Category:Cobar (ship, 1903)

Steam Launch Cobar

launched 2 p.m. Saturday, 23 May 1903 at Laurieton, NSW The Sydney Morning Herald Mon 25 May 1903 Page 5 - LAUNCH OF A STEAMER.

(alternative report) A new steamer called the Cobar, intended

for the coastal trade has been launched at Kendall near Port Macquarie. The vessel , which was built by Mr. De Fraine to the order of Mr. Dunn, of North Sydney, is 120 ft. overall with 21 ft beam and 10 ft. depth of n otil. Just before the vessel was launched she was sold to Captain Williams, of Wellington, New Zealand It is the intention of the same people to immediately lay down another boat of similar dimensions. Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate Wed 27 May 1903 Page 4

Photographs of agent (Captain Dunn) for owner William Longworth and the launch of Cobar at Laurieton, NSW Mid North Coast and Mr Williams former owner of Wellington Steam Ferry Company

Launch of the Steamer Cobar.

A very successful launch took place from the site of building this vessel to the order of Mr. William Longworth, of Point Piper, Sydney.

The Cobar is 120ft. long, with a beam of 24ft., and 10ft. depth of hold. She is specially con- structed for passenger and tug service. Planked with the finest flooded gum, 9 x 2½in. In long lengths, her timbers are of spotted gum, bent planks 6 x 1½in., three in all, making up to 6 x 4½in., with worked floors, 8ft. arms timbers, and floors 15in, centres. She has four stringers and shelving streak running the full length of the ship 10 x 4in., all thoroughly fastened with metal. The keel and kelson are of the best hardwood, and run the whole length of the ship without scarf. Her beams are of 6 x 6in. spotted gum, single kneed at each end, and in that portion where the en- gine and boilers are situated additional hanging knees are placed in keeping with the Board of Trade regulations.

The engine beds are 14 x 14in., 60ft. long. The bulwarks are panelled, and of the finest design in 1½in. beech. The entire fittings are of cedar, beech, rosewood, mahogany, corkwood, and silky oak, all products of the Camden Haven district. This vessel has been built by Mr. George De Fraine alongside that gentleman's well-known sawmill, the whole of the timber with the exception of the deck which is of first-class kauri, being the products of the Camden Haven district.

The contract time for the completion of this vessel was 125 days. But the contractor in competing and launching her within 72 days from the date of laying her keel probably accomplished the smartest piece of work ever done in Australia.

In order to bring this w:ork to a successful issue, the services of Mr. William Dunn, the well-known shipbuilder of North Syd ney, were engaged, needless to say, to the perfect satisfaction of the contractor and everybody concerned.

The Cobar was designed by Captain F. T. Dunn, late master of the pilot steamer Ajax, who is also the surveyor for the vessel, and in the capacity for which this vessel is required, should prove every success and do credit to that gentleman's long experience. The engines and boilers will be supplied by that well-known firm of engineers, Wildridge and Sinclair, of Sydney, who anticipate a speed of from 13 to 14 knots per hour. Mr. William Dunn built the Pluvius for T. Wallace, White Star for the Hon. R. H. D. White, Ena for T. A. Dibbs. and designed and built the Wallaby, which was the first double ended screw steamer in Sydney 26 years ago. He has built 433? steamers besides sailing vessels.

THE NEW STEAMER COBAR.

OFFICIAL TRIAL TRIP.

The new steamer Cobar, built to the order of Mr. William Longworth, of the Great Cobar Copper Min- ing Company, Limited, and of Point Piper, Sydney, was taken for her speed trials yesterday afternoon with gratifying results. The Cobar, with a company of upwards of 250 persons on board, left Fort Mac- quarie at 2.15 p.m., and a thoroughly enjoyable trip was made to Middle Harbour, the city being reached on the return journey at 6.15 p.m. The little vessel was gaily decorated from stem to stern for the occasion, and a string band was in attendance. She twice steamed over the measured mile from Fort Denison to Bradley's Head in 5min, or at a speed of 12 knots. A halt was made for over an hour at the head of Middle Harbour, where refreshments were served, and a toast list honoured. Subsequently the party landed at Lane's Gardens, where a series of photo- graphs were taken.

The Cobar has been primarily built as a private pleasure yacht for her owner, but she will also be employed for excursion and fishing parties, and for towage work. She was designed by Captain F. T. Dunne (formerly master of the Government Pilot steamer Ajax, at Newcastle.The Sydney Morning Herald Fri 11 Sep 1903, Page 5 THE NEW STEAMER COBAR

Port Stephens September 1903 Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate Mon 21 Sep 1903 Page 6 CRUISE OF THE COBAR.

CRUISE OF THE COBAR,

The Cobar touched at Nelson's Bay, and then proceded to the Tea Gardens where Mr. William Longworth had landed as a little boy when he arrived in the colony with his parents 53 years previously. Mr. David Davis ex-Mayor of Paddington, arranged to entertain the residents by giving a ball at the local hall. The residents showed their appreciation by attending in large numbers, and to further show their approval gave a return ball on Thursday evening. The Cobar returned to Newcastle on Friday morning. After a trip up the Hunter she left for Sydney.

A TRIP ON THE COBAR. May 1905

On Thursday last, at the invitation of Mr. William Longworth, a number of that gentlemen's friends were taken on a trip to Port Stephens in that gentleman's well kInown steam launch Cobar, amongsst those present being Mr. Thomas Longworth and some members of his family, Dr. Read, Mr. David Davies, of Sydney, and his two daughters; Sir. W. Robinson, of Singleton; Mr. T. Abel of Plattsburg; Messrs. Crane and Coates, of Sydney; and Mr Joseph, the English representative of the London syndicate sent out to make arrangements for the purchase of the Great Cobar Copper Mine. The weather being all that could be desired a splendid run was made to Nelson's Bay, where the party were joined by Mr. William Longworth anud the small oil launch Swan, which Mr. Longworth had specially engaged to enable them to visit the Myall Lakes. The Cobar then proceeded on to what is known as the Duck Pond, which apparently forms a portion of this inland sea. A visit was then made to the residence of Mrs. White, and an inspection made of the well kept grounds. It may be mentioned that it was in this locality that Mr. Longworth's father and mother first landed in the colony in 1853, and it is on that account that the gentleman in question has taken the old cottage and is spending a well earned holiday.

Next day the party proceeded up to the Myall Lakes, passing en route the Tea Gardens, where, as on the occasion of their previous visit, the hall was engaged for a social the following evening, and a free invitation tendered to the residents. On arrival at the Myall Lakes an old well-known Hcxham resident was met in the person of Mr. Alex. Campbell, fisherman. Here the old man and his wife were busy plying their avocation. Mr. Campbell, although considerably over 80 years of age, was as bright and sprightly as a young man. According to arrangements, the party visited the Tea Gardens the following evening, and it is needless to say the residents turned out en masse. A novelty was introduced by Mr. Davis with a phonograph, and a proposal to give a silver watch to the best local singer and the best lady dancer. There were three competitors in the singing contest, and no less than six ladies were nominated as the best dancer, the result being that a vote was taken. One lady secured 27 votes and the other five ladies 26 votes, so that the contest was very close. Mr. Davies took the precaution to announce that before awarding the prizes he had a number of silver watches to distribute amongst the Cobar party for fishing, &., and it was a pleasure to see thie local prize-takers watching the distribution, evidently afraid that all the watches would be gone before their turn came. But when the distribution was made the watches turned out to be chocolate with silver'paper.

The remainder of the trip was spent in fishing at flroughton Island and, vicinity, where some splendid hauls were made, over 200 fish being caught, a large proportion being schnapper. In fact, for sport, pleasure, and comfort the trip was all that could be desired. There was a good cook and steward with ample provision for the inner man, and splendid weather all through.Newcastle Morning Herald and Miners' Advocate Wed 31 May 1905 Page 7 A TRIP ON THE COBAR

The excursion steamer Cobar

has been sold to the Wellington (N.Z.) Steam Ferry Company, and she will leave early next week. The Cobar was built at LanrietonThe Manning River Times and Advocate for the Northern Coast Districts of New South Wales Sat 10 Mar 1906 Page 4

It has been announced that the well-known Sydney steamer Cobar has been sold to the Wellington (N.Z.) Ferry Company. She will be docked for an overhaul on Tuesday, and will sail a few days later.Evening News Wed 7 Mar 1906 Page 5

Wellington - March 1906

• sold to Wellington Steam Ferry Evening Post 7 March 1906 Page 7
• Sighted Evening Post 21 March 1906 Page 8
• Trial run and afternoon tea Evening Post 4 April 1906 Page 8
• Speeches Evening Post 5 April 1906 Page 5

BOATS

Mr. Wm. Longworth, who had the steamer Cobar built some time ago, has now become a motor boat owner, and a fine pleasure launch in the Rose has just been launched for him by W. M. Ford, of Berry's Bay. She will take the place of the Cobar, which has, of course, been sold to New Zealand.The Australian Star Sat 5 May 1906 Page 3 BOATS

FIRE ON BOARD FERRY

SERIOUS DAMAGE CAUSED INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE

PA WELLINGTON. Mar. 21. Fire on board the harbour ferry, Cobar, at Day’s Bay wharf about 8.30 p.m. yesterday caused damage estimated at approaching £IOOO and will put the vessel out of commission for months. The fire started in the crew’s quarters among paint, oilskins and seaboots, and spread along the passenger accommodation. The cause is unknown, but the police are investigating. The Eatsbournc and Day’s Bay Fire Brigades attended the outbreak which had a good hold before the brigades could start pumping sea water into the burning vessel, while at one stage the wharf also caught alight. The fire was extinguished about 10 p.m.. but not before 30 feet of woodwork on both sides were badly charred and several steel plates near the seat of the fire were buckled. According to a company official, the Cobar will make one run with passengers to-day, but her schedule after that will depend on the decision of the Marine Department.Otago Daily Times 22 March 1948 Page 5

OBITUARY. MR. WILLIAM LONGWORTH.

SYDNEY, Wednesday. —Mr. William Longworth, member of the original Cobar Mine Syndicate, died at his home at Port Stephens today. The Cobar Syndicate which included the late Mr. Thomas Longworth, who died a year ago, and others, disposed of its rich holdings to an English company, which later went into liquidation. Mr. William Longworth was a generous benefactor, and liberally assisted charitable institutions in many parts of the State. It is estimated that his benefactions in the last few years amounted to £30,000. Mr. Thomas Longworth left an estate valued at £300,000.

Toowoomba Chronicle and Darling Downs Gazette (Qld. : 1922 - 1933) Thu 6 Dec 1928 Page 7