Port Molyneux : the story of Maori and pakeha in South Otago : a centennial history : commemorating the landing of George Willsher and his companions at Willsher Bay, June 28, 1840 : with a programme for the unveiling of the centennial cairn, erected by the Clutha County Council, June 28, 1940
Steamers On The River
Steamers On The River.
In an attempt to open up trade with the goldfields, the first steamer for up–river traffic, the “Tuapeka,” Captain Murray, reached Port Molyneux on August 11, 1863. She made trips as far as Tuapeka Mouth. In 1867, Sir George Grey, the Governor, used her to travel on the river, visiting Port Molyneux and the coalfields at Kaitangata.
The next steamer was not a success. The “Clutha” was a side paddle boat and was built at Clydevale in 1871. It is said that her engine was taken from a steam plough used at Clydevale.
The real successor to the “Tuapeka” was the “Balclutha.” The engine was taken out of the “Tuapeka” and put in the “Balclutha.” She was built at Port Molyneux, “opposite the Brick Cottage,” by Mr. Robert Mason from Dunedin.
The succeeding ships were the “Iona,” the “Matau,” and the “Clyde,” and the present steamer, the “Clutha.”