Mallee - Part 1

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This transcription is complete

WEDNESDAY, 6th DECEMBER, 1916.

(At Perth.)

Present:

Charles Edward Dempster, Esq. (Chairman).

Matthew Thomas Padbury, Esq. Ranald McDonald, Esq.

ALBERT ERNEST DOUGLAS, age 41, Master of the s.s. "Eucla," sworn and examined:

503. By the CHAIRMAN: Will you please tell the Commission what experience you have had as a master of shipping and what your experience has been of the South coast between Hopetoun and Israelite Bay?— I have had 27 years' experience on the sea, nearly all on the South coast, and I have had 14 years' experience as master on the South coast between Albany and Eucla. I am familiar with all the harbours between the two places; there is no one who knows them better.

504. What are the possibilities of these harbours for discharging and taking in cargo?— Lucky Bay, Mississipi Bay, Victoria Harbour, Duke of Orleans Bay, Alexander River, Barrier Anchorage, Ada Bay, Bellenger Anchorage, Point Malcolm and Israelite Bay. You can take a fair sized ship into any of these harbours for shelter without any danger. In almost any weather there is good shelter to be got there. The South-East winds, however, affect them just as other ports are affected by certain winds. I have discharged cargoes from all the ships I have been on at all these ports. Between Esperance and Hopetoun a vessel drawing 30ft. can discharge cargo at Starvation Boat Harbour. Vessels of 20ft. draught can enter Fanny's Cove. There are landings at these and at the other harbours mentioned that can be made use of with small boats.

505. Are there any difficulties in entering these harbours?— Yes, they cannot be entered unless a mariner has a local knowledge or unless he is accompanied by a pilot.

506. Which is the best harbour along the South coast?— The best all-round harbour is undoubtedly Esperance, It is one of the best grounds along the coast. It has a good sandy bottom. There is a five mile scope of safe anchorage. I have here Admiralty Chart No. 2984. You will see from it that the ten fathom contour goes out to Rabbit Island. This breaks the sea and ensures a safe anchorage. I have recommended that a jetty should be built half a mile North of the present jetty. At the site of the proposed new jetty the depth of the water is 36 feet. That would be about half a mile from the shore. That would be impossible to work at the existing jetty if the port were of any importance, but for the trade

which is likely to go there for the next few years that jetty will meet requirements. The depth of water to be got there is not more than 21 feet. Of course they can do with that jetty what has been done with the jetties at Busselton and Geraldton. The coast is all surveyed and charted as far as Middle Island. It is a close survey, but it is not quite correct.

507. is there anyone who knows as much about this part of the coast as you do?— I do not think anyone knows it better. I have found reefs that were not charted. My uncle, Capt. Fred. Douglas, has had some 46 years' experience, and though he is very familiar with that part of the coast, I have been able to tell him of some reefs, the existence of which he was not aware.

508. Have the Government ever asked you for a report on the harbour?— They asked for a report a long while ago, before they sent Mr. Anketell down to make surveys. I told them in the report that the present jetty would not be suitable,for oversea vessels, and even if they doubled its lenght they could not make it suitable, because while they would clear the point they would still be too near the five-fathom contour to be safe. I reported that it would be advisable to build another jetty half a mile North of the present one, and take it out in a Southerly direction into 36 feet of water. I reported to that effect some 18 months ago.

509. How does Esperance compare with other ports such as Bunbury and Busselton?— At Bunbury there is a mole, and a harbour has been made there. Esperance is certainly better than Bunbury was before the breakwater was built.

510. How would you compare Esperance with Geraldton?— Taking into account lost time over the year, where you could work Geraldton for ten months, you could work Esperance for eleven. The only thing that affects Esperance at times is a big South-West underground swell. But that is very rare. I have experienced it only twice in the last six years. Even then, if the jetty had been where I have suggested it should be built. I could have worked right through.

511. Do you consider it would be possible to make Esperance a really good harbour?— Undoubtedly, A glance at the chart shows it would be feasible to construct a breakwater running out from Dempster Head.

512. By Mr. PADBURY: Do you think big vessels would be able to load wheat there without any danger?— Undoubtedly. The depth of water would give a vessel drawing 30 feet some six feet underneath, and thus allow her to ride easily on her springs. We know that if there is only about six inches of water under a vessel she is hard to hold, there being a big strain on the springs, ship, and jetty. Given a clearance of six feet there is no