Shepherds from Bowes and Mt Erin stations used to gather in the shade by the Nabawah Pool on Sundays, to exchange gossip and smoke. They also made their way to nearby Mt Erin station where they drank, sang and played cards.

In May 1855 Michael Morrissey appeared before Magistrate William Burges charged with selling spirits at his Mt Erin homestead without a licence. “I only charged for what they had eaten and not for what they drank”, he said in his defence. Burges thought otherwise, fining him £25.

The Mining Arms Hotel

The first Hotel in Nabawah, the Mining Arms, opened in 1889, was built by Samuel Hadley Jupp. It was a place for travellers, miners and the shepherds, who worked on the Mt Erin and Bowes pastoral properties, who could obtain service for themselves and their horses.  Although the Narra Tarra mine had closed, some of the miners settled locally, creating a demand which Samuel, a bootmaker by trade, soon satisfied. His son-in-law Robert Gould bought it in 1910, ran it himself for a time, then leased it.  He sold the hotel in 1939.  

Jules Heinsen became the owner late in 1942. Mrs Heinsen recalls making meals for 60 people after cricket matches, her son killing and preparing their own backyard poultry for the table.

Swan beer sold for 1/9d. a bottle, draught beer 6d. per 6 oz. glass.

Jules Heinsen sold to Geraldton Publican Nick Palates in 1950. When it was managed by Cyril and Linda Giltrow.

The Mining Arms Hotel finally closed its doors for business at the end of June 1973 after trading for 84 years. A replacement tavern was opened on the first of July adjacent to the sports ground. 

The Nabawa Tavern has recently closed its doors and currently there are no taverns in the Shire of Chapman Valley.h