The SS ‘Bellinger’ was a wooden, cargo & passenger steamer, built by John Wright and Co. of Tuncurry, NSW, Australia.
The SS ‘Bellinger’ was launched on the 10th of May 1902, at Tuncurry, NSW. At the launch ceremony, the new steamer was christened ‘Bellinger’ by Mrs. Josephine Blaiklock (nee Wright), a daughter of the owner and builder – John Wright.
The SS ‘Bellinger’ was fitted with twin compound steam engines – each of 40 hp – built by McKie and Baxter of Glasgow, Scotland – fitted by Mr. W. Clarke, of Messrs Begg and Greig, of Sydney, Australia. She was a combined Steamer / Ketch (a Ketch is a two masted sailing vessel whereby the forward mast is larger than the rear mast), which meant she was capable of sailing the journey under canvas, if necessary.
Her small passenger accommodation was attended by stewardesses, some of which were recorded as: Miss Nellie Jeffs, Miss Kennedy and Miss Cooper . . .
The North Coast Steam Navigation Company merged with Allan Taylor & Company, in 1920, noting that the entities continued to operate their fleets under their respective names after the merger.
Gross Tonnage: 229
Net Tonnage: 141
Length: 126 ft (38.40 m)
Beam: 29 ft (8.84 m)
Draft: 6 ft (1.83 m)
Timeline:
1902 → built for: a consortium consisting John Wright, Allen Taylor and Robert Anderson. Captain Tanglin was the first master of the SS Bellinger, and, Alec Mackay the engineer.
26th July 1902 → the following article was published in ‘The Raleigh Sun’ on the 8th August 1902:
“The new steamer Bellinger, which will run between Sydney and the Bellinger, under Messrs. A. Taylor and Co.’s flag, and maintain a regular and direct service, left Forster for a trial trip on Saturday, July 26, a large number of people being on board. She was towed clear off the bar, and then steamed northerly until Halliday’s Point was reached, where the engines were slowed down, and the excursionists given an opportunity to do some deep sea fishing. The vessel returned to Forster the same day, having averaged eight knots at sea. She was to load cargo for Sydney on the following Monday; and may therefore soon be expected to make her maiden trip to the Bellinger.”
1st August 1902 → the SS ‘Bellinger’ commenced her first commercial voyage from Tuncurry to Sydney on Monday, the 1st August 1902, accompanied by the Steamer ‘Commonwealth’. She arrived on the 17th August. Her return trip via Elliston Mills, saw her take a cargo of approximately 40,000 ft of sawn timber, together with approximately 700 bags maize, plus sundries . . .
September 1902 → the SS ‘Bellinger’ was dispatched to Camden Haven. Her first run from Camden Haven departed on the 18th September 1902. She was towed by the tug ‘Unique’, down the Laurieton Channel and out to sea. Fully laden with timber, she would head east to navigate Point Perpendicular, then south, with a clear run to Sydney . . .
29th January 1906 → Mick Treiberg was the mate of the SS ‘Bellinger’ for some twelve months, at which time James Hunt was the master, and Mick Nugent, the engineer.
3rd February 1909 → the following article was published in the ‘Evening News’, Sydney:
9th November 1909 → the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ reported:
“STEAMER BELLINGER AGROUND.
A telegram received from the pilot at Camden Haven states that whilst the steamer Bellinger was endeavouring to cross out in tow, she grounded on the south side of the channel inside the bar. She is in no danger at present and it is expected that the vessel will be refloated is soon as the tide makes.”
29th June 1910 → the following article was published in the ‘Evening News’, Sydney:
27th June 1911 → the ‘Sydney Morning Herald’ reported:
“STEAMER BELLINGER AGROUND.
A telegraphic message received yesterday stated that Messrs. Allen Taylor and Co.’s steamer Bellinger had gone aground on the Bellinger bar. It was expected, that the vessel would float off with the evening’s tide.”
Sydney Morning Herald – 29 Apr 1912
29th April 1912 → under the command of Captain John Rosten, the SS ‘Bellinger’ struck the notorious Nambucca bar → her hull split → she began taking in water → and, sadly sank. Thankfully there was no loss of life as the local fishermen sprung into action and rescued all on board . . .
