I want to know the answer to the following question:
What was a function of distant country pubs before the rise of motor vehicles?
All the background I'm provided with is that "In the past, many rural pubs provided opportunities for country folk to meet and exchange (often local) news, while others—especially those away from village centres—existed for the general purpose, before the advent of motor transport, of serving travellers as coaching inns.". Is that enough to answer the question?
Answer: yes