Meaning of "Public Business"

[sharonkai]

The following advertisement was placed in the Sydney Gazette on 4 February 1837.:

"Mr Thomas Parnell of Richmond, having declined the Public Business, and intending to leave this part of the Country, requests all Parties to whom he may be under pecuniary obligation, will be so good as to forward their demands to him on or before 31st March next."

I would be interested to know if anyone can tell me what "having declined the Public Business" might specifically refer to.

Many thanks
Sharon

[majm]

'the Public Business' in New South Wales in the penal and pre gold rush eras  refers to any type of commercial enterprise involving selling stock (live or dead) or goods or providing services direct to the general public.  At various times the NSW Governors had required producers sell direct to the Government Stores who then determined its price and distribution.  1837 .... so still in the convict era. 

Your chap's announcement is basically announcing he is closing his then current commercial business (so closing down rather than selling it as a going concern) and leaving the district, and if anyone thinks he owes them money they neded to react promptly.

JM

[sharonkai]

Thanks majm your reply is very helpful.

I had two ancestors, a father and son, both named Thomas Parnell and your answer gives an indication as to which one the advertisement refers to.  Thomas Parnell snr was an Assistant Surgeon at Richmond/Windsor. His son Thomas Parnell junior was a publican at North Richmond as well as a farmer/squatter.  Your answer suggests that the advertisement most likely refers to Thomas jnr ceasing to run the pub as opposed to Thomas snr retiring from his work as a surgeon. The confusing aspect of this was that Thomas snr did leave the Richmond area but I have not found out when this happened. Thomas jnr didn't leave Richmond until about 1854.

[majm]

Patients paid the medico directly, in that era  ....

I wonder ... have you researched a chap recorded in NSW Col Sec papers 1788-1825 as John WILLIAMS but also known as Thos PARNELL?

JM