The paddle steamer 'Alfred" pulls the barge 'Uranus' loaded with bales of wool at Wilcannia on the River Darling. The Wilcannia Bridge can be seen behind the barge, and a horse drawn vehicle is on the bridge.wilcannia, paddle ship, paddle steamer, wilcannia bridge, barge uranus, paddle steamer alfred, wool bales, darling river

This photo shows the extent of the 1902 drought. Also shows the state of the river pre-irrigation A black & white photograph of the Central Darling River, near Wilcannia in the 1902 drought. The river is very low. A bridge leads to a settlement on the left, and there is a boat underneath the bridge.There is a National Library of Australia stamp on the back. Also written in pencil is the following; "originals from H.Coulson Collection.drought, darling river, wilcannia, 1902, irrigation, bridges

Original photograph held by Helen Coulson. A copy is also held by the National Library. 1902 was a drought year. Compare the water levels with that of the same view in P000012. 'P. S Wandering Jew' was built in Victoria in 1866. ( Ref; "The Register of Australian and N.Z Shipping." By C.Earnshaw. Page 136.This photo is significant because it shows the extent of the 1902 drought. It also shows the type of cargo carried in barges, and also the techniques used to unload the cargo. It also show the difference between stern wheelers and side wheeler paddle steamers. It also shows the length nod the height of the bridge at Wilcannia to cope with high and low water levels.A copy of a black and white photograph taken in 1902. It shows 8 paddle steamers and 4 barges under a bridge over the Darling River near Wilcannia in N.S.W. Cargo is being unloaded onto the left bank. Two barges are also tied up on the right bank.Written on the back in pencil " see photo P000012 and P000014.1drought, 1902, darling river, paddle steamers, barges, cargo, river trade, murray darling river basin, irrigation, wilcannia