James Blay Jr received his licence for the Crooked Billet in October 1830, despite opposition from the local farmers. It required him to run his establishment as an inn, providing accommodation for travellers. Standing back, looking at the partly constructed building, James decided it was enough. It had a roof, and three wattle and daub walls. He had a secure stone building finished where he stored the liquor and other supplies. Satisfied he would make a fortune quickly; James Jr opened the Crooked Billet for business while his wife was left to run his eighty-acre farm in New Norfolk.
Crooked BilletCrooked BilletThe Crooked Billet quickly gained a reputation for its potent liquor and the publican’s willingness to turn a blind eye when indentured convicts wanted to drink themselves sensele
