jillett was on the jury, and his sister, Miss Alice Jillett was called to give evidence.

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Friday 12 March 1915, page 3

THE OATLANDS FIRE. EVIDENCE AT THE INQUEST From Our Special Reporter

OATLANDS, March 11

The inquiry which was opened yesterday into the cause of a fire which destroyed the drapery store and dwelling of James Burrill in High Street Oat lands on September 19 last was resumed today. The fire burned the building and contents right out and Burrill a few weeks after the fire, made an assignment to a Melbourne firm, but the Tasmanian creditors declared him in solvent The building and contents were insured for 3,250 pounds.

The district coroner (Mr James Lynes) presided at the inquiry. Inspector Griffiths conducted the proceedings on behalf of the Police and Mr Cecil Allport (Messrs Dobson Mitchell and Allport) appealed for the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company with which the buildings were insured. Mr Allport was instructed by Mr F F Leslie of Melbourne

Mr C.S. Page and Mr Clyde Gibson (instructed by Messrs A B and C Crisp of Hobart appeared for James Burrill and Mr E.T. Tinning (Messrs Tinning and Propsting; for the trustees of the bankruptcy.

Jury Messrs William Fisher (fore man) Albert Jillett, John Weeding and Valentine Tapp)

John Fish butcher, living at Oatlands described having received news of the fire while he Jack Pennicott, Snowy Boswood and young Burrill were in the bar of Bailey's Hotel from two men named Tom Spencer and Jack Brown, who called to see if Mr Burrill was in. Witness with several others left the hotel and ran down to the shop and found it blazing. They shouted out "Fire" for a minute then ran round the back where witness helped a man named Whitney through a window. The latter passed him out an armful of books with a few papers and a cigar box.

The room was very thick with smoke It was very hot inside while in front of the building witness could smell fire burning. The only sign of actual fire as distinct from the smoke to be seen when he arrived was through the back window of the show room .While witness was looking on the glass door of the showroom cracked and broke up. Witness did not see anyone in the back yard when he first went across to the store. Both the front and back doors were shut.

The fire spread very rapidly and a few minutes after witness arrived it seemed to jump suddenly all over the shop. Someone was supposed to be in the building Mrs Burrill-he believed, and as everyone was singing out for ladders, he ran up to the Townhall to get one.

Cross-examined by Mr Page. The class of goods in the shop were such as to cause the fire to spread rapidly. Sergt. Rooke had never asked witness whether he smelt kerosene or petrol burning.

The Forcman; When you went round to the back did you notice any fire in the kitchen?-Only a lamp burning.

William Huon Philp late manager of Jas. Burrill 's store at New Norfolk said that his store was stocked from the Oatlands business but there was no record kept of the goods which were forwarded from one store to the other.

To Mr Page There was nothing to prevent him keeping a record but as Mr Burrill was satisfied he did not consider it necessary. At the store at New Norfolk of which he was now the owner.

He estimated that he was carrying £700 worth of goods, and if the store were to be burnt down before his return he would estimate his loss at that figure without the aid of books or invoices. There was nothing wonderful about Mr Burrill being able to do the same thing. He did not think that Mr Burrill 's estimate of the stock was an over estimate.

Mr Allport; Do you think on the look at Mr Burrill 's stock which you had that you were competent to give an exact estimate -I do not think I was.

George Emery, farmer, of Oatlands said that on the night of the fire he met Mr Burrill in his billiard saloon next door to his shop at about 8 o clock. They went together to the Oatlands Hotel, then on to Bailey's Hotel and while there Jack Harding told Mr Burrill that his place was on fire and witness and Mr Burrill hastened to the scene .There was a crowd of people about but not very much could be seen of the actual fire.

Mr Allport continued his cross-examination of Mr Burrill and the latter, in reply stated that he doubted the whole of the declaration with reference to the fire which he had taken on September 23. Mr Leslie read it over to him and it took about an hour, but he (Burrill) certainly had not described him- I self as a gambler as it appeared in the declaration now, and Mr Leslie may have altered or failed to read out something else. That was his reason for doubting the declaration.

He could not say whether the statement in the declaration -but he had taken stock in July 1915- was true or false. Witness complained that another statement in the declaration re the carrying over of £1000 worth of summer stock was not true, and that the declaration had been filled up falsely.

Mr Allport: Did you tell Sergt. Rooke after the fire that you were a ruined man'-I may have done. I am ruined If I get every penny of the insurance I will lose £1,000.

Did you tell Miss Jillett that the property was only insured for 500 pound.-Never.

Did you tell anyone after the fire that the property was not insured? I never did.

Did you not know that the insurance company was suspicious'-Certainly not.

Mr Page said that ostensibly all the evidence about cheap clothing and sales had been adduced to show a motive . He contended that it had been presented for a very different purpose and that the insurance company was endeavouring to evade its liability.

Mr Allport ;That is a very improper remark.

In reply to Mr Page the witness said that the business had been a prosperous one but since the fire he had been ruined .His wife lost about 30 pound in cash and practically everything she had ,while he lost everything except what he stood up in. Some 25 or 27 was recovered from the debris. The insurance company had still continued to receive premiums on the 1910 policy, not withstanding the in-formation re previous fires appearing on the 1912 proposal. At the time of the fire he owed the bank 100 pound less than he did a year before and the bank had as security the deeds of the shop and house and a policy for 750 pound in the event of a fire .

He could not benefit because the bank held the policy upon the house. He did not read the declaration nor did Mr Gibson read it to him when witness signed it. He was relying entirely upon what Leslie had read to him. The clothing and drapery in the upper storey of the Oatlands shop were used to feed the New Norfolk store .The front door of the drapery shop had no blind on its glass top, and it would be quite possible for anyone looking through it to see a light in the dining room.

Mr. Page; Something has been said about your remarks to Sergt Rooke. Is he friendly towards you-No he is not He swore to make it hot for me, because I reported him to his superior officer

Sergt Rooke And were not game to substantiate the charge.

The witness was further examined by Inspector Griffiths Asked about Sergt Rookc's alleged threat witness said that when Sergt Rooke was in his shop he had hit the counter with his fist, and exclaimed 'By God my turn is coming.

William Westly Smithies manager of the Oatlands branch of the Commercial Bank of Tasmania gave evidence as to some of Mr Burrill's banking transactions, prior to the fire Mr Burrill did not comply with the request of the bank to reduce his overdraft from 900 to 500 pounds, but he gave the bank a satisfactory explanation .Within a few days after the fire, operations upon Mr Burrill 's account ceased The witness was examined at some length re Mr Burrill 's pay- in slips.

Sadie Vida Cantwell, who was employed as an assistant in Mr. Burrill's shop at the time of the fire, said that early on the day of the fire Mr Burrill and his wife had a difference in the house. The card (produced) was a sale price card off clothing. The pencil mark on it,namely. "35s" was the price which the customers were asked for first and the private private mark denoted the price at which the assistant was to sell the article if the customer would give no more for it. (Laughter )

Mr Gibson; We will be careful in buying drapery in future.

The witness (continuing, said that she had never told anyone that she had heard Mr Burrill say that he was going to close his business up in consequence of his quarrel with his wife.

Mr Page; It has been suggested that cases full of drapery were sent away from the shop on the morning of the fire .Did you see any?-No.

Do you think you would have noticed if they had been sent away -I think so I was in the shop.

Mr Allport; It was only suggested that one box had .

Benjamin Sydney Smith storekeeper and farmer of Tunnack said that he remembered purchasing seven overcoats at 5s each from Mr Burrill during last August.

Inspector Griffiths; What did you sell them at ?-1 sold some of them at more than they were worth (langhter)

What were the figures?(-I sold one at 22s two at 12s 6d one at 10s one at 5s and I have two still on hand which 1 would selI at les, than I gave for them (Loud Laughter )

Mr Page; He is only doing the same as Mr Burrill did.

Inspector Griffiths Did you not make a statement to Sergt Rooke that you could have bought 20 or 30 pound worth of goods from Mr Burrill but that you thought that something was wrong and that you might have to return the goods, as Mr Burrill was selling below cost? Yes I did. I was only a new store keeper then but I have since found out that I could get them cheaper still.

Alice Jillett single woman said she lived next door to Mr Burrill's shop. On the night of the fire she noticed a strange smell like linoleum smouldering and about 30 minutes later-about 9 50-a fire broke out. The shelves in the shop were not so full just before the fire as they had been six months previously. Mr Burrill told her he was a ruined man.

Alice May Broadribb, single woman said she passed the shop at 7.30 pm on the night of the fire with her sister when she noticed that all the lights were out.

William Merridale Thomas labourer, said he was in the billiard saloon when Arthur Thomas, drew his attention to smoke coming out of Mr Burrill's shop door. Witness ran out and tried to get into the house with John Fish but the flames prevented the attempt, some days later witness found a bag containing drapery, which find he reported .He remembered taking, a trunk to Miss Salmon' s in his cart on the day of the fire, but could not remember whether he had a case as well or not.

Inspector Griffiths ;You have given a sworn written statement to Detective Harmon .Now since then have you held a conversation with any person about it?-I think not.

Yes or no''-Well no then.

Did you ever see a case of naphtha on Mr Burrill 's property? Yes.

How long before the fire?-That is hard to answer.

In your statement you say that you saw it a few days before the fire. Was that true or not -I cannot say that

Was it true'-No answer

Was It true' Will you answer '- Well, I cannot swear that on oath. I must have thought it when I gave the statement.

And what has altered your opinion? I have been studying the question ever since then. The last time I cleaned the shed out it was there.

When was that- About three weeks before the fire.

Is the statement you made true to the best of my belief, or I would not have made it.

Thomas Chilton Button of Button Bros general storekeepers, Oatlands was questioned re his trading in Tasmanian skins with Mr Burrill. Quite apart from his books, he said he had a fair idea of how much stock he carried and its value.

Walter Fish butcher said that when the alarm of fire was raised on September 19 he hurried to the shop and got into it. There was a great deal of smoke inside, and he could not get beyond the counter. There was a smell that a man could not stand against for ten seconds. He could not describe the smell, which was poison to him .He could see no sign of fire nothing but smoke, which he thought was coming from a room at the back of the shop. When the fire broke out of that room it seemed to fly at once from end to end of the house .He believed that the gas pipes had burst.

To Mr Page ;The smell in the shop did not seem like acetylene gas or naphtha o burning pine. It seemed to have sort of "taste" about it (Laughter )

Mr Page It was not whiskey? (Laughter)

Witness ;I tried to open the door to let some of it out but the top bolt was too hot for me to bear my hand on.

Thomas Smith proprietor of Bailey's Hotel Oatlands; said that on the night of the fire or next day Mr Burrill told him that he was a ruined man . Witness asked him if the place was insured and he understood the reply to be No.

To Mr Page; Mr Burrill was so excited and upset that he hardly appeared to know what he was saying.

Sergt Louis Henry Rooke Oatlands said that on the night of the fire at about 9.45pm. he heard the cry of "Fire" and saw Mr Burrill 's shop afire. There was a crowd about and some person was breaking the front windows to get goods out. The fire was then burning inside.

Next evening, when witness asked Mr Burrill the amount of insurance on the contents, Mr Burrill replied, £2,500 but do not tell anyone". On September 21 Mr Burrill called him, and took him to a shed at the rear of the shop. The witness found a chaffbag containing a quantity of drapery. Mr Burrill claimed, "This looks as if someone robbed my shop, and then set fire to it."

The morning after the fire, witness found two cases of drapery in another shop and Mr Burrill explained that they had been there for some weeks, and that they had not been unpacked because they contained summer clothing, which had come to hand earlier than was expected, and that he was not ready to put it in the shop. For roughly a month before the fire witness noticed the stock in the shop diminishing.

To Mr Page: He did not suggest that there was any concealment about the boxe4s of drapery fund in the ship. The inquiry was instituted at the investigation of the insurance company.

Mr Page: Have you any doubt about Mr Burrill's honesty? Yes and I can prove it from the statements he made.

Then that is why you sought employment for your daughter with him. That is an absolute lie.

Then you say that the witness who made that statement (a young girl) was committing perjury? I say so, absolutely.

But you do dislike Mr Burrill? Yes and I do not deny it. He has said damaging things about me to my superior officers, and has never been game to substantiate them when pressed to so. He is a waster, and nothing else.

The witness and Mr Burrill started to argue the question and argue with each other about an incident at a horse race in Hobart, and the inquiry became rather disorderly.

The Coroner said that as the two were becoming quarrelsome and it was late, he would close up for the night. Accordingly, on the stroke of 12 (midnight) the inquiry was further adjourned until 9.30 am the next day, after a sitting which had occupied nearly fifteen hours, including two short breaks for meals.

24th July 1915

Oatlands Fire Sequel Arbitration Concluded

The application under the Arbitration Act to determine the dispute between the London and Lancashire Fire Insurance Company on the one part and James Burrill of Oatlands, and the trustees in his bankrupt estate - Mrs E.T. Tinning and A. Outhwaite on the other part, was concluded yesterday. Mr Burrill's shop building and contents were destroyed by fire last September and were insured for £750 and £2500 respectively. The amount of both claims is disputed by the company, and the matter was placed before Merssrs. E. Mulcahy MHA umpire and H.J. Payne MHA and JHG Murdoch magistrates for a decision. Mr C.S. Page instructed by Messrs A.B and C Crisp appeared for the insurance and trustees and Mr NK Ewing, KC instructed by Messrs Dobson Mitchell and Allport and Mr FF Best insurance assessor for the company.

The last witness was John Lockwood, who gave evidence as to buying the old Midland Hotel in 1902 for £475. It was in very bad order, leaking all over. He spent £100 on putting the building to order. He sold it for £600 and found very great delight in getting the £600. He considered his place to be the same value to Burrills. That was after taking into account the money spent on his place.

But Burrill's place would bring more money for rented to anyone who wanted a residence and a shop combined would bring £25 per week, that was to anyone who wanted a dwelling and a shop.

Mr Page - What interest would you expect on your money. Ten per cent

Mr Page You cannot get it anywhere else.

Mr Burrill's claim was settled in his favour.

That proves conclusively that Albert and his sister Alice bought a building from Mr Lockwood, and they paid £600, for it, in 1911. They did not buy the Midland Hotel, general consensus would possibly be that the inference on the signboard is a bit ambiguous.

Alice and Alfred Jillett's home in High Street Oatlands

The building in question is now signposted as Oatlands Coach House.

Old photos were compared, in order to prove the information of the old Midland Hotel.

There is no mistaking that these photos taken at different times are all of the same building.

Which brings the story back to the three pubs mentioned in Oatlands in 1949.

The Midlands

The Oatlands and

The Kentish

In Oatlands in 2018 there are just two

The Midlands

The Kentish

The oldest hotel in Oatlands is the Kentish Hotel, with Licence records from 1863

Albert died in 1934

Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Wednesday 21 March 1934, page 8

NATURAL CAUSES Death Under Anaesthetic Evidence at Inquest HOBART, Tuesday. A finding of death from natural causes was returned by Mr. G. Crosby Gilmore, coroner, at the inquest to-day on Albert Edward Robert Jillett (62), skin buyer, formerly a resident of Oatlands, who collapsed and died while undergoing an operation at the Hobart Public Hospital on March 13 last.

The deceased had been suffering from serious natural internal ailments, and the operation was considered imperative. Dr. V. R. Batten, Surgeon Superintendent, said that before the operation was commenced on the deceased its serious nature and the danger of administering an anaesthetic had been stressed to the relatives. He had disliked asking any doctor to administer an anaesthetic owing to the grave risk of the patient collapsing, but had done so as it was the only chance the patient had of living. The patient had been only slightly under the anaesthetic when he died, and he did not believe that it had caused death. In his opinion death had been due to heart failure consequent upon a complication of bodily ailments. The Coroner, in giving his verdict, stated that the evidence showed every care had been taken by the hospital authorities. If the operation had not been performed the deceased would have lived only a very short time.

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Friday 16 March 1934, page 7

MR. ALBERT E. R. JILLETT.

Funeral at Oatlands.

The funeral of Mr. Albert Edward Robert Jillett, of High Street. Oatlands, took place at the Church of England Cemetery, Oatlands, yesterday. The late Mr. Jillett was for many years secretary of the Oatlands Hack and Trotting Club and the Midland Jockey Club respectively. There was a large gathering, and the chief mourners were Messrs. John and Lewis Jillett (brothers). The services in St. Peter's Church and at the graveside were conducted by the Rev. L. A. Burgess. Committeemen of both racing clubs were the pall-bearers. Among the many wreaths were tributes from the Tasmanian Trotting Association, the Oatlands Trotting Club, and the Midland Jockey Club. Mr. J. T. Weaver represented the Tasmanian Trotting Association. The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Alex. Clark and Son Ltd., In conjunction with Mr. J. Tremaine, Oatlands.

Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Wednesday 14 March 1934, page 6

OBITUARY MR. ALBERT EDWARD JILLETT Sincere regret was expressed at Oatlands yesterday when it was learned that Mr. Albert Edward Jillett had passed away at the General Hospital. Hobart, in his 63rd year. Mr. Jillett was the second eldest son of the late John Jillett, and was born at York Plains, near Oatlands, in 1871. He was well known throughout the state as a prominent sporting man. In his younger days he was a keen footballer, and captained the Oatlands club for many years. He was the pioneer of hack racing in Southern Tasmania, and was the first secretary of the Oatlands Hack and Trotting Club when it was formed some 29 years ego, which position he held up till the present. Several years ago he was also elected secretary of the Midland Jockey Club, and had managed the affairs of both clubs up till the present. He was for many years handicapper of both gallops and trots for the Southern Tack Racing Association, and he has also acted as handicapper of the hack gallops for the St. Marys Trotting Club for the last few years.

Mr. Jillett was keenly interested in registered trotting, and raced several of his own horses in the registered ranks with considerable success, amongst them being the well known pacing sire, Emulate. Mr. Jillett had been in business in Oatlands as a skin buyer for upwards of 30 years. He had been ailing for several months, and on Monday was taken to Hobart to undergo an operation. He married Miss M. Bayles, of Oatlands. who survives him, and also leaves a young family of two sons and two daughters Collapse Under Anaesthetic While undergoing an operation in the Hobart Public Hospital Mr. Jillett collapsed under an anaesthetic and died.

His wife tells how after his death she was penniless, and her son was the owner of the property.

Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Wednesday 23 September 1936, page 9

WIDOW'S "REMARKABLE" STORY

Happenings at Oatlands Described in Hobart Supreme Court

A STORY described by her counsel as "remarkable" was unfolded by Merion Bayles Jillett, a widow, of Oatlands, before Mr. Justice Crisp in the Supreme Court at Hobart yesterday, when she claimed £47 8s. for board and lodging supplied to Frederick Jones, an elderly farmer, of Belle Vale, Jericho. In her evidence, Mrs. Jillett explained that she took defendant, his dying wife, and other relatives into her home when asked to do so, and that during the six weeks before the woman died her residence was besieged by members of the Jones family, sometimes nearly 50 being present at the one time at meals which she provided. Defendant claimed that the £12 which he had already paid, and the many provisions that had been taken to plaintiff's house, completely covered his indebtedness to Mrs. Jillett.

WIFE TOO SICK TO BE MOVED

Mr. J. D. MORRIS (Ogilvie, McKenna, and Morris) appeared for plaintiff, and Mr. M. D. Weston (Law, Weston, and Archer, Launceston) for defendant.

Plaintiff-said that she lived in an 11 roomed house in High St., Oatlands. On December 10, 1935, she returned home after an illness to find defendant and several women, at her residence. Defendant asked her if he could have a room in her house for one night only, as his wife, who was in a motor-car drawn up in front of the home was too sick to be moved to his property at Belle Vale, near Jericho, some seven miles distant. Witness gave her consent, and Mrs. Jones sen. was moved into the house. Two of the women stayed with her that night, but defendant went to an hotel. The next day the doctor called, and said that the sick woman was too ill to be moved.

Mrs. George Jones and the Misses Vera and Nin Jones took up residence in the sick woman's room, and slept there until Mrs. Jones sen. died. Three or four days after he had first called defendant also came to stay at plaintiff's house;

From then on there were always members of the Jones family living in and calling at the house. On the first Sunday after the sick woman arrived witness counted 17 visitors who all had afternoon tea. There were at least five or six visitors, each day. "On two occasions," continued witness, "the old lady was expected to die. The first was a false alarm, but we had the house crowded with relatives all that night. Before Mrs. Jones died the whole family slept and lived in the house for a week. Apart from the "regulars", those who did so were Mr. and Mrs. Monty Jones and their three children, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Jones ,and their child, Mrs. T. Jones, Mr. George Jones, Mrs. Monks and three children, and Messrs. H. and J. Jones. Three Mr. Flemings stayed one night only. Mrs. Charles Jones and her boy stayed the week-end. Then there were the Misses Jones from Oat-lands, Mr. Peter Brown, and Mr. Oscar Jones.

His Honor:, You had a house full, in fact?

Witness: Yes they were like a swarm of bees. On Christmas Day there were 42 members of the Jones family at the house, and they all had afternoon tea. On December 28 seven car loads of people, men, women, and children, arrived, and there were so many on that occasion that some had to have their tea in the cars. At times some of the visitors brought cakes and produce, but I kept a complete list of these things and credited defendant with £6 for that.

Plaintiff said that on one occasion two of the women were quarrelling about who would pay for the board and lodging, and defendant came to her in the kitchen and said that he would be responsible for payment for everything for as long as they stayed in the house. On Christmas Eve-defendant gave, her £1, saying that he would give her the balance when, he got his wool cheque. She knew that he was a farmer in a substantial way near Jericho, and presumed that everything would be all right. Mrs. Jones sen. died on January 18, and the funeral was held, from her house the following Sunday. All members of the family "rolled up" that day, and there was a big dinner.

On January 31 defendant came to her and asked how much he owed. She informed him, that she had not made, up the account, but her charge would be 30s. a week for the sick woman, and £1 a week each for those who had stayed with her.. She did not, know what the charges for the visitors would be until she made up the account. Defendant gave her £6, but when she said that this would only about pay for one person he gave her another £5. She told him that this money, with the £1 she had already received, would not pay for two persons, and the next day she sent him an account for the balance. She did not hear from him, and wrote him three letters before, taking action. She included in the account the cost of the bed and bedding which the sick woman had used.

To Mr. Weston: When her husband died, about two years ago, she was left penniless. The house belonged to her son, who was aged about 16 years. She had charged 2s. a meal for visitors, and considered that and her other charges reasonable. - On one occasion she refused a few shillings that one of the Jones had offered her "as a present."

Estelle Bayles, plaintiff's sister, gave corroborative evidence.

Laura Fisher, trained nursing sister at Oatlands, said that when Mrs. Jones sen. died, plaintiff asked her to say that the bed, mattress, pillows, and blankets should be destroyed. Witness said, that such a course was unnecessary, as the deceased's complaint was not infectious.

To Mr. Morris: There always seemed to be a crowd of visitors at plaintiff's house.

Defendant said that he stayed at an hotel in Oatlands for the first four days after December 10, but plaintiff suggested that he should stay at her place so that Mrs. Jones sen. would be more contented. Sufficient food was brought in twice a week to feed all members of his family who were in the house.

Neither he nor his family asked any friends in to meals or to afternoon tea. On Christmas Eve he gave plaintiff £1 and was told that she would leave it to him as to what should be paid. He replied that he would sooner she put a price on it. After Mrs. Jones died, witness went to see plaintiff for the specific purpose of fixing up for the accommodation.

He asked how much he was in her debt, and she said that she did not know. She told him that she would charge him £2 a week, and he immediately paid her £11, which brought his total payment to £12 for the six weeks. About a fortnight later he received an account from plaintiff.

On one occasion Harry Jones offered Mrs. Jillett money for stopping there the night, but plaintiff refused to take it saying that Jones had been too good to her already. Mrs. Jillett had been very kind to them all the while they were staying with her.

Mr. Morris asked Mr. Weston if he would produce a letter, dated February 24, 1938, received by defendant from plaintiff.

Mr. Weston commenced to comply with the request, but then refused to produce that document?

Mr. Morris-(to His Honor): If there is a person, in the Court with a required document in his possession have I not the power to put him in the box to produce that document.

His Honor: Yes.

Mr. Morris: Then I will call Mr. Weston to produce the document that I want.

His Honor: Well, no doubt Mr. Weston will produce it if he has it there.

Mr. Weston thereupon produced the required letter and with it two others.

Mr. Morris pointed out to defendant that the first of the letters was dated February 1, 1936, the day after defendant had inquired of plaintiff as to what he owed her, and that the other two were directing attention to the out-standing account.

Mr. Morris (t1 defendant) : "When you got that first letter , and the account, the day after you say you settled finally with Mrs. Jillett, did you go to her. and tell her she was an imposter?- No.

Defendant stated further that plaintiff had pressed many of the visitors to stay to afternoon teas and meals. Any provision that was made, in this regard would be done at plaintiff's expense and not at his. His sister Nin worked very hard during the six weeks she was at Oatlands, and did a good deal of the work.

Myra Jones, wife of George Jones, a son of defendant, gave evidence along similar lines. She stated that both she and her sister Vera slept on couches in her mother's room at Oatlands. She bought a quantity of food while staying at plaintiff's house.

Mabel Jones, defendant's daughter, said that no arrangement as to payment was made with plaintiff. Twice weekly she took a substantial quantity of food to the house at Oatlands. She stayed only for meals once or twice, and then only at plaintiff's request. For about a week she slept in a chair and on the floor in plaintiff's dining-room. Several other members of the family slept, in chairs and on couches, and only one or two had beds.

Decision was reserved.

History of the Jillett Home in Oatlands

William Barwick, it has been said was the builder of the property later known as The Midland Hotel.

Records indicate that William Barwick, at one time held the licence on a building known as Lake Dulverton Inn.

Courier (Hobart, Tas. : 1840 - 1859), Wednesday 6 December 1854, page 3

ANNUAL LICENSING DAY AT OATLANDS.

AT the annual licensing meeting on Friday the following magistrates were present; John Whitefoord, Esq., Chairman, H. F. Anstey, Esq., J.P.,M.L,C, and John Doughty, Esq., J.P.

The following licenses were granted ; William Barwick, Lake Dulverton Inn ; Charles Lutten, Wilmot Arms; N. A. Woods, Oatlands Hotel; Charles Madden, Kentish Hotel; E. White, Wardour Castle; James Hill, London Inn, Spring Hill ; George Frost, Coach and Horses, Lemon Springs: Joseph Barwick, Halfway House, Antill Ponds.

The last application was from Mr. D. O'Connor of the Victoria Inn, Tunbridge, which was refused, the bench expressing their respect for the applicant, an old and respectable resident and formerly a worthy landholder in the Oatlands District, but the Police Magistrate said that, from circumstances which had come to his knowledge, he could not consistently vote for him, an opinion in which the bench unanimously concurred.

Where was the Lake Dulverton Inn?

1830 Licence in Oatlands George Atchison the York Inn and in 1833 it was called the York and Albany

In 1833 Mr McEwan had the Inverary Castle.

Lake Dulverton Inn

The Lake Dulverton Inn was owned and built by Mr John Vincent. John Vincent was the same person who built the Callington Mill.

Samuel Page then took over the hotel in 1837. In 1840, the property was being let for a term of years. George Aitcheson was the owner, and he was relocating to Victoria.

The Lake Dulverton Inn is currently being renovated for a Whiskey Distillery.

It is at the entrance to Callington Mill.

The Gazette printed a list of all the Hotels in 1844

Mr George Aitcheson was still listed as the owner and it was located in High Street Oatlands.

In 1849 William Barwick was the licensee.

In 1855, William Barwick was leaving the Lake Dulverton Inn and operating as Midland Hotel. The does not appear to be mention of it being called Oatlands Coach House, other than it had the Coach houses well described.

No mention of the Lake Dulverton Inn follows.

By 1858, William Barwick is at a property named Midland Hotel.

Which he then in 1860, transfers license to William and Thomas Jones.

Hobart Town Daily Mercury (Tas. : 1858 - 1860), Thursday 12 January 1860, page 4

OATLANDS, MIDLAND HOTEL.

MESSRS. Wm. and Thos. JONES HAVING obtained tho Licence for the above well-known Hotel recently held by Mr. WILLIAM BARWICK, respectfully solicit a similar amount of PUBLIC PATRONAGE with which their predecessor has been so liberally favoured.

The Hotel affords every accommodation, and is replete with nil the conveniences of a first-rate road-side Inn for families and travellers in general.

EXCELLENT STABLES for 40 or 50 Horses, and attentive Grooms.
There is a capacious IRON STORE upon the Premises most desirable for storing purposes, and particularly adapted for wool storage.

Wines, Spirits, Ale, Porter, Cordials, Ginger Beer, Lemonade, i.e., of superior quality, and not to be surpassed.
Ladies travelling will find every attention paid to them, and their comfort and convenience properly studied by Mrs. W. JONES,

Messrs. W. and T. JONES beg to say that the high reputation which tho "MIDLAND HOTEL" has always borne under the management of the former Proprietary it shall be their sincere endeavour to sustain, by strict attention to the requirements of the public, combined with uniform civility and politeness.

N.B.-Three Carriers put up at this Hotel weekly. To persons desirous of having their GOODS conveyed with expedition, either to Hobart Town or Launceston, or delivered at inter-mediate places along the main line of road, would do well to avail themselves of this convenience.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC.

Having let the above Hotel and the eligible premises therewith, upon lease, to MESSRS W. and T. JONES, I have the pleasure to recommend them to those Ladies and Gentlemen who are accustomed to travel, and to all those customers and friends who have so kindly honoured me by their liberal support and patronage during the lone period that I carried on business in tho " MIDLAND HOTEL," and for which, on retiring from that business, I now have to return them my grateful thanks and acknowledgments, at the same time hoping that my successors will experience a continuance of that very liberal PUBLIC PATRONAGE where it has been my good fortune to enjoy.

WILLIAM BARWICK. Oatlands,
January 4th, 1860. '

What happened to the Oatlands Hotel?

The Oatlands Hotel that Pauline Buckby lived in has been demolished and is the site of the current police station. Supplied: Pauline Buckby (Source ABC)

Jillett Reunion

On Friday 5th October, the descendants of the Jillett/Bradshaw's will be visiting two establishments in Oatlands.

The Kentish Pub is our "meeting point" during the day, and at 6.00pm we are having a Reunion Dinner at the Midland's Hotel.

Here is the more modern version of the Midlands Hotel and the location on 5th October 2018 for our Family Reunion Dinner.

Efforts are being made to meet the owners of Albert and Alice's home in Oatlands, however it may be that she lives interstate.Of interest is an etching in stone at the Oatlands Lodge.

Was this perhaps carved by Bob Jillett? he and Joan lived in High Street Oatlands. This is to be found at Oatlands Lodge. Another lovely old building which from 1910 to 1976 was the Drapery store owned by the Fish family. He used the surname Bayles-Jillett. Or did they live in the house?

Special thanks to Ron Tanner for the photos and information about the Jillett engraving, he enjoyed his stay in the House, and thanks to Gerard from Oatlands Lodge, for further information!