From Tarnagulla Courier 15 June 1912.
“The Licenses Reduction Board sat at Dunolly recently to hear evidence in connection with the Waanyarra Hotel.
Mrs Susan Gray, licensee and owner, appeared on her own behalf.
Superintendent Callender said the present owner had purchased the place for 150 pounds. The buildings were old and rather poor. There was no fault to be found with the conduct of the place, but as a hotel it was not required.
Mounted Constable Comrie of Tarnagulla gave evidence of the situation, midway between Tarnagulla and Dunolly. The hotel contained seven rooms. Buildings old, but fairly well kept, the furniture not too good and flooring bare. The hotel was not required and it would be better to have three hotels at Tarnagulla. Witness gave particulars of the small population, but there was roadside traffic. He had not seen mobs of sheep on the ground, (Mrs Gray -“Since the stock sales started at Dunolly sheep pass that way frequently”). Evidence was given of 50 pounds worth of furniture having been placed in the hotel, and a piano to come in.
Mounted Constable Miles gave corroborating evidence.
Mrs Susan Gray, owner and licensee, gave particulars of the purchase of the hotel, the good travelling business on the road between Tarnagulla and Dunolly, bed and meals provided, bar trade, etc., and also as to profits.
Mr Andrew complimented Mrs Gray on the manner in which she had given her evidence. She had done well, and evidently was most capable.
In answer to Mr Cumming, witness said they held their own. The hotel was required. In a place like that there might be an immediate call for brandy or other spirits as medicine.
The chairman also spoke highly of Mrs Gray’s evidence, etc., and hoped, if the hotel was closed, she would enter into some really good business and that she would suffer no monetary loss.”
Shortly after this hearing, the Board decided that the license would not be renewed.