Historical information

This planimeter in leather box was used by P. J. Larkin, government surveyor, for measuring irregular areas in plans and charts. This type of instrument is still used today and is useful for computing dredging volumes.

Significance

Surveyor active in the 20s and 30s in Port Phillip and Quennscliff

Physical description

A Planimeter in its own leather box.

Inscriptions & markings

The Adams Engineering Co. Wellington N.Z. No 8747

Subjects

References

  • The Isa is significant as one of a few Asian built wrecks in Victorian waters Listed as Powder hulk in 1938 Survey of West Channel (Larkin 1938) In spite of an exhaustive search, no record of the Iza has been located. A wreck of that name appeared on J.P.Larkin's Survey of the West Channel, 1938 and it seems almost certain that he mis-spelt the name. The evidence suggests that the powder hulk was the Isa, which was broken up in 1928 when the register closed and part of the remains used for a powder hulk. The Isa was a wooden, 2-masted schooner that traded between Melbourne and Geelong from the 1850s.The last located record of this trade is in 1877.The schooner foundered in Corio Bay on 4 June 1871, but was later refloated. The Marine Board Inquiry found charge of wilful damage against the master William Veale, not sustained. William Cowper, a well known lighter agent, and James Balfour were the owners at the time.