Chinese In Echuca - Moama, A Chronicle 1850's to 1930, published by The Echuca Historical Society, 140 pages with photographs, illustrations and maps. Donated and signed by the author.Carol Holsworthchinese, echuca - moama, echuca - moama - history, chinese.

newspaper Echuca - Moama RSL Club Memorbilia Museum 1995 Commemorates the 80TH Anniversary of the Landings at Gallipoli.

VR Commissioner's Special train, steam locomotive D3-639 crossing the Echuca-Moama Road Rail Bridge over the Murray River from Moama, NSW to Echuca, Victoria. Commissioner Edgar Henry Brownbill on footplate, 1962. Commissioner Edgar Henry Brownbill was in office 1957 to 1967. George Coop advises - "The train on the Eltham/Moama bridge is actually the Commissioner’s Special on one of its inspection tours of the VR rail system. This was a very grand special train with accommodation for the Commissioner and staff in carriages also used once for the Royal Train and other State purposes. You can just see the Commissioner of the day, dressed in his suit and wearing engine drivers gloves, standing in the loco cab doorway. A good ‘hands on’ impression is created amongst local staff if can be seen that the boss is no ‘desk jockjey’. The observation car on the back was originally made for the ’Spirit of Progress’. I climbed up onto the bridge iron plate work to get this view. It was safe enough as the cantilevered pedestrian walkway was still on the east side at the time." "I was resident in Echuca from Jan. ’59 to approx. May ’64. At that time the single Echuca/Moama bridge was a combined road/rail bridge. The rail gauge was 5’3” and still is, I believe, on the new bridge that sits just upstream of the old one. This rail line into NSW has always been 5’3" gauge because it has no connection with any NSW tracks. The old Echuca/Moama bridge, locally called the ‘Iron Bridge’ has, over years, undergone some structural changes. The two lattice iron hoops arcing over the roadway have been raised and lowered and changed design. Presently a pedestrian walkway is cantilevered off the west (or downstream) side of the bridge. It used to be on the eastern side. Guess changes went in when new rail bridge only was built on the eastern side as well." Image dated as c.1963 based on same image in Port of Echuca collection (possibly frame 32 of film) (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in pencil: "Brown card" in black pen: "Commissioners special. F. Brown on Footplate. George C.L. Coop c1963". https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59d575b921ea6e1278d78042 However based on frame no. 10, date set as 1962Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-639, d3-class steam locomotive, echuca-moama road rail bridge, edgar henry brownbill, george coop collection, murray river, vr commissioner's special train

Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca-moama road rail bridge, george coop collection, goods train, k-158, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops)

Looking south towards Echuca, Victoria Image dated as November 1963 based on same image in Port of Echuca collection (print 19.5 x 24.5cm) On reverse in blue pen:" Photo by: George L. Coop Nov 1963". In red pen top left hand corner"Ch 11, (circled number )1. In pencil circled: "35". In pencil : " J Class. Intro Scotland 1948 early 50s." https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/59deb0d421ea6e12dc488c2fDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca-moama road rail bridge, george coop collection, goods train, j-500, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry)

View at guard’s van end of steam train moving over the Echuca Iron Bridge looking north into Moama, New South Wales.Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca-moama road rail bridge, george coop collection, goods train, j-500, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry)

Looking south into Echuca, VictoriaDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyd3-639, d3-class steam locomotive, echuca-moama road rail bridge, george coop collection, murray river, vr commissioner's special train

Looking south into Echuca, VictoriaDigital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencyechuca-moama road rail bridge, george coop collection, k-168, k-class steam locomotive (vr newport workshops), murray river

Report compiled by four students of 'Tourism Planning and Development' at Ballarat University College (later Federation University Australia).victorian tourism industry, tourism, alumni, echuca, moama, hopwood's ferry, murray river, goulburn river, campaspe river, gaming, port of echuca

Report compiled by five students of Tourism at the University of Ballarat (later Federation University Australia).victorian tourism industry, tourism, alumni, echuca, moama, hopwood's ferry, murray river, goulburn river, campaspe river, gaming, port of echuca, river red gums, wetlands, emmy lou, paddle steamer, star hotel, echuca farmyard, echuca coach house

Report compiled by five students of Tourism at the University of Ballarat (later Federation University Australia).victorian tourism industry, tourism, alumni, echuca, moama, murray river, rich river golf and country club, moama bowling club, houseboats

This photograph shows the Echuca Moama bridge crossing the Murray River in the early 1970's. This photograph shows the Echuca Moama bridge in the early 1970's. It shows one of the rounded arches on the bridge. The rounded arches were the original arches and were at one stage replaced by square arches, but then replaced again by rounded arches.A rectangular coloured photograph of the Echuca Moama bridge taken from the Victorian bank, sometime in the early 1970's. One round bridge arch can be seen and a tall electricity pole can also be seen on top of the bridge. The vegetation on the Victorian bank is short and cropped. Some dead branches lie on the ground in the left foreground.There are none.echuca moama bridge, murray river, victorian bank

This photograph was taken in February 1984 on the occasion of Cossen's visit to Echuca. P.S Pevensey with the name Philadelphia written across the wheelhouse can be seen steaming upstream under the bridge. This is significant because the P.S Pevensey played the role of the P. S Philadelphia in the movie "All The Rivers Run" which was filmed in Echuca in late 1982 and a sequel was filmed in Echuca early in 1989. Councillor Bob Snow can also be seen on the side deck. This is significant as the Cossen's visit to Echuca may have warranted this sort of attention The photograph also shows the state of the Echuca Moama bridge in the early 1980's.This photograph is significant because it shows the P.S. Pevensey showing the name P.S Philadelphia. The P.S Pevensey was used as the P.S Philadelphia in the TV Series "All The Rivers Run" based on the novel written by Nancy Cato. The TV series was filmed in Echuca in 1982. The TV series was a huge success and still draws tourists to the Port of Echuca. The fact that the P.S Pevensey was showing the Philadelphia name in 1984 is a bit of a mystery, but it has been known that she was dressed up again as the P.S Philadelphia sometimes for special occasions. The Cossen's visit to Echuca might have been such an occasion. It is also a good picture of the pylons under the Echuca Moama bridge and the actual bridge itself. The P.S Pevensey travelling upstream under the Echuca Moama bridge. There is a group of people on the lower side deck. People can also be seen in the wheelhouse and there is a man standing on the back deck as well as one standing next to the wheelhouse. The name Philadelphia can be seen written across the front of the wheelhouse. The river is low and shows the waterline at the Moama Beach. Four bridge pylons can be seen as well as the bridge itself.greenspot photography, p.s pevensey, murray river, echuca, la grue, bill, cossen's visit to echuca., all the rivers run, p. s philadelphia, echuca moama bridge, cossen family, cato, nancy

Echuca Moama RSLnewspapers

Memorabila Museum Echuca-Moamanewspapers

Steam locomotive J-507 hauling a goods train from Echuca (Vic.) crosses the Iron Bridge over the Murray River bound for Moama (NSW), August 1963Digital TIFF file Scan of black and white print Enlargement prints on textured paper (15.5 x 20.5 cm)george coop collection, echuca, echuca-moama road rail bridge, j-507, j-class steam locomotive (vulcan foundry)

Frank Wright was a renown resident of Smeaton, where he was born on 2 August 1901. He lived at Laura Villa, and attended Smeaton State School. His father William was a gold miner and his mother's name was Sarah. Their family won many singing and instrumental awards. Frank was tutored by Percy Code and was awarded a gold medal for the highest marks in the ALCM examinations in the British Colonies at the age of seventeen years. He became the Australian Open Cornet Champion by the age of eighteen. A year later, Frank conducted the City of Ballarat Band, and later the Ballarat Soldiers’ Memorial Band. He formed the Frank Wright Frisco Band and Frank Wright and his Coliseum Orchestra. These bands won many South Street awards, and Frank as conductor won many awards in the Australian Band Championship contest. In 1933 Frank Wright sailed to England to conduct the famous St Hilda’s Band and was later appointed Musical Director of the London County Council, where he organized many amazing concerts in parks, in and around the London district. He was made Professor of Brass and Military Band Scoring and conducted at the Guildhall of Music and Drama. Frank was often invited to adjudicate Brass Band Championships around Europe, in Australia, including South Street and in New Zealand. The Frank Wright Medal at the Royal South Street competition is awarded to an individual recognized as making an outstanding contribution to brass music in Australia.Black and white photograph of a casually dressed man, standing on the River Redgum planks of a wharf and holding onto the chain edging fence. On the right side of the background can be seen wharf buildings which are listed on the Australian Heritage Database. On the left can be seen the far bank covered in trees. The man is Frank Wright and the place is the Echuca Wharf at Echuca/ Moama on the Murray River.frank wright, echuca wharf, murray river

The drawing shows all the activity and building roles involved in building a bridge in 1877. The crossing of the Murray River was very important to citizens living in both Echua, but especially those living in Moama and in further NSW regions as it provided them with access to Victorian market regions. The bridge was built privately for Deniliquin farmers, but eventually opened up to the general public.This is significant because it represents the roles of different tradesmen in the construction industry in the late 19th Century. It also shows construction stages . Bridge pylons are being inserted into the fiver banks. It is also a very well produced drawing, the artist is anonymous, but very skilled.A photograph of a drawing of the construction of the bridge crossing the Murray River in 1877. The picture shows surveyors, construction workers, crane operators, hoists and a crane and much activity.Written on the back in pen are the numbers 6530. In pencil are the numbers 61/8"? and 10"?. Stamped on the back is a small rectangle with the words 'COPYRIGHT. This photograph may not be reproduced without permission in writing from the Editot of "The Age" 250 Spencer Street Melbourne, and 39/41 York St., Sydney.' written inside it.bridge works, murray river crossing, moama, echuca, orm cook collection, 'the age' newspaper., deniliquin farmers, engineering, bridge building, pylons, 1877

The Paddle Steamer Etona was named after Eton College in England. In its earlier days it served as an Anglican Mission boat closer to the mouth of the Murray River. It ended up being bought by two Echuca businessmen, Ian Stewart, a solicitor, and Phil Symons, a chemist. They spent a couple of weeks steaming it up from Goolwa to Echuca where they placed it on the slipway to undertake restoration work. Ian Stewart's Holden is seen alongside the boat. The Moama Slipway was located on the NSW side of the river directly opposite Evans Bros. Sawmill. The boats would be pulled up the slipway on cradles (visible under the boat) by the steam winch seen in the foreground. George Coop had a minor role in assisting with the restoration of the Etona. New redgum planks were bolted to her underside and these were sealed (or caulked) by Phil Symons and Ian Stewart by ramming bitumen soaked rope into the gaps. Other volunteers on hand such as George would apply a putty mixture of bitumen and cement dust over the bolt heads (resulting in the loss of two very nice khaki shirts).Digital TIFF file Scan of 35mm Ilford FP3 black and white negative transparencygeorge coop collection, echuca, ian stewart, moama slipway, phil symons, ps etona, river boat

The iron bridge was completed in 1878 and was used by the Deniliquin and Moama Railway company for goods trains only - it was another year before passengers were included in the transport service. On 4 March 1879 citizens of Echuca and Moama stormed the bridge, opened the gates and declared it open for their use.At the turn of the century the railway line carried produce from southern New South Wales & the Riverina to Melbourne, with goods trains being a very important mode to transport. When the bridge was being constructed, six workmen were killed and another maimed when a pile on the Moama bank collapsed. After the storming of the bridge by local people in March 1879 it was declared open for use of local residents traveling between the towns of Echuca and Moama. The bridge was shared by rail, road and pedestrian traffic.An image of the iron bridge at Echuca, taken looking East from Victoria bank.Verso: "Iron bridge"murray river bridge , echuca, murray bridge, echuca, iron bridge, echuca

This horse trough is the only survivor of the two troughs originally installed in Raglan Parade, Warrnambool, in 1932. It was later moved to the Pony Club at Albert Part, near the north corner of Coulstock and Craig Streets. Over the time there its purpose was changed from a horse watering trough to a colourful garden bed of agapanthus plants. By February 2013 the horse trough had been transferred to Flagstaff Hill for display in the Maritime Village’s grounds. This trough is one of hundreds provided by the Annis and George Bills Estate Trust since 1927 for the welfare of working horses and dogs. The original concrete cap over the small compartment is still retained. There are also markings on the right side of the trough where it probably had a birdbath, tap or a dish for the horseman’s dog, similar to other troughs donated elsewhere by the Trust. Less than half of the troughs produced for the Annis and George Bills Trust still survive. In 2017 Felicity Watson, National Trust Victoria’s advocacy manager, said that the troughs were treasures and becoming rare, with more than a dozen across Victoria now being heritage protected. ABOUT ANNIS AND GEORGE BILLS The 1927 Will of George Bills included setting up the Annis and George Bills Estate Trust, which provided for hundreds of horse troughs to be supplied and installed throughout Australia, Britain, USA and other parts of the world for the welfare of horses. Town and city councils could apply to the Trustees for a horse trough for their communities. George “Joe” Bills was born in Brighton, England, in 1859. The family migrated first to New Zealand then to Australia in 1873, settling in the Echuca-Moama district. George moved to Brisbane in 1882 where he met Annis Swann, formerly from Sheffield. Both were animal lovers. George and Annis married 1885 and moved to Sydney to join George’s brother Henry in his mattress wire weaving business, later known as the Bills Brothers. They patented their own machine in 1893 and the business became very profitable. George was able to donate to charities that supported his passion to improve animal welfare. He and Annis joined the Victorian Society for the Protection of Animals and in 1924 George received a Life Membership with the RSPCA. George retired in 1908. The couple moved to Hawthorn, Victoria, in 1910, where they donated troughs for the work horses of Melbourne. During a visit to England Annis passed away. In 1927 George moved from Hawthorn to Camberwell, where he passed away at the end of that year. George had requested in his Will that a trust fund be set up from his estate "…construct and erect and pay for horse troughs wherever they may be of the opinion that such horse troughs are desirable for the relief of horses and other dumb animals either in Australasia, in the British Islands or in any other part of the world subject to the consent of the proper authorities being obtained." The troughs were to bear a plaque inscribed “Donated by Annis and George Bills, Australia”. In 1927 the cost to make a trough was about £13 (which converts to about $1079 in 2020 ), plus transport and installation costs. Most of the troughs were installed between 1930 and 1939 in Victoria and New South Wales. It is estimated that over that time around 500-700 Bills Horse Troughs were installed in Australia and another 50 overseas. Most of the troughs made in Victoria had three moulded front panels like this trough, and no panels moulded on the rear, whereas troughs made in NSW had four panels on the front and five on the back. Victorian troughs were made by a Bills’ relative, J H Phillips. Later, other manufactures for the Trust’s troughs included Rocla Concrete Pipes Ltd, in Auburn Road, Hawthorn, Victoria, who produced to the same original design. No further troughs produced after the end of World War II. A memorial to Annis and George Bills was first erected in Hawthorn in 1929. It included a drinking fountain and a dog dish. Its current location is unknown. In 1964 the George Bills RSPCA Resource Centre opened in Burwood East. This Bills horse trough is nationally significant as one of the surviving examples of the standard Bills memorial horse troughs that still has its compartment cap and evidence of it once having had attached fittings, possibly for a birdbath or dog dish. This trough has State historical significance for being produced in the early 1930s by a business in Hawthorn, Victoria. This example of a Bills horse trough is significant for being in comparatively good condition. The trough is locally significant for being the sole survivor of the two Bills horse troughs installed in the City of Warrnambool in 1932, originally installed on Raglan Parade and continued to be used in the community at the Pony Club, then finally transferred to its current location at Flagstaff Hill by early 2013. It is culturally significant as it represents the community’s dependence on horses for travel and transportation previous to motorised vehicles. It is morally significant as a generous gift from a couple concerned with the welfare of animals.Horse trough; a long narrow rectangular container used for storing water. Trough is made from pre-cast concrete with one large open compartment and a small covered compartment. The base of the small compartment is raised slightly above the base of the trough and is covered by a removable concrete cap. The design of the front of the trough includes three panels moulded into it that align with the shape of the back pediment (panel). The pediment is shaped with side arcs that step up to a wide centre arc. A rectangular concrete plaque is cast into the centre of the pediment and is engraved with the names of the original donors, Annis and George Bills. The trough was made in Hawthorn, Victoria, by J H Phillips circa 1932. “DONATED BY / ANNIS & GEORGE BILLS / AUSTRALIA”flagstaff hill, warrnambool, shipwrecked coast, flagstaff hill maritime museum, maritime museum, shipwreck coast, flagstaff hill maritime village, great ocean road, annis and george bills, bills trust, j h phillips, rocla concrete pipes ltd, hawthorn, water trough, watering trough, horse trough, animal welfare, bills horse trough

Original negative and photograph held by The Age, before by Orm Cook, Echuca. Photo is of a drawing of Bridge work taking place in 1877, across Murray River at Echuca. Orm Cook gave The Age the photograph in 1981 as the round arches on the bridge were about to be removed.A bridge crossing of the Murray River was needed by 1877. It linked Echuca and Moama in a more tangible way. The bridge was funded privately and public use of it was discussed for the next several years.A black and white photograph of a drawing, depicting the construction of the iron Murray Bridge at Echuca, showing the Surveyor, the bridge workers, hoists , a crane, and much activity.Written in pen on the back, "Murray Bridge at Echuca under construction. Original to 'Age' came from Orm Cook. Also the numbers 6530 written in pen. Also on the back is a rectangular stamp with these words inside the rectangle. "COPYRIGHT. This photograph may not be reproduced without permission in writing from the Editor of "The Age" 250 Spencer Street, Melbourne, and 39/41 York St, Sydney.murray river, bridge work, bridge construction, bridge workers., the age newspaper., orm cook.

This photograph is significant because it shows one of the tasks involved with the restoration of the P.S. Pevensey which took place in 1974/75. Kevin Hutchinson had come to Echuca from Mildura when the City of Echuca bought the Pevensey. He was responsible for the task of restoring the paddle steamer. He continued to work at the Port of Echuca until his death in 2016. In 1990 he received an Order of Australia medal for his contribution to the Port of Echuca.This photograph is historically significant because the P.S Pevensey had come from Mildura to Echuca in the early 1970's to help develop Echuca's tourism industry. Kevin Hutchinson moved to Echuca with the paddle steamer , and was involved in the restoration. Kevin continued to work at the Port of Echuca until his death in 2016. He was also awarded an Order of Australia medal in 1990 for his work at the Port of Echuca.A black and white rectangular photograph of the new stem post being fitted to the P.S Pevensey, whilst resting on the Moama slipway. The stem post was only one task in the complete restoration of the P.S Pevensey which happened in September 1975. There is a piece of chain attached to a crane at the top of the stem post. On the side of the Pevensey is a plaque with many lines of writing on it. The heading on the plaque says P.S. Pevensey.On the front of the photograph can be seen a plaque with the heading P.S Pevensey. The plaque is covered with writing which cannot be read. On the back of the photograph, in black ink is written the following words, ' Pevensey restoration 1974/75. New stem post being fitted.'stem post restoration, p.s pevensey restoration, p.s pevensey, hutchinson, kevin.

P. S. PEVENSEY: Dimensions: 111ft 5 ins X 23 ft X 6ft 8 ins. Tonnage:130 tons Built: 1910 at Moama, N. S. W. References : Book: Murray river Paddle Steamers by D. Wardle Permewan , Wright & Co. : pp. 72, 129, 157 The P. S. PEVENSEY holds historical and social significance for the Port of Echuca, being the cornerstone of their paddlesteamer fleet. The PEVENSEY was renamed for the TV series All the Rivers Run, to P. S. Philadelphia , playing a staring role in the program, which has resulted in the PEVENSEY becoming a tourist attraction and has increased tourism to the Port of Echuca. The PEVENSEY was originally designed for use on the Murrumbidgee river, named after Pevensey station on that river. It was then owned by Permewan Wright & co operating out of Echuca for many years. She returned to Echuca in 1975 to begin another life as part of the Port of Echuca tourism operation.Colour photograph of the wharf and the back of the P. S. Pevensey, moored at the Port of Echuca wharf , c.1979. In front of her is a punt , a small paddle boat and to the right of the photograph part of the back of the P. S. Etona. The Cargo shed and the cranes can be seen on the wharf. Photograph taken looking south along the river.. Printed on reverse: This paper manufactured by Kodakriverboats, p.s.pevensey, echuca, port of, paddle steamers, echuca wharf

P. S. PEVENSEY: Dimensions: 111ft 5 ins X 23 ft X 6ft 8 ins. Tonnage:130 tons Built: 1910 at Moama, N. S. W. References : Book: Murray river Paddle Steamers by D. Wardle Permewan , Wright & Co. : pp. 72, 129, 157 The P. S. PEVENSEY holds historical and social significance for the Port of Echuca, being the cornerstone of their paddlesteamer fleet. The PEVENSEY was renamed for the TV series All the Rivers Run, to P. S. Philadelphia , playing a staring role in the program, which has resulted in the PEVENSEY becoming a tourist attraction and has increased tourism to the Port of Echuca. The PEVENSEY was originally designed for use on the Murrumbidgee river, named after Pevensey station on that river. It was then owned by Permewan Wright & co operating out of Echuca for many years. She returned to Echuca in 1975 to begin another life as part of the Port of Echuca tourism operation.Colour photograph of the P. S. Pevensey, moored at the Port of Echuca wharf . Photograph taken looking north along the river, from the river bank.On the front:PEVENSEY on the wheelhouse of the boat. Printed on reverse: This paper manufactured by Kodak: Print made by Kodak: Dec.77-Mriverboats, p.s.pevensey, echuca, port of, paddle steamers, echuca wharf

P. S. PEVENSEY: Dimensions: 111ft 5 ins X 23 ft X 6ft 8 ins. Tonnage:130 tons Built: 1910 at Moama, N. S. W. References : Book: Murray river Paddle Steamers by D. Wardle Permewan , Wright & Co. : pp. 72, 129, 157 The P. S. PEVENSEY holds historical and social significance for the Port of Echuca, being the cornerstone of their paddlesteamer fleet. The PEVENSEY was renamed for the TV series All the Rivers Run, to P. S. Philadelphia , playing a staring role in the program, which has resulted in the PEVENSEY becoming a tourist attraction and has increased tourism to the Port of Echuca. The PEVENSEY was originally designed for use on the Murrumbidgee river, named after Pevensey station on that river. It was then owned by Permewan Wright & co operating out of Echuca for many years. She returned to Echuca in 1975 to begin another life as part of the Port of Echuca tourism operation.Colour photograph of the P. S. Pevensey, taken from the water, looking at the rear of the boat. There are people (all in red jackets with a logo on the back-Port of Echuca workers?), some on the bow and 2 on the stern of the boat as it steams along the river. In front of the PEVENSEY is a small row boat with a group of people in it.On the front:PEVENSEY on the back of the boat. Printed on reverse: This paper manufactured by Kodak: Print made by Kodak: KODAK: OCT.78-Mriverboats, p.s.pevensey, echuca, port of, paddle steamers, echuca wharf

P. S. PEVENSEY: Dimensions: 111ft 5 ins X 23 ft X 6ft 8 ins. Tonnage:130 tons Built: 1910 at Moama, N. S. W. References : Book: Murray river Paddle Steamers by D. Wardle Permewan , Wright & Co. : pp. 72, 129, 157 The P. S. PEVENSEY holds historical and social significance for the Port of Echuca, being the cornerstone of their paddlesteamer fleet. The PEVENSEY was renamed for the TV series All the Rivers Run, to P. S. Philadelphia , playing a staring role in the program, which has resulted in the PEVENSEY becoming a tourist attraction and has increased tourism to the Port of Echuca. The PEVENSEY was originally designed for use on the Murrumbidgee river, named after Pevensey station on that river. It was then owned by Permewan Wright & co operating out of Echuca for many years. She returned to Echuca in 1975 to begin another life as part of the Port of Echuca tourism operation.Colour photograph of the P. S. Pevensey, in side view, moving through the water. There are people, 2 on the bow and 3 on the stern of the boat as it steams along the river. In the background is the river bank and the bush landscape.On the front:PEVENSEY on the wheelhouse of the boat. Printed on reverse: This paper manufactured by Kodak: Print made by Kodak: KODAK: OCT.78-Mriverboats, p.s.pevensey, echuca, port of, paddle steamers

The barge 'Ada' was built in Echuca in 1899. It was 33 metres in length and 6.9 metres wide and was made from timber and iron. It's design was unique as it was half-timber, and half-iron- the iron featured above the water line to prevent the wool bales from getting wet. The 'Ada' was used to carry wool from sheep stations on the Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers down to Echuca Wharf for distribution around the world. The Permewan Wright, Murray Shipping Company, owned the 'Ada' and in the1930s the barge was sold to the Evans family who used it to transport timber to it's Echuca sawmill. The 'Ada' was purchased by the Port of Echuca in 1974 and is seen here on the Moama slipway undergoing restoration for Port of Echuca in 1979 to 1980. The remains of the 'Ada' still lie on the banks of the Moama slipway but it has fallen into near complete disrepair.The barge 'Ada' is very significant due to the uniqueness of her design. The hull is timber, up to the water line, then iron from the water line up to protect the bales of wool bales that it transports from water damage. The P.S Pevensey, within the Port of Echuca collection, has the same design feature.The barge 'Ada' in dry dock, on a slipway with a 4 knot marine sign is next to it. The barge is surrounded by trees and has since fallen into disrepair. Verso: 'Ada Barge'murrumbidgee river, wool, ada, murray river, barges, evans saw mills, timber industry, port of echuca, echuca wharf, permewan wright co.