P.S. Tarella

Adelaide Observer 16/10/1897

"On Tuesday 12th Oct. Mr. A.H.Landseer launched his new steamer "Tarella". It was christened by Miss Hilda Landseer and named after Messrs Quin,, Currie & Co's station in NSW. It is of composite build, steel frames, galvanised steel topsides 3/16" thickness and 3" S.Aust Red Gum bottom. The frames ar 16" apart and 10" steel combings are rivetted to the frames on 3" angle steel from the strong top girder. There are 3 keelsons fore and aft. The vessel is particularly strong though of light draft.

Length 100'0" overall

Beam 20'

Depth 7'6"

Overhanging gaurds with bulwarks extending outside the paddle boxes.

Machinery; a pair of direct acting High Pressure engines of 30HP set on steel girders.

Boiler; a new steel boiler, built to Mr. Landseer's order by Cockran & Co. of Birkenhead, England is of the "Gunboat" type and has many improvements notably a manhole so that the boiler can be cleaned easily. It has been tested to 280Lbs. p.s.i. cold water pressure.

Accomodation; 20 passengers, Lighting; electricity.

To be used for the river trade."

Western Grazier (Wilcannia) NSW Sat 19 Nov 1898

“The Steamer Tarella – the following description of the Tarella is taken from the Federal Standard”

“The Tarella is one of the finest and strongest boats now on the river. She was built at Milang to the order of Mr A.H.Landseer, at a cost of 4000pounds. Her dimensions are: Length 100’, beam 20’6”, depth of hold 6’6”, composed of steel and wood composite, driven by a 30HP direct acting horizontal engine on a draught of 3’. She is built on the latest model for cargo and passenger service on the river; her displacement is 96tons, she has medium speed, and is a splendid towing boat. There is ample accommodation for 16 passengers, the berths, both double and single, are constructed on the latest sanitary principles and are fitted with sprung mattress and every little convenience for the comfort of passengers;  each berth is provided with a set of life preservers. It is the intention of the owners to further enhance the vessel by fitting her with electric light throughout. Both upper and lower decks are guarded by strong pipe rails and netting. A hot and cold water bath is also provided on the second deck. In addition to being strongly constructed, she is very easy to handle and very light on fuel, burning about 6 tons per day. The boiler was specially constructed for her, having all the latest improvements. She is allowed a boiler pressure of 140lbs., but is tested to 280lbs. A remarkable feature in the construction of her boiler is that it consists of only two plates of steel. The Tarella left for Wilcannia on the late rise, but was unable to reach here from insufficiency of water.”