The Publican and the Pig

Sly Grog Shanty

Coolgardie 1905

Paddy Murphy ran a ‘Shypoo’ (sly grog) ranch unbeknownst to the authorities. His establishment was always identified by Paddy’s favorite pet pig. Paddy could not read or write, nor could his wife Bridget. Their system of accounting didn’t apply the rules of double entry it answered all practical accounting purposes well enough. It was simplicity itself.

For each customer a large potato was held in the back room and Paddy made a nick in the said vegetable each time a drink was ordered. After a long evening all the old weight chasers had folded up their tents and called in to ‘wash off’ the track. They called to Paddy for their account at the end of their revels.

Rushing out to the back room to count out their indebtedness calamity awaited him!!!!!!  Horrified he returned to the bar woefully and said to his better half “Jesus Bridget the %#?#!! pig has eaten the ledgers.

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Moya Sharp

Owner at Outback Family History

My name is Moya Sharp, I live in Kalgoorlie Western Australia and have worked most of my adult life in the history/museum industry. I have been passionate about history for as long as I can remember and in particular the history of my adopted home the Eastern Goldfields of Western Australia. Through my website I am committed to providing as many records and photographs free to any one who is interested in the family and local history of the region.

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