Lorne Victoria Australia

The Erskine Ketch was built in Geelong for the Lorne Sawmills Pty. Ltd in 1922. It was used to transport goods to Lorne and timber from the Lorne sawmills.

The wooden ketch ‘Erskine’ in an unidentified harbour [wooden auxiliary 2 mast ketch. 89 gross, 56 net tons. ON151804. 88.8 x 23.0 x7.2. Built 1922 Geelong. Owners: Lorne Sawmills Pty. Ltd. Registered Melbourne. Wrecked Mussel Roe Bay, Tasmania in 1935].1911 SLSA

The Geelong Advertiser of 6th May 1934, reported that ketch Erskine was bringing machinery for the new sawmill, which is being erected on the Kalimna track. The mill was expected to be working in June.

The Erskine, built in Geelong in 1922.

The ketch Erskine berthed at Lorne Pier, to load timber from the St George River sawmill.

It was reported in the Geelong Advertiser, of 11th July 1925, that the ketch Erskine arrived, having been to Apollo Bay first. She brought general cargo and then loaded up thirty five thousand feet of sawn hardwood for Melbourne.

On Wednesday 16th December 1925, the Geelong Advertiser reported that ketch Erskine was to arrive on Saturday afternoon with a full cargo including, a new Ruston-Hornsby electric plant which has cost £1012. It is hoped this will be running by Christmas Eve as the present plant is considered unable to carry the load from that date.

The Erskine was bought by Holyman and Sons of Melbourne in 1933. The 89 ton ketch Erskine was bought from its former owners, the Lorne Sawmills Pty Ltd. Holyman’s claimed the distinction of being the only shipowners in the Southern hemisphere to control aerial, steam and sailing ship transport.
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It was reported in December 1935, the Ketch Erskine was a total wreck after being blown ashore at Musselroe Bay Tasmania. The ship was valued at £15000 and broke up quickly.

Sources:

  • Lorne Historical Society Collections
  • Geelong Advertiser
  • TROVE