Hunter Valley Hotels™ The definitive guide to Traditional Australian Hotels, Pubs and Taverns in the Hunter Valley, NSW.
Neath Hotel - Cessnock Rd Neath NSW 2326
Phone (02) 4930 4270 - Fax (02) 4930 4195

A lease was acquired for the Neath Colliery in 1903 and after surveys and construction the first coal was dispatched on the 26th February 1907. The colliery was situated on high ground, unlike most other mines, on the north side of the main road from Cessnock to Abermain. Due to the steep grade a long winding spur line was built from which joined the main rail line near the present Abermain station. This spur was over 3 kilometres in length including sidings and shunting yards. The railway embankment still remains opposite the present town. A calico shanty town developed to the east of the pit housing some 300 people much of it to the west of where the present caravan park and football field are located. Later rough sawn timber slab huts were erected and one of these survived until the mid nineties opposite the present service station. Shops, churches, a school of arts and a public school were erected along the south side of the main road which became present day Neath. The colliery ceased operation in May 1959 however the coal washery continued processing coal from Aberdare North colliery until April 1988 after which the rail spur was lifted.

In 1913 an application was made to licence a hotel at Neath. Once granted the huge three story hotel was constructed boasting over 40 rooms and stables at the rear. The hotel opened on 18th December 1914. Edwin Anstey was the first publican previously being original licensee of the Cessnock Hotel. The hotel was located near the railway station as many miners commuted from Abermain and Weston and it was to become a popular watering hole after toiling in the harsh conditions of the colliery.

Over 70 young men from the small population of Neath miners volunteered to fight for King and country during the First World War and one of these was Harry Littlefair. After several failed attempts to enlist he was finally accepted on 30th August 1915 and before being shipped to the front in France he left his small oil wick lamp and fuel container with Edwin Anstey at the Neath Hotel for safe keeping until his return.

Harry was badly injured in combat in 1917 and was to be sent home but requested to be returned to his mates at the front. He was promoted to Lance-Corporal. On 15th April 1918 during the Battle for Lys, Harry was killed in action.

His lamp still remains behind the bar at the Neath Hotel and is lit on Anzac Day every year.