Historical information

A copy of the original photo held by J. Norris of Butcher St, Echuca, of the P.S Oscar W towing the P.S Gem from Mildura to Swan Hill believed to be in 1930. This towing only got as far as the Bitch 'n Pups. The Oscar W was built in Echuca in 1908 by Captain Franz Wallin, who was also it's first owner. He named it after his son Oscar who had been killed in the Boer War. In 1919 he sold the Oscar W to the Permewan Wright Co. In 1942 it was sold to Captain G. Ritchie who took it to Goolwa. After a busy working life along the Murray River, the P.S Oscar W returned to Goolwa in 1988 where it remains to this day.

Significance

This picture is significant as it shows a large paddle steamer towing another large paddle steamer in a high river. It shows the river level in 1930, as well as how collaborative life on the river needed to be in those circumstances.

Physical description

A black and white photograph of the P.S Oscar W towing the P.S Gem en route from Mildura to Swan Hill on the Murray River in a high river level.

Inscriptions & markings

Written on the back of the photo in lead pencil, "Oscar W towing Gem to Swan Hill.. Only got to Bitch 'n Pups en route from Mildura." Norris Collection.