Page 17 - NC Senior Scene - 2022
P. 17
www.seniorsbook.com.au PAGE 17
and a larger grain shed was con- when the municipality became After Sturt first discovered and second largest port with 240 boats
structed in 1889 (where the Moama part of the Shire of Murry. named the Murray River in 1830, annually trading in all types of
Bowling club is today), to store Appreciation to Judy Hearn, it was over twenty years before goods, particularly wool.
grain for the mill. Coach build- author of “Galleries of Pink Galahs”, the first two steamboats made But just before the turn of the cen-
ers, black smiths, boot-makers, for supplying this article. their way upstream. In 1854 the tury, railway lines were linking
carpenters, stock agents, store- 'Mary Ann' skippered by William many river towns with the larger
keepers, and other businesses History of the Randall, and the 'Lady Augusta' cities and the steamboat era was
that made up a township at that paddlesteamer era under Captain Francis Cadell, ran already passing. Eventually boats
time became firmly established. an unexpected race up-river, each were tied up all along the Murray
Moama Agriculture show was held Abandoned steamboats and sure of being the first to open up River waiting for work that never
annually and organisations and barges, tall redgum wharf, small the Murray for traffic. The 'Lady came. Some sank or were broken
clubs were in full swing. Most reli- towns that show evidence of Augusta' passed the 'Mary Ann' up, a few ran halfway into this
gious denominations were in evi- once having been much larger, arriving at the tiny settlement of century as fishing boats, logging
dence – along with many hotels. old station homesteads that face Swan hill only hours before the steamers and passenger boats.
By 1880 Moama had a population the Murray, all these are constant 'Mary Ann'. The few settlers along Interest in restoring and using old
of 700 and a district of 1000. It was reminders to the river traveller of the way greeted both with much steamboats has been revived and
proclaimed a Municipality with two the days when hundreds of steam- enthusiasm and hospitality. there are some like the 'Etona',
wards on 30th December 1890. The ers raced along the Murray River, By 1860 there were 17 steam- 'Melbourne' and 'Enterprise'
first Council meeting was held on opening up large areas of New ers trading and operating on the which, to the delight of steam
16th March, 1891. Known at first South Wales, Victoria and South river and by 1863 the new town of enthusiasts keep their steam
as the Council of Municipality of Australia. For many settlers, they Echuca had a population of 300. engines in defiance of diesel
Moama in February 1907. Moama were the only source of supply and Less than 10 years later it was power.
retained this status until 1953 contact with the outside world. 1,600 and Echuca was Victoria's
EXPERIENCE YOUR SELF
HEALING ADVENTURE
We provide classes, guidance and accommodation to explore the
healing benefits of nature in beautiful Raymond Island, Victoria.
Gift
TUDOR STYLE GUEST
ACCOMMODATIONS Basket
on arrival
Stay at this waterfront vintage YOGA CLASSES
accommodation encapsulated by
magical gardens and friendly wildlife on Connect deeply with yourself, enhance
Raymond Island, Victoria, Australia. your body awareness, and strengthen HEALTHY LIVING
your centre with Swan Cove Yoga,
including the popular Chair Yoga classes. Be guided toward traditional nutrition
practices based on ancient Yogic
knowledge and wisdom that focuses
on connection to mother earth as the
starting point of healing ourselves.
390 Centre Road, Raymond Island, Victoria 3880 | Ph: 0438 526 933 | www.swancove.com.au
am54011