Gunning & District Historical Society

John Alchin (1821-1901) This article, about a publican who was also an adherent of a religion which abhorred the demon drink, is by guest blogger and Alchin family chronicler, Garry Smith. In the early years of the Australian colonies alcohol consumption was heavy but is shown to be lower than in some other countries at that time. The decade of the 1830s saw the highest per capita consumption although the gold rush period of the 1850s was probably comparable. From 1860 to 1900 consumption fell strongly. John Alchin (originally John Waters Gaynes) arrived in the colony of New South Wales in 1838 with his “adoptive” family – Ambrose and Ann Alchin and their six children. Although Ann Alchin, John’s natural mother, and Ambrose Alchin were recorded as “Baptist” on the passenger list of the arrivals aboard the Palmyra, the family lived their lives as staunch Wesleyans. There are many uses of the word Wesleyan over time. When the Alchins arrived in the colony, Wesleyans were...

The Australian Star, 23 February 1891, If you get the chance to enjoy a beer or wine at the Gunning Show, spare a thought for the patrons at the 1891 show. It would seem, from the above article, that the showground committee had a strong contingent of Temperance "Brothers" who were successful in declaring it an alcohol-free zone. The impact was not as significant as initially suggested - the article notes that the show was " on the whole a success " with " nearly 800 entries " and daily attendance of " between 700 and 800 ". (I have found no records to compare with other years of the period.) The Temperance movement was quite strong in Australia in the late 19th century. The Gunning Division of The Sons of Temperance was formed in 1874 and when the Temperance Hall was opened in 1882 (cnr Warrataw St and Biala St) there were 73 members. There is also mention of the Independant Order of Good Templars (Eureka Lodge) from 1883 and a bran...