ferries

trove.nla.gov.au/work/183007613 - good ca. 1930 NLA Fairfax pic of Pluvius...which was the Sydney Harbour Trust's fire float (fire fighting tug) and also general tug. I suspect this pic might have been taken during the 1913 ferry strike...

covid convict even though 1910 is the date written on the reverse of the photo I think you might be right. [?]ney Ferries Strike. (1913, March 29). The Dalby Herald (Qld. : 1910 - 1954), p. 6. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from nla.gov.au/nla.news-article215333902

More pics of 'Pluvius' working hard in March 1913 - trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/263868809?searchTerm=f...

The first recorded ferry service to Kangaroo Point was a row boat from Edward Street to what must have been Thornton Street in 1860 and in 1866, a punt operated between Customs House and, no doubt, Holman Street. The first steam powered passenger ferry was launched on the 22nd of September 1883 and in 1884, the cable operated steam punt Transit was introduced between Charlotte Street, City and Bright Street, which was then called Ferry Road. In 1887, the 50 passenger steam ferries Emu and Kangaroo replaced the rowing boats on the Edward Street to Thornton Street run and from the 1st of November to the 4th of November 1888, 20,037 (???) passengers were carried on the three Kangaroo Point ferries. During this time, an unofficial ferry began operating between Ferry Street and either Merthyr Road or Sydney Street at New Farm. This will almost certainly be Hughie Moar’s ferry. He also had a slipway at Ferry Street. The steam ferry Ena was launched in 1909 for the Brisbane Municipal Council. It operated on Town Reach. Source: kangaroopointhistory.com.au/the-river/ferries/

River ferries have long been a feature of the daily life of Brisbane. Prior to the construction of the first bridge connecting North and South Brisbane in the 1860s they were essential for both personal and commercial use. Even after this they proved an economical alternative for government and local authorities looking to avoid significant capital investment, yet still make provision for cross river pedestrian, four legged and vehicular traffic. Small volume pedestrian traffic could be handled by conventional rowboat with the ferryman at the oars. A simple jetty with steps down to a landing was all that was required in terms of infrastructure. Ferries to carry vehicles, bulky goods and stock required a larger and a more stable craft, sturdy timber punts appear to have been the default. The combination of river current and larger displacement/more weight meant that the vehicular ferries needed to be cable stayed, and in addition, required greater expenditure on approach roads and durable trafficable ramps. Source: brisbanehistorywest.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/muscle-power...