Lefroy (Nine Mile Springs) Joss House

"These pious Orientals have lately erected a neat little Joss-house, and have thus shown, according to their light, a good example to the more favored Christian inhabitants. The door of the little temple stands open to all, to barbarians as well as Celestials. Over the table or altar, is hung a beautifully colored painting in the highest style.of Chinese art of some divinity with a horrible looking demon whispering into the right ear and a mild looking angel into the left. Immediately below are placed some exquisitely carved jade figures, and upon the table a lamp is kept constantly burning. From the verandah in front are suspended some of those pretty paper lanterns familiar to all, and which are lighted up at night. The sacrifice of poultry since the dedication to Buddha has been quite alarming, and the good wives at the Springs are now kept in a constant state of dread of nocturnal celestial visitants."

The Tasmanian, 24 October 1874, p.9

"The Joss House is a small weatherboard building, the interior of which affords standing room to about 30 persons. Facing the entrance on a broad shelf are ranged one lamp, one candle-stick, two vases of flowers, a glass painting of a good looking Japanese woman, and some bundles of sandal wood tapers. There is a recess at the back of the shelf, partially hidden with drapery. On either hand upon the wall are some Chinese characters. Crackers are let off outside at the commencement of the ceremonies, and visitors, white heathens and others, are not forbidden to enter."

Tribune, 29 March 1877, p.3.

"The Joss House is the chief attraction to visitors. They see the mysteries of heathen worship, but should they smile. 'John' is down upon the offender like a hawk, and quietly hints that he had better travel farther or fare worse as there will be a row in the camp. In this Joss House are many examples of Chinese ingenuity in the shape of Chinese letters made solely of gold leaf. They are worth a good round sum. Other articles of tapestry and fancy work make the place look very pretty."

The Tasmanian, 29 June 1878, p,7.

According to Geoff Cox, a long term Garibaldi resident, his grandfather lent some Chinese men at Garibaldi his horse and dray to collect the contents of the Lefroy Joss House and transport it to Garibaldi. (Jan Everett, 2023)