On 9 July 1872 The Maitland Mercury and Hunter River General Advertiser reported that:"The scene at Home Rule is a busy one, and very few people can form an idea of it unless they go and see for themselves.

The storekeepers and publicans look remarkably pleasant, as if they anticipated rich harvests, and even John Chinaman smiles graciously on meeting you.

It would almost be an impossibility to give an account of the different claims, as they extend for miles; and until the dispute as to the frontage and block system is settled, many men will prefer to be idle.

Home Rule had about 3,000 inhabitants when, on 15 July 1872, Charles Bayliss took a series of photographs of businesses in the village, together with those owners, staff and customers who happened to be there at the time.

Britannia Road running north-to-south corresponds to the original street, where the old school building survives.