Demon Firewww.youtube.com/watch?v=WllOatNmBK4
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens.Processed in Adobe Lightroom.
Unley Uniting church
Sydney Harbour late afternoon red.
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'Sunrise Star' at Brooklyn as the River PostmanSunrise Star was relocated to Brooklyn on the Hawkesbury River and operated as the River Postman.
This report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales(Taree,NSW:1898-1954),Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ). Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: Unknown
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Working Day And Nightwww.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=zWaRajBJGiU
Turn the volume up on your Spotify, lol.
The city photographed from the headland at Cremorne Point, just above the wharf and near the Robertson lighthouse. The ferry on the harbour is heading to Circular Quay, having just departed from Cremorne Point Wharf on the Mosman Bay service - one of the best ferry journeys on Sydney harbour!!
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 75-300 f4-5.6 lens.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and PhotoPad Pro by NCH software.
'Sunrise Star' Advertisement Dec 1948Sunrise Star to Lakes Entrance and then the Phillip Island. The vessel retuned to Sydney after only a few days at Phillip Island.
This report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales(Taree,NSW:1898-1954),Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ). Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: Trove
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Sunrise Star in Lavender Bay (ex GKA)Sunrise Star run to Lunar Park and Lavender Bay was an important part of the Hegarty operation until the ghost train incident closed Luna Park in 1979. Stannards continued the Lavender Bay McMahons Point run.
This report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch, ferry
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek, Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree,NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ).
Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: stanton.imagegallery.me/ Image from the Graeme Andrews Collection
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
'Sunrise Star' approaching Luna ParkSunrise Star run to Lunar Park was an important part of the Hegarty operation until the ghost train incident closed Luna Park in 1979.
This report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch, ferry
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek, Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree,NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ).
Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: Author/creatorJohn Ward
archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/1829157
Provided courtesy of the City of Sydney Archives
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Hi Tide
post box at cremorne point, sydney
'Sunrise Star' approaching the wharf in Lavender Bay.Sunrise Star was an important part of the Hegarty fleet operating between Lavender Bay, Luna Park, McMahons Point and Circular Quay. This image is believed to have been taken in 1974.
This report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch, ferry
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek, Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree,NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ).
Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: Unknown
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Hegarty's Ferries tokenThis report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales(Taree,NSW:1898-1954),Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ). Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: Unknown
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Manning River Dairy Co-Op Society vessel 'Sunrise' (later 'Sunrise Star') on the Manning RiverThis report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferry Sunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch, ferry
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek, Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree,NSW:1898-1954),Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ).
Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below:
“One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source: unknown
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Hideaway, Sydneywww.youtube.com/watch?v=DtUyx91Lptk
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and PhotoPadPro by NCH software.
Desirewww.youtube.com/watch?v=z8rQ575DWD8
Check the amazing video!
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lens.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom and PhotoPad Pro by NCH software.
Cremorne Street at Swan Street in Cremorne, Melbourne
'SUNRISE' (1926 - 2000) - launch at Oxley Island Manning RiverThis report was prepared by Graham Nicholson, Chris Borough and Philip Pope
DETAILS:
Name: Sunrise [Originally named Oxley and later the ferrySunrise Star ]
Type: Cream/Milk launch
Length:70.5ft
Beam: 16.0 ft
Depth in Hold: 4.4 ft
Official Number: ON 172919 - 5/1941 Sydney
Date: 27th March 1941
Gross: 36 tons
Engine: 119 h.p. Atlas Diesel
Builder: Mr W.O Ryan.
Launched: 30th June 1926 , Scotts Creek Oxley Island
Owners: [this information is indicative and largely based on press reports; information may be inaccurate]
Initial - Manning River Dairy Co-op. Society.
March 1941 – Norman Downend Hegarty
September 1946 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd
September 1949 – N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (syndicate owned by Maud Barber , Jean Porter (trainee Naval Architect) and Arthur Barber)
Circa 1960 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Sold to J. C. Needham)
1980 -1982 N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd (Stannard Bros.
Circa 1982 Sold to Gordon Davey – Hawkesbury River Ferries – Brooklyn (Graeme Andrews pers. comm.)
1987 Sold to Captain Cook Cruises
1992-1999 Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd (charter work)
DESCRIPTION OF OXLEY (SUNRISE ) BY HIS SON W.M. RYAN
I am pleased to be able to supply information regards the building of the ‘Sunrise’, now ‘Sunrise Star’ used in Sydney as a ferry. The ‘Sunrise’ was built by my father W.O. Ryan at Oxley Island in 1926 for the M. R .Dairy Society, Mitchell Island. She was built for collecting cream along the river as far upstream as Wingham. She cost £1010.
She was built of local timber keel, keelson, stem, stern post, etc, all being grown and squared on the island. Planking (is) blue gum bottom, Oregon topsides and beech decking. She was flush-decked with an awning to keep the cream cool and accommodation aft for 26 passengers. Was powered by a 100hp Atlas Imperial diesel.
My father was in charge of the loft at Walsh Island dockyard before returning to Oxley to build the ‘Sunrise.’
1926 - LAUNCH OF OXLEY – LATER SUNRISE
“Extract:”
“Mr. W. Ryan has the contract for the new launch and good progress is being made. At the last meeting the company decided to order an “Atlas” Diesel engine from America. The new launch is costing ₤4,000. It will be able to do 12 miles per hour.
The launch is about the same size as the Yankee Jack but has a greater carrying capacity and is faster by four miles per hour.” The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales (Taree, NSW:1898-1954), Saturday 5 December 1925
There was a large gathering at Oxley Island on Wednesday to witness the launching of the Manning River Daily Company's new launch, "The Oxley." The people gathered from many parts of the district. Launches from Taree and Croki took large numbers of passengers to the scene of the launching ceremony; and it was an enthusiastic and expectant throng that gathered on the river banks at midday to inspect the craft as she lay on the slips and watch the preparations for the launching. The weather was all that could have been desired for the occasion. The day was bright and sunny, only an occasional cloud drifting between earth and sun. A keen southerly wind set the white-capped wavelets a-dancing merrily, as though eager to welcome the thing of beauty that rested so gracefully on the stocks. The Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales(Taree,NSW:1898-1954),Saturday 3 July 1926
NEW FACTORY BOAT – FORMERLY THE OXLEY – TRIAL RUN
“The M.R. Dairy Co’s. new cream boat The Sunrise which was recently launched at the yards of the builder, Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island, had its trial run on Saturday [6th November 1926] morning for the purpose of allowing the navigation Department’s officials to inspect and survey it.
Some of the directors, with the manager, secretary and contractor, accompanied the boat to Taree, where it was joined by Mr. R. S. Vincent, M.L.A., and several business people. A trip was made to Bay’s Hill and back. The return journey to Croki was made in 50 minutes, which is considered good time for a cream boat. The speed of the Sunrise is estimated at 12 miles per hour.
Mr Whatson, of the Navigation Department, and Mr Allan Kell, the Departments representative on the Manning, had a thorough look over the hull and engine. Mr Whatson expressed himself as being pleased with the substantial work put into the craft by the builder. The Sunrise has been fitted with a neat, well ventilated cabin. The engine room is treated similarly to the cabin, and can be locked up. It is lined with asbestos and sheet tin, which minimises the risk of fire. The wheelhouse is fitted with the telegraph system of signalling to the engine room, and a business like wheel stands behind the glassed in front. The new boat is fitted with a 119 h.p. Atlas full Diesel engine, which stops, starts and reverses in answer to a lever, similar to a steam engine. A small engine is installed to compress the air with which the big engine is started. It is intended to place a fire pump on board. The Department has stipulated that a compass must be fitted – a rather unnecessary instrument on a river boat.
The Sunrise is to replace the Yankee Jack on the Wingham run.
It will carry 50 per cent, more cream cans than the “Yankee”, and the accommodation for passengers will also be greater. The new boat is captained by Mr Tom Gale, with Mr. Goodsell as engineer.” The Northern Champion (Taree, NSW: 1913-1954), Wednesday 10 November 1926
SOLD TO NORMAN DOWNEND HEGARTY IN MARCH 1941
SUNRISE SOLD
WELL-KNOWN CREAM BOAT
The M.R. Co-operative Dairy Society's well known cream boat, the Sunrise, of 36 tons, has been sold to Mr. Hegarty, of Sydney. The purchaser sent up his own crew to take the boat to Sydney. She crossed over the Harrington bar on Tuesday afternoon [23rd April] and reached Sydney at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday [24th April]. The Sunrise, which has been in commission for 14 years, was built by Mr. W. Ryan, of Oxley Island. The society is now calling tenders for a 40ft. launch to replace the ''Sunrise"
The Northern Champion Saturday 27th April 1940
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR
In November 1932 (the year the Sydney Harbour Bridge opened) Norman Downend Hegarty took over running of the service between Circular Quay and McMahons Point from Sydney Ferries Ltd. and undertook to operate a 15 minutes service on the McMahons Point/Lavender Bay services.
By 1940 Hegarty’s was also running services to Kirribilli and Milsons Point and in 1941 purchased the Sunrise and renamed her the Sunrise Star . Ownership of the Sunrise Star was transferred to N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd in 1946. By the late 1940s, Hegarty’s were nearly forced to shut down due to incurring heavy losses. Norman Hegarty sold the business in 1949.
“FOR SALE -FERRY SERVICE
A Sydney ferry service operating between Circular Quay McMahons Point-Kirribilli is for sale. Its diesel-engined boats, its wharves, offices, and equipment are all in the market. N. D. Hegarty and Sons Pty. Ltd., who took over the concern from Sydney Ferries Ltd. after the Harbour Bridge was built, intend to concentrate on their Victorian interests.” The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954) Thu 2 Jun 1949
OPERATION IN VICTORIA
The initial ferry venture undertaken was to place two ferries, the Sunrise Star and the M.V. Estelle Star” , at Lakes Entrance in Gippsland in December 1948
Shortly after Hegarty brought the Sunrise Star to Western Port to operate the Cowes [Phillip Island] to Stoney Point [Mornington Peninsula] run.
FERRY SERVICE TO COWES
Ferry services between Stony Point and Cowes are being provided by the private motor launch Idis until a ferryboat arrives from Lakes Entrance next month to replace the Sunrise Star , withdrawn by order of the Marine Board on Friday. The Sunrise Star, which started the service only last Wednesday, was ordered off the run because she did not carry the regulation number of lifeboats. The Age (Melbourne, Vic.: 1854-1954),10 January 1949,page 6
"ESTELLE STAR" FOR PHILLIP ISLAND FERRY SERVICE
LAKES ENTRANCE, Monday.—Owing to the withdrawal of the “Sunrise Star” from the ferry service between Stoney Point and Cowes. "Estelle Star” left Lakes Entrance at six p.m. on Sunday, en route for Cowes to take over the service.
The "Sunrise Star" only took over the service last week. The “Estelle Star,” running as a show boat on the lakes during the Christmas and New Year season proved very popular with the tourists and its fully glassed-in decks had been ideally suitable for the inclement weather conditions experienced. With favourable easterly weather on its departure the "Estelle Star” was expected to reach its destination in about twenty hours' sailing time. It is not known whether another ferry will be put on service on the lakes this season.Bairnsdale Advertiser and East Gippsland Stock and Station Journal (Vic. : 1946 - 1954) - Tue 11 Jan 1949
The Sunrise Star was returned to Sydney in 1949 and became an integral part of N. D. Hegarty Pty Ltd; operation managed by Maud Barker.
PURCHASE BY MAUD BARKER, JEAN PORTER AND ARTHUR BARKER
September 1949 saw a dramatic change in management N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty Ltd was sold to a syndicate comprising Maud Barker (manager), Jean Porter (Naval Architect student) and Arthur Barker (Naval Architect). In 1951 journalist Margaret Clarke wrote a story in the Sunday Herald (The Sunday Herald (Sydney, NSW : 1949 - 1953 Sun 1 Apr 1951 ).
Some pieces from Margaret’s story have been extracted below: “One Sydney woman is confident that Sydney won't lose essential ferry services - and what is more, she says she'll provide them if they're needed. She is Mrs. Maud Barber, general manager of N. D. Hegarty and Son Pty. Ltd. The story of Mrs. Barber, housewife and business woman, is salutary. For where men could not do so, she has made ferries pay ("good housekeeping, you know. Economy, common-sense, foresight").
Mrs. Barber's firm employs 36 men already, and if necessary it will take on more. Who says that ferries don't pay? "Not I," says Mrs. Barber. "I've got a really nice little business. It's a little gold mine." The secret? Smaller, handier ferries.
Mrs. Barber was sitting in her shipshape office at Jetty Six, Circular Quay, when I poked my head around the door. She was talking into a microphone. "Attention, deckhand from McMahons Point boat!" she was saying. I could hear her voice reverberating along the jetty where the trim white launch was tying up. Mrs. Barber's swift little craft serve Jeffreys and Beulah Streets, Kirribilli, and McMahons Point, Lavender Bay and Luna Park. "We won't let the North Shore water-dwellers down," she said cheerfully. "If Sydney Ferries do give up at the end of June as they threaten, I'll have a skeleton service on the water within 24 hours. Folk at Cremorne and Mosman needn't lose any sleep about getting to work of à morning."
NINE YEAR OLD BOY TOOK FERRY
SYDNEY, Thursday.
Police said today they were amazed that a nine year-old boy had been able to man a ferry by himself and go for a 20 minute voyage around Sydney Harbour.
"The boy had to show the police how he had started the ferry after they had tried themselves for several minutes", a police spokesman said today. The boy had made frequent trips to Luna Park on the ferry in the past. He had piloted the 75ft Sunrise Star from Circular Quay about 11.30pm. The ferry had been unattended and the boy slipped the moorings. On the way out from Circular Quay the Sunrise Star scraped past another ferry, the Lady Ferguson. Neither vessel was badly damaged and the boy headed his craft out into the harbour.
The ferry headed under the Harbour Bridge and made for Balmain. Soon afterwards it struck trouble and went around in circles. The ferry then made towards the Opera House. Two water police launches cornered the ferry about 100 yd off Bennelong Point. A boy will appear in the Children's Court in two weeks' time charged with stealing. The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Fri 28 May 1971
Around 1960, Maud and her syndicate sold to J. C. Needham; no details have been found but the Sunrise Star continued to operate on Sydney Harbour.
OPERATION ON SYDNEY HARBOUR AFTER SALE
It was the closure of Luna Park in 1979, after the disastrous Ghost Train fire, which really undermined the viability of Hegarty’s ferries. It is believed that Hegarty’s ferries continued the ferry service under Stannard Bros. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.) but details are unavailable.
SUNRISE STAR SOLD TO GORDON DAVEY AND BECOMES THE RIVERBOAT POSTMANSunrise Star on the Hawkesbury River
“Sunday Gardener
By SUSAN PARSONS
If YOU agree that the next best thing to gardening is messing about in boats, there is an excursion waiting to beguile you in Sydney. Ten years ago, Mr Gordon Davey left a sales career to establish Hawkesbury River Ferries. His business was given a new dimension with a contract from Australia Post to deliver mail in the area, and people who would normally not be tempted on a tourist cruise were drawn to a trip with the Riverboat Postman.
The Gosford train leaves Central Railway at 8.15am and stops 20 metres from the wharf at 9.15am, or you can drive up the Pacific Highway and take the old road down to Brooklyn. Cast off time is 9.30am.
If, like me, you prefer a simple boat, take a water-picnic lunch and opt for the 40 tonne Sunrise Star in lieu of the two-deck glamour vessel MV Hawkesbury on which a smorgasbord luncheon is served.” The Canberra Times (ACT: 1926 - 1995) - Sun 12 Jan 1986
SUNRISE STAR RETURNS TO SYDNEY AS CHARTER BOATSunrise Star returned to Sydney Harbour as a charter boat; initially by Captain Cook Cruises and later Low Cost Cruises Pty Ltd.
FINAL DAYS
In 2000, the Sunrise Star sank at berth at Birkenhead Point, Sydney, NSW. (Mori Flapan pers. comm.)
Image Source : Unknown
Image Enhancement: Philip Pope
All Images in this photostream are Copyright - Great Lakes Manning River Shipping and/or their individual owners as may be stated above and may not be downloaded, reproduced, or used in any way without prior written approval.
href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/2224235@N24/pool/with/6355913885/#photo_6355913885">GREAT LAKES MANNING RIVER SHIPPING, NSW - Flickr Group --> Alphabetical Boat Index Boat builders Index Tags List
Rivers Of Babylonwww.youtube.com/watch?v=2FgDles4xq8
My Canon EOS 5D Mk IV with the Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 lens.
Processed in Adobe Lightroom ans PhotoPad Pro by NCH software.
Cremorne Gardens.
Cremorne Gardens
Cremorne Gardens Gate on the Thames Path walk.
Cremorne Ghost Signs (52)
Cremorne Ghost Signs (50)
