Alan Baumgartner recently took up the challenge of improving the fermentation process
at Electra Breweries with excellent results. The current manager of Bundaberg Distillery,
Lou Muller, said the company recognises George's contribution to the spirit's early
days, and as a valuable source of historical information. Keith Dunstan arrived in
Bundaberg this week to research the rum's history for its centenary, and Mr Muller
said he would be making contact with George for his book.
The Bundaberg and Distric Historical and Museum Society said it was a shame that
George's role in the industry was not more widely recognised. George spends much
of his retirement, reading, writing scripts and short stories and listening to his
beloved classical music collection.
He was without a doubt a pioneer in Bundaberg Rum's development, and close to the
only living memory of these early days long before rum became a household name internationally.
SOME OF GEORGE HURTS “TREASURES”
These objects were bequeathed from the estate of George Hurt and were some of the
original chemistry glassware used by George during his experiments. Items on loan
to Fairymead house by the Bundaberg & District Historical Museum.
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George Hurt lived at Bargara until his death on February 2 1998, bequeathing many
of his “treasures” to the Bundaberg and District Historical and Museum Society Inc.
George Hurt 1915 – 1998.
