CHAPTER 5/ 9
THE COMPANY FLEET
SS Tathra.
Image courtesy of the State Library of Victoria Collection.
Following amalgamation of the General, Kiama and Shoalhaven concerns, the new ISN Co commenced trading with five existing ships – the Illawarra, Kiama, Nora Creina, William IV and the river steamer Nowra. The Mimosa was added shortly afterwards. The firm continued to grow its fleet which, over its lifetime, included around sixty vessels ranging in size from droghers and riverboats through to the impressive 1112-ton passenger ship Merimbula. Many were purpose-built in Australian and overseas shipyards.
When it arrived in 1909, the Eden was one of the first ships on the south coast fitted with two and four berth cabins. Prior to that, passenger accommodation ran around the outside of ships with a large dining table down the centre and only a curtain around bunks for privacy. This arrangement could not have been inviting for passengers lying in their bunks queasy from the ship’s motion and smell of food; or for those at the table eating a meal within earshot of someone being sick.
In 1869, the small paddle steamer Perseverance was added, establishing trade with Gerringong; and in 1871 John Penn became the company’s first screw steamer – prior to that, all ISN Co ships were paddle wheelers. The 1870s also saw the addition of the Monaro, the largest of the ships owned by the company up to that time. Following its reorganisation as the ISCSN Co in 1904, vessels included Allowrie and the Bega, with the Peterborough, Coomonderry, Moruya, Merimbula and Hillmeads joining the fleet in the early 1900s.
The Merimbula followed in 1910, the company’s finest vessel. Fitted with excellent passenger accommodation and facilities, she was described as a miniature liner, the standard of her public rooms equal to ships many times her size. She quickly became a favourite with the travelling public.
Just prior to WWI, Bermagui, Benandera, Bodalla and Bergalia were purchased; but after the outbreak of war, Bodalla was requisitioned by the navy as a mine sweeper.
After the end of hostilities, Cobargo and Kianga were added to the fleet which, by 1934, comprised Bermagui, Narani, Cobaki, Kianga, Bergalia and Cobargo.
The Eden at Merimbula Wharf.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection.
SS Merimbula alongside Eden wharf.
Image courtesy of the George Family Collection
Moruya’s Quarry Wharf. When SS Narani arrived with a heavy piece of crushing machinery, master stonemason and site manager “Jock” Gilmore said he doubted the ship’s cargo gear could lift it. He was told curtly, “I’m the captain here!” - shortly before the foremast came down across the wharf, luckily without killing anyone. Jock remarked drily, “Aye, you’re the Captain all right.”
Image courtesy of the NSW State Archives and Records Collection.