Cue commercial buildings placed on interim heritage register

28/9/97

The heritage values of two of Cue's most important commercial buildings have been protected by Heritage Minister Graham Kierath.

The Murchison Club Hotel, built in 1896, and the former Bank of New South Wales, built in 1900, have been placed on the Heritage Council of Western Australia's interim register of heritage places.

Mr Kierath said the two buildings, both situated on Cue's main intersection, were significant in the development of the town at the turn of the century.

"The pub in particular has been the focal point of Cue's social life throughout this century," he said.

"Both buildings contribute to the Cue community's sense of place and the social fabric of the town and as such they deserve the protection of the State's heritage laws."

Mr Kierath said the construction of the Murchison Club Hotel was financed by the London and Western Australian Investment Company.

He said the hotel was leased to Michael Daly, a man of many talents whose previous jobs included works manager of the Fremantle Harbour Works and construction of tram and railway lines in Midland, Bunbury, Adelaide and Victoria.

The opening of the hotel was a grand occasion and it was regarded as the largest and best appointed hotel in the Murchison district.

In the following years the hotel underwent several changes of licensees and owners.

Mr Kierath said the fortunes of Cue declined in the 1910s and 20s but a further gold boom in the 1930s had significant repercussions for the hotel.

"The owner, Joseph Bowes, installed a modern ice plant and a new septic system in 1934 and later a second storey was added to the hotel," Mr Kierath said.

"The hotel is the only functioning pub left in the town of Cue and it serves as the main meeting place of its community members. A range of functions, from receptions for the Governor to informal drinks, are conducted there."

Mr Kierath said the former Bank of New South Wales was another gold boom building and was the first bank in the town.

The bank site was purchased in 1894 by the West Australian Bank and the architect was prominent architect John Talbot Hobbs, who came to inspect the newly completed building in 1900.

Stone for the walls of the bank was quarried from the Cue area, but stone for the window sills and doorsteps was brought from Melbourne.

"The bank continued to trade until 1927 when it was transferred to the Bank of New South Wales," Mr Kierath said.

"It remained their property until the Shire purchased it in 1978 and although it is now used as a private residence, the internal layout remains as it was at the time of its original construction.

"The building makes an important contribution to the streetscape of Cue and is an important reminder of its development during the gold boom of the 1890s."

Media contact: Steve Manchee 9481 2133