Wilcannia Joss House

“Wilcannia, Friday.— On Thursday afternoon, about 5 o'clock, the Wilcannia police arrested a Chinaman, at the local joss house, named Kum Ly, on a charge of having stabbed a country-man named Oh Kum."

Evening News, 12 July 1890, p.6.

"My head was dressed by the doctor about 9 o'clock ; it was after that I went to the Joss House. The Chinese doctor lives there ; I went over to see him. My head is very sore yet. I went inside for five days before I went out.

By Sergeant Wilson.-The house I reside in is very hot. There is a cellar at the Joss House, but I went over to see the doctor, not because the Joss House was a cool place."

Western Grazier, 10 February 1897, p.2.

From the memoirs of Bertha Johnson, nee Mary Anne Birthday Heitzman 22.06.1898 – 21-01-1989.

The Chinese had a Joss House – it was beautiful – at the end of Reid Street – on the outskirts of town – they had their own priest. New Year was celebrated at the end of January. Everyone was invited – they had food of all kinds, cakes, sweets, lollies. It was a wonderful day for all.”

Supplied by Chris Elliott, Wilcannia and District Historical Society.