RELIANCE

Wood and iron composite 3 masted schooner, built in1875 by HC Fletcher, Port adelaide as an iron riverine barge for HB Hughes. Reregistered in Port Adelaide in March 1922 by RM Garnaut & others, later Fricker & Co Ltd & others (which from time to time included MJ Thompson, AH Middlebrook & AT Mugg). In Oct 1963 she was acquired by JL Lee of Chowilla and taken through the Murray Mouth for use as a river vessel. On July 9 1934 under Capt. Bird, outward bound for Port Pirie she attempted to clear the Outer harbour breakwater in a fresh squally westerly wind. She was thrown on the southern breakwater, there was a strong ebb tide and she bumped badly. The tug "Wato" went to her assistance and got her to the slips where she was repaired. "Wato" awarded 110 pounds salvage. Official Number: 71762 Dimensions: length 119'3", breadth 24'7", draught 5'4" (1922) Tonnage: 129 gross, 101 net (1922) Engine: 20 bhp 4.5 knots Refer - "Ketches of South Australia" by R Parsons.