Cnr Davey & Argyle Sts. Hobart, Tasmania 7001, AUSTRALIA · 4 | Maritime Times of Tasmania Spring 2009 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Bob Petrass I was very interested to read that the

Our maritime history & present day news. No. 29 Spring 2009. Cost: doubloons (gold coins) donation

‘Shaken’ The Tree’

Zealandia

The Worthing Lifeboat

Bruny Island Excursion

Melbourne CupLetters to the editor, from the galley, pirate club, crossword and more...

Christmas shopping made easy

Looking for something better than jocks and sox for your Christmas presents this year?

You need look no further than your Maritime Museum gift shop and book shop where you will fi nd an extensive range of top quality products at reasonable prices plus many items ON SPECIAL.

You are most welcome to come in and browse 7 days a week from 9am till 5pm.

2 | Maritime Times of Tasmania Spring 2009

Maritime Museum of Tasmania

CARNEGIE BUILDING

Cnr Davey & Argyle Sts.

Hobart, Tasmania

Postal Address: GPO Box 1118,

Hobart, Tasmania 7001, AUSTRALIA

Phone: (03) 6234 1427

Fax: (03) 6234 1419

email: [email protected]

www.maritimetas.org

Open Daily 9am - 5pm

(except for Good Friday & Christmas Day)

Editor:

Bob Petrass

Phone: 6225 1004

Mobile: 044 768 1322

Layout & production:

Ricoh Studio

Phone: 6223 4311

[email protected]

Closing date for our next newsletter is the 16th January, 2010. Please lodge your articles by that date in the box provided at MMT, or email direct to [email protected]

Future closing dates will be on the 16th of months - January, April, July

and October.

Maritime Times of Tasmania Spring 2009 | 3

editorial

Black Faces on Red Faces.

Recently there has been a lot of controversy over a segment on TV which some

considered off ensive. A group of young professional men from various ethnic

back-grounds, blackened their faces to perform as the ‘Jackson Jive’ group in the

Red Faces segment of the Hey, Hey, Reunion show. How could they impersonate

coloured performers without doing so? It was done in a comic fashion as part of a

variety show which has always provided good family entertainment, unlike most

programs on television these days. The segment probably would have received

no adverse comment if it had not been for one of the judges being an American

and taking umbrage to it. This in itself seemed strange as it was later revealed

that the gentleman in question, singer/actor Harry Connick Jnr.,had himself once

blackened his face for a comedy skit he appeared in on American television.

( was this not a case of the pot calling the kettle black ! )

Australian Comedy (like English comedy) is all about being able to laugh at oneself,

one of the reasons it is so much better than what the yanks dish up where they

have to rely on canned laughter to get their TV audiences involved. Unfortunately

it appears that many people are becoming far too precious these days, worrying

about political correctness while those less fortunate are battling wars, poverty,

starvation, terrorism, earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.

The Black and White Minstrel Show was fi rst broadcast by the BBC, on black and

white television, in 1958 and was one of the fi rst shows to be shown in colour (no

pun intended) in 1967. Does anyone in their right mind think these performers

were out to denigrate black people, no way, it was wonderful entertainment

which the whole family could sing along to, and thoroughly enjoy.

Al Jolson was called ‘The World’s Greatest Entertainer’ and was loved throughout

the world. Nowadays some would want him thrown in jail. Thank goodness he

was born in a more tolerant era. The Jolson Story and Jolson Sings Again are two

of many peoples favourite movies of all time, but now we must ask the question,

‘would they be allowed to be shown on television in 2009’ ? I have them on video

and wonder should I pull down the blinds and lock the doors to watch them in

my own home ?

It’s an old saying but a true one that ‘laughter is the best medicine’ and we need

it more than ever in our world today without trying to dissect everything looking

for hidden meanings which don’t exist.

Bob Petrass.

P.S. If Hey, Hey makes a return to our television screens next year, as many hope it

will, ‘Dicky Knee’ will have no voice as surely they couldn’t continue to employ a white

man who calls himself Blackman. -- That would certainly not be ‘politically correct’.

ValeIt is with deep regret that we learnt

of the loss of two great yachties

in Andrew Short and Sally Gordon

during a night race while preparing

for the coming Sydney to Hobart

classic. On behalf of all members of

MMT we pass on our condolences

to their families and friends.

We are delighted to welcome the

following NEW MEMBERS to the

Maritime Museum.

Margaret Anderson (Concession)

Cheryl Barnette (Family)

Cyril Butters (Concession)

Donald Clayton (Concession)

Aina Dambitis (Volunteer)

John Gleeson (Concession)

Digby Longhurst (Family)

Ian Matthews (Interstate)

Mark Risby (Concession)

new members

GET WELL

Popular Interstate member John Crosbie is

battling ill health at present but knowing

John, with his cherry disposition and positive

thinking, he will no doubt be back to his best

in the near future.


LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dear Bob Petrass

I was very interested to read that the Maritime Museum is taking measurements of old Tasmanian vessels for their records.

Some years ago I measured the “Gypsy” when she was on the hard at the Royal Yacht Club and subsequently made a small model of her. I enclose a photo of this model sitting in front of a painting which I subsequently did of “Gypsy” when she was sailing up the Derwent to New Norfolk. A beautiful sight to see.

Yours sincerely,

Bill Mearns

Dear Bob,

As a newly accepted member I was wondering if any other members may have a special interest in maritime fl ags. If so I would like to hear from them to help me complete my research into my subject of special interest of Tasmanian house fl ags.

As an amateur vexillologist (a person who studies fl ags) my quest is to uncover the reason why my forebears chose to adopt our house fl ag which they fi rst hoisted over 150 years ago when three brothers founded their boat building and timber processing business of Risby Bros. in 1844.

Dear Bob

We have had a blessed event! – well, not me personally (tho’ there has been one new addition to my extended family - which is also wonderful) – I mean we have all had a recent blessed event: a Southern Right Whale calf born in Great Oyster Bay on or around 19 August and reported by David Pemberton of Tas NPWS on ABC News that day.

Readers may recall my 2005 Maritime News contribution titled Whales in the Derwent?; this is the next, even more exciting instalment because this is another marker in the gradual (if erratic) recovery of these creatures in our own Tasmanian waters - from which SR Whales, the slowest, most amiable, easily approached and easily hunted (hence “the right whale to catch” for the old whalers) were almost exterminated in the heroic age of open-boat, harpoon whaling here from fi rst European settlement.

The Great Oyster Bay report joins others from crayfi shers and boaties in Tassie waters, including another very good one to Tas NPWS’ Rosemary Gale from the bay just south of Hell’s Gates on Tassie’s wild West coast - and a record number of SR mothers and calves sighted off Portland, Port Fairy and Logan’s Beach near Warrnambool – there including even the fi rst ever Killer Whales seen in this location, fi lmed by Vic DSI’s Mandy Watson – as well as on the NSW coast in Jervis Bay and Eden, and Victor Harbour in SA.

The long-running calving site at the head of the Bight where SR whales have been calving continually for as long as anyone knows even seems to have now reached capacity. This locality is so isolated even 19th century whalers seem not to have

gone there, even ship-borne Yankees - who went just about everywhere a ship and her boats would fl oat…

In Tasmania the intense and long-ago depredations of the past have meant recovery has been much slower - but now even we seem to be slowly catching up…..

All these welcome reports join others worldwide of species re-colonizing areas where they were common before near-annihilation by our own species, like the beavers in Yellowstone NP shown in the recent, excellent BBC ‘doco’ on the ABC.

For the Northern Right (or ‘Greenland’) whale all this comes too late: the fi rst ‘commercial’ whale species was hunted to total extermination in the 1700s. But in our waters the struggle goes on….with more and more good news!

So much so that I now propose that after this well-documented SR Whale birth on the E Coast the 19th of August should become a Tasmanian Public Holiday - replacing The Queen’s Birthday, which isn’t even Her Majesty’s actual birthday anyway.

Cheers,

Andrew Shipway

Our house fl ag is now the international signal fl ag S, the reverse of the Blue Peter, but originally it was the number one from the Marryat signal code for merchant vessels devised in 1817. This is the same fl ag but just diff erent signal codes have been developed and adopted over the years.

My interest in solving this puzzle was rekindled following a visit to the Mount Nelson signal station earlier this year when my wife pointed out to me the coloured pen and ink diagram of The Signal Flags of Hobart Town produced by Private Edward Murphy in the late 1840’s and early 1850’s.

Murphy’s picture details the ship identifi cation fl ags for vessels sailing to and from Hobart as well as signal codes for ships.

Amongst the numerous ships fl ags listed was one of the Risbys’ earliest steam and sailing ships, the Gem, showing our distinctive house fl ag.

In the hope of learning more about Murphy’s works I contacted the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery where I was eventually directed to Peta Knott, the Maritime Museum’s own maritime archaeologist.

Peta has been most helpful and obliging in showing me more of Murphy’s works as well as early Hobart Regatta silks which detail my families participation in the whale boat and sailing races of the 1840’s.

I look forward to participating in the museum’s events and hope that my quest to solve my family’s house fl ag history will be solved with the Maritime Museums membership help.

Kind Regards,

Mark Risby

ApologiesTo all those contributors waiting patiently for their articles to be published in our magazine, please be assured you have not been forgotten but with so much material and only four editions a year the backlog is enormous. Naturally we have to give priority to items relating to current events and to those submitted on disc or email ready to go to press, but your eff orts will not be in vain. Please do not let this deter anyone from sending in their material as the more we have to choose from the better and we appreciate very much your interest.

Editor.


Garry, Rory & the Astor Theatre’s George Florence

Hi Bob,

Just received the latest copy of your newsletter, thank you kindly. Full of interest, as always. Included with this note are some photos from Rorys visit to the Astor theatre in Melbourne, Sunday June 21st, on her way home to Los Angeles. She called in for a book signing, took part in an interview, and a Q and A with the audience, from the stage of the theatre.

The Astor screened an Australian documentary on her father, “Tasmanian Devil”, followed by “The Adventures of Robin Hood”. The interview took part at interval, between the doco and the feature fi lm. We had about 300 people turn up, not bad for a 70 year old movie. I came on at the end of the audience chat, and spoke a few [mercifully] brief words about the loyalty of Flynn fans, and referred to the celebrations in Hobart, and how well things had gone down there, and how good it was to have Rory fi nd time to call in to Melbourne.

I then whisked her into my car, and back out to Melbourne Airport to connect with a fl ight to Sydney, to connect with another fl ight to Hawaii, later that night, collecting Sean and Holland along the way. An action packed day for all concerned! As they say in the classics “Do not withdraw your sword, except to defend your honour, defeat your enemy, or protect your King” - Garry Stewart - Swordsman of the South Seas.

From: Val and Garry Stewart

Membership FeesCategories of membership and

annual fees effective each year 1 July to 30 June (including GST)

Individual $27.50

Family $38.50

Concessions: $15.00

Interstate $16.50

Overseas $16.50 + additional postage $8.50

Quarterdeck $25.00 plus $275.00 donation

Life Membership $1000

once only, or 4 years Quarterdeck membership.

Pirate Club $5.00

Dear Bob

An article in Maritime Times of Tasmania #27 has recently come to my attention. I refer to Sid Heatley’s writing on the PORT HOBART. The illustration he has used is mine, scanned from Ian Farquhar’s book The Tyser Legacy. I have no problem with the photo being reproduced in a journal such as yours... I am a ship lover myself and have been all my life. I support similar publications here in New Zealand.

However, if Sid can scan the photo, he should also scan the credit line! I am not upset and this mail is a little ‘tongue in cheek’ ... however, I have spent many years putting my negative collection together, I sell prints but do not charge a reproduction fee, as many museums do. If there is no credit line with a photo it is ‘fair game’. If there is a credit it is just playing fair to pass it on...

I have enjoyed reading the issue, keep up the good work. Happy to help with photos, if you require something for an article.

Regards

Victor Young

Marine photographer I author

Dear Victor,

We are delighted that you enjoy reading our magazine and thank you for your kind comments. I am sending you the latest issue and have enclosed a membership form in the hope that you might like to become an overseas member of MMT in which case you would receive our quarterly publication. At present we have no members in New Zealand so you would be most welcome.

Regarding the photo of the Port Hobart, it was scanned from a 25mm x 19mm copy in our library which was donated by Russel Griffi ths and supplied by `Arvyship' photographers in Boronia, Victoria and bears their stamp on the back.

Thanks for your off er to supply future photos if needed, it is most appreciated.

Regards, Bob.

Dear Bob,

Received the latest Maritime Times, each edition is better than the previous one. Interesting reading. You made a great job of your poem `the Man in Black’.

All the best,

John Crosbie (East Malvern, Vic)

Thanks John for those kind words, as I have said previously, it was your idea of enlisting me to edit the South Oakleigh Club `Clubman’ magazine that got me involved in this caper which has now become a labour of love.’

Sponsor-shipThe Magazine needs more sponsors

can you help? If so call Bob on 6225 1004 or 044 768 1322

Thanks to these sponsors for keeping us afl oat; The Mercury,

K&D Warehouse Mitre 10, Tasmanian Shipping Supplies

& Stormy Australia

MARITIME TIMES AWARD

Goes to Natalie Rees who has been

a volunteer on reception for quite a

number of years.

Natalie has a very pleasant way with

visitors to the Museum and we thank

her for the service she has given.

Well done Natalie.


president’s message

On my way to the International Congress of Maritime Museums in Denmark, Annette and I visited England where a friend in Wiltshire introduced us to Terence Mordaunt, chairman of the Bristol Port Company. We met Terence at Avonmouth on the Severn Estuary where he arranged a tour of his docks. With his business partner David Ord, he took over the Port of Bristol in 1991 and now, after nearly £400 million in private investment, the Port has become a leader in productivity and innovation.

Our fascinating tour showed what can be achieved with sensible planning and development. It made me think of home, of Sullivans Cove, and the pointless waste it would be to build in our port precinct to the exclusion of maritime trade in years to come.

In spite of the changes, the Port of Bristol retains some of its quaint practices from the past. For hundreds of years the only people allowed to handle ship’s lines have been the Pill Hobblers. The name of these rope-runners derives from the term “hobble” (to secure a ship) and to the rule that they must be from Pill, a village on the south bank of the Avon River. The village is famous both for its Hobblers and for many Bristol Pilots who came from Pill.

I talked to Sidney Baker, one of 18 Pill Hobblers, and he told me they make a very good living, “We are paid directly by the ships, not the port, and it’s more lucrative than being a docker even in these times of economic downturn”. He added that the people of Pill are known for their boat handling skills, “The Sharp family are the best. They are born with webbed feet and can make a boat talk”.

New members are voted in by existing Hobblers who claim they were given their right by charter in 1066. Their claim is dubious as, I expect, is their compliance with British labour laws but they have never been challenged.

We continued our port tour to the giant Kone unloading crane where we expected to experience the highlight, a trip to the top to view Bristol and Wales. Annette and the chief safety offi cer were fi rst to go. Cramped in the small lift, they inadvertently tripped the emergency button. Unaware of the reason for the sudden stop, they remained trapped above the dock until maintenance staff released them. A frightened Annette refused to get back in the lift and clambered down the ladders from a great height.

It was now too late for me – I failed to get my view of Bristol and Wales!

Colin Denny

Congratulations

To Mark Webber for winning both the German and Brazilian Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Mark had a very unfortunate start to the year breaking his leg in Tasmania while competing in the ‘Mark Webber Challenge’ charity event. He has now placed 4th in the Driver’s Championship for this year which is a fantastic eff ort with, we feel sure, the best still to come.

Did you know?

Australian fi lm producer Fred

Schepisi was once on Hawthorn

Football Clubs 3rd’s list.

(He earned much more on Shindler’s List)

The only time cricket was played at

the Olympic Games was in London

in1900. (Even more amazing the

silver medal was won by France.)

(They probably frustrated their opponents by batting at a snail’s pace)

The kilt originated in France.

(Oh la la.—if they wore it playing cricket they would have bowled a maiden over)


Like all ‘old seadogs’ I do have a collection of

yarns-most of them fi t for print! –so here goes.

Today when countries, politicians, the butcher, grocer and everyone seems greatly concerned about the image they or it presents is not a bad time to think of my fi rst trip to Hobart, April 1940. Must say my fi rst impression of Electrona and the plant waiting for our cargo of a special anthracite coal compared less than favourably with memories of ports I had visited.

In fact it looked just a picture of the bush, with a jetty in the forefront. After a 6S day voyage from Swansea Wales, one in which the early days of World War 11 had made an impression, it did not live up to stories I had heard of Hobart.

From those who had sampled its delights there was praise” Real ABC country- Apples, Beer - and Crumpet! (For those not familiar with Pommy slang, crumpet was the generic word covering all females regardless of nationality or availability-almost a Holy Grail in some ways.)

The pub at Margate, with an outdoor urinal fashioned from corrugated iron and sporting an old fashioned air in its construction was indeed welcoming but held no promise of sophisticated ladies or, in fact, any ladies at all but there was no doubt about the quality of the beer and the locals made us feel at home.

In fact we were invited en masse to attend a ball at the Margate Hall, an event said to attract some Government dignitaries. Our chief cook, a Jamaican made history of a kind By taking the chair allotted to the guest of honour, and it took some persuasion by the offi cials to get him to vacate it!

For those of us who preferred the bright lights of the city Hobart was a delight, people were pleased to help strangers in town, hotel bars were very friendly-even the ‘Blood House” run by a mischievous matriarch of wild repute.

For a visiting sailor Hobart lived up to its promise, so much so that in 1947 I found myself back there-this time free of the sea, with a Tasmanian wife, living in very prosaic Moonah with my in-laws and working in the building trade.

Came the time when living with the folk became wearying and I felt the need to have a home of our own. Rental houses were hard to fi nd so I was quick to answer an advertisement in the Mercury that sought a tradesman to work on a sheep station-house supplied - were the magic words that attracted me and so it came to pass that I became the station carpenter for the Misses Foster on a property just North of Campbell Town.

The interview for the job took place at the in-laws home in Moonah conducted by manager Mr Perkins: This circumstance had an unexpected outcome.

Job off ered—and accepted, my wife and I gathered together the bare bones of a home that we had. These included very little except a kitchen cabinet, bedding and kitchen gear.

It was with some surprise then when, on arrival at Campbell Town by train we were met by Mr Perkins and the news that he had the station’s semi-trailer waiting to take our furniture to our new home. (Mr Perkins had interviewed me in the inlaws home-one well furnished-and had assumed that it was ours. Our kitchen cabinet looked very lonely on the tray of that semi!)

Anyway, we arrived at our new home. Like my fi rst view of Tasmania, it was not promising—a stone building set in a paddock.

Its history was interesting. It had been an hotel in the days of the stagecoaches, it had 14 rooms, none of them truly habitable and my fi rst task for the Foster estate was to fi x the place up so we could live in it. My wife, seeing a sizable stone building at the rear of the house queried Mr Perkins.” I suppose that is the dairy” she said. Mr Perkins gulped and said “oh no, that’s your lavatory” and so it proved to be a traditional four holer, it connected so he said, to an underground stream and never needed to be emptied

At this point my wife mutinied, our goods were unloaded and stowed in the house and we repaired to the luxury of a room at the Campbell Town hotel until I had made a couple of rooms at our new home fi t to live in. Not a very good start, but my life on the land had yet more to off er.

Because the Foster homestead was several miles away it was necessary for me to have transport. At the interview, Mr Perkins indicated this would be provided so it was with some surprise I discovered that the ‘transport’ had four legs, a half draught horse that rejoiced in the name of Trump. Introduced to me in the cobbled yard of the homestead, he looked a formidable beast-to my eyes not very friendly and a sight to arouse a minor panic in my mind!

However, saddled and with a bit in his mouth and the reins in my hand, Trump seemed a lot less scary than situation in life that I had at times found myself.

So, with directions to the route I should follow to my home “Keep on the bitumen, past the Old 94th General Hospital carry on to the ford at the river and you’ll be there” Fine. At a sedate walk, Trump and me headed off and under my gentle touch on the reins all went well until a car approached on its way to the home stead. A friendly toot on the Horn had a violent result, Trump stopped short, did a quick about face and we, Trump and me were headed back to the homestead at a fair rate of knots.

Hanging on like grim death-or in the face of imminent destruction-I had no hope of control—Trump was on his way back to the comfort of his stable and all my eff orts were in vain.

We entered the cobbled yard of the homestead at a fair clip-I’m sure there were sparks from his hooves but he fi nally clattered to a halt, and with a little help I dismounted only to be addressed by a little old lady who appeared somewhat put out.

“Mr Davies, you do not enter the yard at a gallop. Heavens above you could have had a serious accident, please come in at a walk in future” I was dumbstruck, could not even say “all very well Miss Foster but Trump, not me ,was in charge” Trump by

‘Shaking’ the tree

An excerpt from my book (looking for a publisher)


Once more I have been diving into the museum’s extensive photographic collection in preparation for a new display in the temporary gallery. Amongst the 40,000 or so images I have located many examples of Tasmanians enjoying leisure time on the water.

We all know what fun can be had on the water today. That is clearly evident as the sailing season has just begun. Some kayakers paddle the Derwent at all times of year and the surfers thrown themselves at the rough winter waves. In the past, when maritime industries were thriving, Tasmanians also enjoyed spending their leisure time on the water – they couldn’t get enough of it! There were a variety of recreational activities with something for everyone. Whatever fl oats your boat!

Some images that you will see in this exhibition are: the famous trading ketch race, overdressed ladies in a rowing dinghy, ferries piled to the gunwales for the Christmas race,

now was still heaving a little but settling down and with some misgivings, at Miss Foster’s direction I got aboard Trump once more while she inspected the gear. Discovering several faults she turned to Mr Perkins and said “Please make sure that Mr Davies is shown how to adjust these things before you let him ride that horse again”

My progress in the art of the equestrian was slow, but once I got some confi dence I was soon having a race with my next door neighbour, shepherd Fred, on my way home.

Confi dence brought me undone eventually and I was once again in front of Miss Foster who took me to task for a report that I had been seen jumping a fence” Please remember Trump is a half draught horse. If you are going to jump fences we will have to give you something diff erent a hack so you don’t kill yourself’ And so it was that I gained an ex racer with a name that I have now forgotten.

My adventures with station life ended pleasantly enough and it was back to Hobart and the fairly humdrum task of building houses for the Agricultural bank of Tas.

Looking back on those days I am reminded of a yarn spun by some old sailor at one time.

He spoke of an old shellback, sick and tired of life in the days of sail set off from London with an oar on his shoulder. Walking down the street, he was asked: “Why are you carrying that oar?” his answer “Well when I get to a place when someone asks me what is that thing you are carrying on your shoulder” I will know that I am far enough away from the sea and can look for a place to start a new life.

I don’t recommend a Tasmanian sheep station!

Wal Davies

a solitary wind surfer, rowing eights, ship launch festivities and the parade of sail to welcome the Queen. There is even a photo of our president included in this exhibition! Come and see if you can identify the young Colin Denny winning the Head of the River race!

The preparation for this exhibition has been a collaborative eff ort and has allowed research into the photograph collection. I trawled through the photos and identifi ed images of interest. Then the brains trust in the library told me what was happening in the photo in great detail. The knowledge in that room is astounding however there was one photo that initially confused the library researchers - a yacht masquerading as a British Man O’ War as part of regatta shenanigans!

“Whatever fl oats your boat: leisure on the water” will be showing in the temporary gallery until the end of the year.

KNOTT NEWS


The Worthing LifeboatThe 25th November 1850 was a very stormy night in the

English Channel on the South Coast of England with

extremely strong winds whipping up the waves. The hardy Worthing fi shermen stood on the shore braving the winds to lookout for signs oaf any vessel that may have been in distress through being caught in the storm. They maintained their vigil and eventually they spotted a distress fl ag approximately 3 miles from the shore, it was a barque with only two of its three masts intact and all sails had been blown out. The barque was the “Lallah Rookh”.

The fi shermen felt it was their duty to go to the aid of the stricken vessel and see what cold be done for the crew. The Worthing fi shermen were the best sailors in Worthing and there was no shortage of volunteers to put to sea and go to the Lallah Rookh but it was low tide and impossible to launce a large fi shing lugger that should have been capable of riding the mountainous sea and immediate help could only be given in an open boat and the best that was available on

the beach was a ferry boat belonging to the local innkeeper and was capable of carrying 20 to 30 men.

The local fi shermen turned out in force so there was no shortage of help to drag the boat across the sand. It was manned by eleven heroic men and succeeded in setting out shortly after 8am. The boat was watched by a telescope from a local inn and by 9 o’clock nothing could be seen of the boat.

On the turn of the tide 20 or so of the fi shermen still left on the shore decided to brave the elements as it was now possible to launch a larger boat and set off in a two masted fi shing lugger which could be sailed for 100 miles or so.

When they were close to the dismasted barque they could fi nd no trace of their colleagues. Captain of the Lallah Rookh was able to get a line to the fi shermen and hauled them close enough to shout to each other above the noise of the wind. A boat was lowered from the stern davits and altogether about 13 or 14 men were hauled up after a number of these operations. With the assistance of the men fresh canvas was rigged upon the two remaining masts and the Lallah Rookh was able to complete the voyage to London.

Eight of the crew on the lugger managed to reach shore where the news that the fi rst boats crew were all lost. The doomed ferry boat was washed ashore at Hove some miles along the coast.

Meetings were quickly arranged to see what could be done for the dependents of the lost crew. Several meetings were held and eventually to have a lifeboat built. By Christmas 1851 there was still no lifeboat despite all the hard work of the lifeboat committee. The following April it was announced that a lifeboat that was self righting was being built. It was not until June 1853 that the lifeboat was given sea trials. The boat was 27 feet long and 7 feet across the beam and was

powered by 20 oars. During the trials every eff ort was made to turn the boat over without success.

The Worthing Lifeboat was now operational.

Soon after a lifeboat house was built and it is my belief that it is still standing on Marine Parade, it was completed by the end of 1853.

Addendum I would like to thank the very effi cient staff of the Reference Section of the Worthing Library in Richmond Road for their help in my search for the history of the Worthing Lifeboat.

By Laurie Bahr

Note from the Brig from Mark, Admin. Offi cer

Not much to report from the eyrie above the museum this edition as I’ve had my head down studying.

Regulars at the museum will know that before becoming an aussie, myself and my partner Mandy lived aboard a narrowboat on the canals around Birmingham. I’m often asked about it and comments are made along the lines of “I’ve always liked the idea of that”. We sold our boat, “Starcross”, to a friend who has established a website devoted to the comings and goings of a typical modern English canal boat. So, if you are interested in the UK inland waterway system and the trials and tribulations of the “cut” and have internet access, type in www.nbstarcross.com and you can discover that the two hundred and fi fty year old canal system in England is still a lively and fascinating place.


N O T E S F R O M T H E C U R A T O R :

16 USES FOR A DEAD BOAT(with apologies to the author of 100 Uses for a Dead Cat)

Inspired by the demolition of the Tasmanian ketch Enterprise just days before a recent

visit to Alaska and the Eastern seaboard.

House Boat Lightship Roadside ornament Prop to hold up shed (at least it held up the fl oor)

Anchor to keep shed on ground? Workshop extension Seed raising cloche Bar cover

Sign Roof ornament Antique shop Wall feature

Tourist bus Planter box at b&b entrance Or if all else fails –make into pens or plastic wrap till you decide what to do.

By Rona Hollingsworth


Shipwrights Arms Hotel(Established 1846)

29 Trumpeter Street, Battery PointPhone: 03 6223 5551

Situated in the heart of historic Battery Point, “Shippies” is lined with a unique collection

of Tasmania’s past, both maritime and historical

A traditional old English corner pub, filled with history, tradition, and pride

including photographs of every ‘Sydney to Hobart’ winner

Owen Humphries (Licensee)


Masterpiece@IXL Fine Art & Antiques

Masterpiece @ IXL

2/ 19A Hunter Street, Hobart, Tasmania

ph. 03 6231 3144 fax. 03 6231 3143

email. [email protected]

www.masterpiece.com.au

MERLE OBERON Face of Mystery, is a fascinating read and has

been produced in a most pleasant manner with beautiful colour

photographs throughout the book.

At present it is available at both Masterpiece and the Maritime

Museum Book Shop .

The best seller ERROL FLYNN and the Sword of Fate is also

available at both venues but is selling fast so get your copy before

we sell out. Both books have been written by Bob Casey and are an

excellent read from start to fi nish.

YOUR JAYCO won’t grow barnacles,

you won’t have to row ashore

and defi nately won’t have to get

up in the middle of the night to

check the anchor.


Zealandia or Z as she was sometimes

known was a twin screw coal fi red steamer

built in 1910 by John Brown and Co. Ltd.,

Clydebank for Huddart Parker Ltd. Unlike

earlier ships of her fl eet she had quadruple

expansion rather than triple expansion

machinery.

When she fi rst came to Australia she was

engaged for some years in the Sydney-

Vancouver service, and they became well

known as a regular passenger liner on

the Sydney-Fremantle service. During the

1914-1918 war Zealandia served overseas

as a troop transport carrying many

thousands of American troops across the

Atlantic. In those days of camoufl age she

was given a striking cover of dazzle paint

that was zebra like in appearance.

• By Sid Heatley

QUOTE OF THE DAY

“I am a great believer in luck, and I fi nd the harder I work

the more I have of it.”

—Stephen Leacock, Canadian economist (1869 – 1944)

ZealandiaReturning to civilian activities after the war she resumed her place on the Sydney-

Fremantle service which she maintained until the arrival of MV Westralia in 1929.

Zealandia then traded on the Australia-New Zealand route until replaced by the

MV Wanganella. She then ran between Sydney and Hobart and was in that service

until the outbreak of war. In June of 1940 Zealandia was taken over and was a troop

transport once again. This was followed by a trip to Manila and embarked women

and children who had been evacuated from Hong Kong.

With the enemy closing in on Australia the need of an effi cient land route from

Darwin to Alice Springs became increasingly important. Heavy road making

machinery and men were embarked in Melbourne and Sydney and Zealandia again

steamed north.

Following trips were to Singapore with troops stores and materials.

The 19th February 1942 will be chronicled in history as the date of the fi rst enemy

attack on Australian shores. The air seemed full of Japanese planes and across a sky

darkened by the smoke from burning ships and oil there fl ashed a glare of fl ak and

the blaze of the fi rst fi res.

Zealandia was the last vessel to be attacked. Suddenly a bomb fell down the No. 3

hatch exploding in the hold. The explosion blew down the engine room bulkhead

fi lling the engine room with smoke and fumes. A near miss holed the starboard

quarter and set fi re to the accommodation. Then came the dive-bombers who raked

the ship from masthead height with incendiary bullets and cannon shells. Every

eff ort was made to extinguish the fi res. The engineers gamely stuck to their task in

the smoke fi lled engine room to supply water for the hoses on deck but with the ship

ablaze from stem to stern the position soon became hopeless.

Ammunition in No.1 hold and on the poops exploded. The order was given to

abandon ship and the crew of 139 offi cers and men crowded into the boats. As they

pulled away from Zealandia the ship was settling by the stern. Through holes in her

plates made by cannon shells the water fl ooded the after end and at 1pm she settled

on her side and sank. In view of the heavy machine gunning and bombing it was

remarkable that the casualties were not more numerous.

Prepared for publication by Laurie Bahr

Bill MearnsAt

Saddler’s Court GalleryInvites you to an exhibition

of new paintings by

Bill Mearns F. A. S. M. A.

Exhibition to be opened by

Colin Denny, President of the Maritime Museum of TasmaniaSunday 15th November at 11am.

Paintings on display Saturday 14th to Sunday 29th November 2009

48 Bridge Street, Richmond | [email protected] | Telephone 036260 2132


By Peta Knott

On the 30th September, the museums’ admin offi cer Mark swapped his big red bus for a smaller white one and cheerily picked up volunteers on the way to Kettering. Mary Marsh checked off names, handed out maps and we were on our way to Bruny Island!

Once off the ferry, our fi rst stop was the hike to the top of the isthmus lookout. Some keen volunteers lessened the agony of the climb by counting the stairs on the way up, and up… It didn’t matter that everyone got diff erent results, those that made it to the top enjoyed the superb view.

We stopped off at Morella for a quick cuppa and a group photo. Unfortunately we were prevented from visiting the cheese factory due to an outbreak of bacteria (the bad kind!) so it was on to Two Tree Point at Adventure Bay. This was a watering site for early explorers, and despite the ravages of time, there are still two distinct trees on the point.

The dedicated caretakers of the Bligh Museum of Pacifi c Exploration were kind enough to give us a guided tour of the museum. The small building is chock full of documents and artefacts from early explorers. It seems like everyone who was anyone came to Adventure Bay in the 1700s: Bligh obviously, Tasman, Furneaux and Cook. Pride of the museum is a fragment of a tree “where Cook tied up”!

With heads full of early explorer knowledge, we picked up our platters from the local shop and headed out to Hibe. Mary had thought of everything – even a lovely location in which to eat our lunch. How fortunate – this estate is also the home of the Bruny Island Chocolate Factory! Many volunteers stocked up on sweet local products while others analysed the ship models in the shop!

Our next stop at a vineyard was justifi ed by the boat in the winery! After a quick look at the boat and a surprisingly speedy wine tasting, Mark weaved

Bruny IslandMuseum Excursion

our way to the Bruny Island history room at Alonnah. The local volunteers had organised the large amounts of information into thematic reference volumes. Although there were not much in the way of artefacts, there were some token items from shipwrecks and a map of the local wrecks.

Just in case we were hungry or thirsty again, we stopped at the Alonnah slipway for drinks and nibbles. Currently, some remains of the Hobart fl oating bridge are vainly trying to stop sinking but there are plans to improve the facilities with more berths for boats.

This was another successful museum volunteer outing that was ably organised by Mary Marsh, Tiiu Rabuus and chauff eured by Mark Hosking. Keep an eye out for the next excursion!

Alonnah History Room

Isthmus Lookout. Its a long way to the top 232 steps.

Bligh Museum


Making History(Knot so hard no. 14 will appear in the next issue)

At the recent Wooden Boat Festival, a little bit of history was being made on board the May Queen. The craft of knotting and ropework has been an integral part of boating ever since the fi rst person tied a couple of logs together to make the fi rst raft. For this reason there has been some eff ort to have somebody demonstrating what can be done with a length of rope at each event. Usually this person has been installed in a tent with a bunch of other skilled workers who are likewise demonstrating aspects of their disciplines. At the 2007 event, the lone knotter was joined by two other members of the IGKT, (International Guild of Knot Tyers) who had travelled from Sydney to be part of the function. For three days this trio demonstrated fancy, decorative knotting, fender making,and ran a speed knotting competition. They also displayed outstanding examples of ropework supplied by other Guild members in Australia and overseas and ran an ad hoc consultancy on knotting. All this required setting up the stall very early each morning and removing all the items of value late in the afternoon due to the paucity of security measures. The tent was visited by thousands and the team were heavily engaged throughout most of the days. All three were happy to supply their time gratis, and were pleased to receive the T-shirt supplied to all volunteers. However, it was considered that there should be an easier way to put on the knotting display.

Last year discussions were held with personnel responsible for the maintenance of the May Queen and a plan submitted which involved using some of the hatch area as a display position. The plan was accepted and all involved informed of the details, including the organisers of the Festival. While the Australian Guild members were doing their planning, members of the Guild in England were independently approached by some of the Festival organisers and asked for the names of knotters who could put on a show. They were given the name of the member who had been providing the service for the past few festivals. When this member reminded the organisers he and his colleagues would be performing on the May Queen, the whole idea of having a knotting display in the shipwright’s tent was evidently abandoned and even forgotten. As the time for the festival neared the organisers were requested to supply passes for all those involved in manning the May Queen including the knotters. This was when the belt tightening policy was enforced and a pitiful number of passes allocated for May Queen volunteers, and none for the knotters. Fortunately, the May Queen P/L Board, in conjunction with the Maritime Museum, who are responsible for the management of the May Queen, are more far sighted. In recognition of the added attraction the knotters

would supply, and the years of voluntary work on the vessel by the local Guild member, they paid for the admission of two of the knotters. The third knotter had been issued a pass as he was also exhibiting in the model boat section.

One of the Guild members in the UK, who was actually a past president, informed the festival organiser when they were making their enquiries that he would be in Hobart during the event. This information gave rise to what was virtually an invitation to take part, but no indication that he would have to pay the entrance fee each day. Another English Guild member also timed a trip to Australia so as to be able to attend the festival, and in due course arrived on the scene, also paying his way in each day and taking part in the work. This is where history was made, at least in a small way. Thanks to the decisions made, a lot of planning, and the willingness of the Guild members to participate, the fi rst Australian display- meet of the IGKT with interstate and international representation was held on board the venerable May Queen. The success of the meet was refl ected in the dozens of attendees who expressed pleasure at fi nding the display at such a picturesque and appropriate site. In addition, the meet will be reported in the IGKT quarterly magazine and read by hundreds of members in dozens of countries. Good advertising for the May Queen and the Maritime Museum. All the members agreed that they had thoroughly enjoyed themselves and that overall the event was quite spectacular. However, the presence of Guild members at future events is uncertain and it would be regrettable if they were absent. It is to be hoped that there will be more Wooden Boat Festivals, and equally that the May Queen will be the venue for displays of maritime skills and crafts.

Frank Brown, IGKT

Dave Glasson , Col Grundy and Jeff Wyatt discuss fender making.

Jeff Wyatt explaining the intricacies of rope mat making

Madeleine Rowles discussing fancy knot workGuild Members L to R Madeleine Rowles, Jeff Wyatt, Col Grundy, Frank Brown.


On the GrapeVine Wine exports across the Tasman

to Australia increased by 31%

to $260 million last fi nancial

year. The Sauvignon Blanc from

their Marlborough region is now

the best selling white wine in

Australia. The sales surge has

been driven by an oversupply

of the 2008 vintage due to

increased supply and resulted in

lower prices than before for this

top quality wine.

Get in and stock up while the

going is good.

Finally a good tip when dining

out—

Choose a wine you are familiar

with, as some establishments

employ a ‘mark up’ of up to 200%

and the last thing you want to

do is pay an exorbitant price for

something you don’t enjoy. Save

the experimenting for wines you

can buy from your bottle shop

or better still, when possible,

purchase from an outlet where

you can sample fi rst.

Bob d’Boozer,

can we drink it?

Yes we can!

Visitors Book

Giona Elia Italy Fantastic

Claude Seiligoj Ballarat (Vic) Outstanding exhibition.

James Priest Redfern (NSW) Very interesting exhibition

Jean Priest St Marys (NSW) Very well set out.

Jim Johnson Boronia (Vic) Interesting for an old matelot.

David & Leigh Hanna. Bridgewater on Loddon. Time passes so quickly. Riverting stuff

Robert Venah St Peters (S.A.) Amazing presentation, really impressive and will let people know it’s here. Fantastic.

Jan Habal Czech Republic Very well thanks

Patrick Cerini Brighton East. Excellent

Briginshaw Bay of Fires (Tas) Beautifully laid out, very well presented information. I will recommend it to friends.

Poet’s C O R N E R

At the Gate.

I humbly beg and pray that I may be forgiven For having roamed the seven seasin sail and steam and vessels diesel driven,

And other sins,When at your gate St Peter pleaseHave pity on an old sea dog and let him into heaven,

If this favour you cannot see your way to doThen may my soul become a wandering albatross,An ancient superstition yet it could be true,Better be for this than the muddy Styx to cross, To glide o’er southern seas and round Cape Horn too.

Submitted by Phil Fowler.

Maritime Museum stalwart Phillip Fowler has not been enjoying the best of health for some time and all at MMT wish him improved health in the immediate future. Good to

see he has retained his sense of humour and we thank him for this contribution.

Errol Flynn is a phenomenon, fi fty years after his death his popularity is such that Foxtel/Austar featured no less than 19 of his movies during the month of October, each with re-plays, and he also appeared in movies on ‘free to air’ TV during this period.

Considering these movies are between 60 and 75 years old it says a great deal about his ‘staying power’, but, then again, that shouldn’t be any surprise to us , should it!

Errol still the ‘IN THING’


The Errol Flynn Society of Tasmania

founded 1979

To become a member of our happy

band and enjoy our social events,

just contact:

Genene on (03) 62494700 or

errolfl [email protected]

You will be made most welcome.

DONATIONS

We thank the following members

for their very generous donations

and continued support of the

Maritime Museum –

Jeff Gordon

Frank Ikin

Stuart Lester

Kim Newstead

Daryl Ridgeway

In 1876 the three year old Briseis created a record that is never

likely to be equaled. She won the VRC Derby, Melbourne Cup

and VRC Oakes in the space of six days. She was ridden by

Peter St Albans who was just 13 years old.

Tasmanian Malua was another equine wonder winning in 4 states, Tasmania,

Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales from 5 1/2 furlongs in the 1884

Oakleigh Plate to two miles in the 1884 Melbourne Cup. After beating the best

horses in the land over all distances and under WFA conditions this champion

was sent to the stud only to return to racing with a win in the 1886 Australian

Cup followed by an amazing performance to win the 1887 Grand National Hurdle.

Malua was the Australian turfs most versatile champion. Just to put a seal on his

greatness he sired the 1891 Melbourne Cup winner Malvino. Recently a statue

was unveiled honouring Malua in Deloraine (Tas.)

Another Tasmanian to win the big race was Piping Lane in the fi rst metric

Melbourne Cup run in 1972. He was owned by the great Tasmanian trainer Ray

Trinder and after the race Ray and his wife were invited to have a celebratory drink

in the committee room at Flemington Racecourse. As darkness approached they

left carrying a wooden box containing the cup in search of a taxi as they had

arrived at the course by public transport. After a long walk they hitched a ride

with a jockey driving past back to their hotel in the city. That could never happen

in this day and age. If they had managed to get a taxi imagine the driver asking

"what's in the box" only to be told " the Melbourne Cup", " Oh year ! you can get

out and walk smart guy" may well have been the drivers reply. Then again Ray

Trinder was such a lovely gentleman one would have to believe him.

Another young boy to win the Melbourne Cup was 15 year old Ray Neville on the

80-1 outsider Rimfi re in 1948. It was just his 14th race ride and he was destined

never to ride another winner, but this was his lucky day as it was later discovered

that the newly adopted photo-fi nish camera was wrongly positioned and the

race should have been awarded to Dark Marne ridden by top NSW hoop, Jack

Thompson.

The mighty Phar Lap is the shortest priced winner of the Melbourne Cup at 11/8 on.

Makybe Diva is the only horse to win the great race 3 times and her jockey Glen

Boss the fi rst to win it on 3 successive occasions.

This year 'Fashions of the Field' is 47 years old. (remember when went to see the

horses?)

Hope you back the winner----- -----my tip is KIRKLEES.

(if it's as tough as Brett KIRK and as fast as Brett LEE how can it fail to be a winner !)

‘Turf Talk’ with ‘Golden Doubles’.

At Flemington racecourse on

Newmarket Handicap day last

March, there were 47 horses

represented in all the GROUP 1

races on the programme.

EVERY ONE of these horses had

links tracing back to the immortal

CARBINE!

The legendary trainer, Bart

Cummings, was once told by a

health inspector inspecting his

stables that he had too many

fl ies. “ How many should I have? ”

quipped Bart.

SomeMelbourne Cup Stories


“calm beforethe storm?”

Don't let your business get caught in stormy conditions!

For independent, objective, business and marketing advice,

talk to Kim Newstead at calm® and enjoy a smooth passage.

Corporate & Leisure Marketing Pty Ltd23 Thompson Way, Clifton Beach, Tasmania 7020

Telephone: (03) 6248 8644 Fax: (03) 6248 8646

Email: [email protected]

Strategy, Business, Communications & Research Consultants

100 Burnett St, North Hobart. Ph. 62346219 . Traditional Pub . Good Food . Good Beer


‘The Dick’ & ‘The Doc’I say Holmes, it’s Melbourne

Cup time again, the race that stops a nation.

Quite correct Watson, but there are some

things that actually go faster than ever.

The horses, the jockeys and the punter’s money. Ha Ha Ha.

Really, what are they old boy?

Nautical Crossword

The recession is killing British pubs at an accelerating rate, an average of 52 every week in the fi rst half of the year, an industry group says. Pub closures have put 24,000 people out of work in the past year.

(is it just a coincidence that our own Laurie Bahr didn’t holiday in England this year !)

Anyone for Tennis?If you are interested in a game of social tennis for mixed groups on

Saturday mornings contact Mary Spencer on 6228 4726.

Crossword answers on page 23


LEAKING DECKS?

Tasmanian Supplier:

THE FIBREGLASS SHOP202 ARGYLE ST

HOBART TASMANIA 7000

(03) 6234 2177

Easy to apply

Resistant to weathering & UV

Highly elastic

Permeable – lets wood survive

Ready to use

Crack-bridging

Available Australia wide:

Qumont Pty Ltd(02) 9181 3244(02) 9181 3467www.qumont.com.au


Pirate ClubPirate ClubBenjamin’sBenjamin’s

My Pirate Adventure.

On Friday 11th September 20 children, including me, plus the crew went on a pirate ship called the Lady Nelson. We did lots of activities, like ‘walk the plank’, ‘pull down the sails’ and ‘treasure hunting’. The leader of our group was ‘Barbara the Bold’.

We flew the Jolly Roger and had lots of fun. My favourite activity was walking the plank.

They told us this joke,

Why are pirates dumb ? Because they aaargh.

Thank you to the pirate crew who were great, from all us junior pirates.

Now for some more stuff from my book on Pirateology---------

The crow’s nest is a lookout platform set near the top of the mast.

The capstan is a type of winch that is used to raise the anchor.

A heavy iron anchor keeps the ship moored to the sea bed.

The ship’s bell is rung to mark each half hour of a four-hour watch.

Now for my joke-----

Why don’t hedgehogs learn to share with others ?

‘Shiver me timbers’

(I’ll tell you what that means next time)

Pirate Ben.

The Lady Nelsonsailing most weekends

& public holidays

(1 1/2 hour duration)

$15 adults | $5 children

Phone 03 6234 3348

www.ladynelson.org.au

from the galley

Pork a plentyFrom your local butcher, where you no doubt get the best meat, buy 2.5 kg of pork loin. (ask him to bone it and leave enough belly fl ap to wrap around to make a roll). Open out loin and lay skin-down

Next rub with 1tbs salt & 1 tbs freshly ground black pepper

Scatter 6 fi nely sliced garlic cloves, tyme, sage leaves and ½ cup chopped parsley. Roll loin into log shape and secure with butchers string at 5cm intervals.

Pre heat oven to 220c and place pork on rack inside a large roasting tray. When ready to cook, rub all over with oil and extra salt. Roast for 20mins then lower temp. to 175c and roast for a further 1 hour (pork is cooked when the internal core temperature reaches 72c )

Transfer cooked pork to a hot dish and rest for 30 mins in a warm area.Remove string and carve meat into slices, each with crisp layer of cracklingServe with braised cabbage, mashed potatoes and red wine jus.

Enjoy with a superb pinot noir – Tasmanian of course.

Le` Yummy!Bon Appetit’, Lucky Pierre

Did you know?The parachute was invented 120

years before the plane.

(Must have been by a boy scout)


ANVERS Confectionery

• Chocolate Tasting • Viewing • Gardens • Cafe and Museum

Indulge yourselves in a Belgian style breakfast in a chocolate factory, morning and a ernoon tea in the old gardens listening to the native birds, a fine Tasmanian lunch near a cosy wood heater, stocking up on Tasmania’s finest chocolates or just browsing through the chocolate antique display. There is ample car and bus parking on site.

Also catering for the quick quality business lunch and corporate presentations in our own private room.

The “House of Anvers” is a real chocolate taste sensation. It is located on the Bass Highway between Devonport and Latrobe and is open 7am - 7pm, 7 days a week. Phone: (03) 6426 2958 for bookings

12-25 Morrison Street, Hobart

GPO Box 1099, Hobart, 7001

Phone. 03 6234 5422 Fax. 03 6223 7797

[email protected]

SUPPLIERS OF

MARINE EQUIPMENT

AND SAILMAKERS TO

HOBART

SINCE 1964

England.

A 47 year old grandmother in Worthing, West Sussex, was refused a

bottle of wine in a supermarket because she could not produce an

ID to prove she was over 18.

Bet she loves shopping there with her girlfriends !

This is the town where our own Laurie Bahr holidays. Wonder if this

happened to him?

Southampton.

A thief stole a urinal from the Royal Oak pub, on the English South

Coast. After entering the pub he ordered a half pint of beer and then

made several visits to the toilet.

There he carefully removing a white urinal from the wall, stuff ed

it into a rucksack and was captured on closed circuit television

walking out with the bulging sack on his back.

Landlord, Alan Dreja said, “he made a very, very expert job of

dismantling it from the wall and turning the water off . A very

professional job.”

A police spokesman said, “One theory is the guy is some sort of cut-

price plumber.”

Fancy the landlord admiring his work, one would have expected him to

be ‘pissed off .’

Still in England.

A sleep-walking computer expert was caught by his wife mowing

the lawn naked at 2am.

“I dread to think how long he had been there because he’d nearly

fi nished it ” wife Rebekah Armstrong said. The 34 year old Briton

awoke unaware of his feat.

Lucky he wasn’t using the ‘whipper-snipper.’

Documents

Cnr Davey & Argyle Sts. Hobart, Tasmania 7001, AUSTRALIA · 4 | Maritime Times of Tasmania Spring 2009 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Dear Bob Petrass I was very interested to read that the