Launches of Lyttelton Harbour #2

Not long ago I put up a post about the steamer SS John Anderson. While I'm working on my second and third Purau posts I thought I'd publish images of some of the other steamers that served the various bays in Whakaraupo/Lyttelton Harbour and beyond. These sturdy little boats provided vital links for isolated communities and much delight for Lyttelton and Christchurch residents visiting the bays for a day out.

Steam pinnace Canterbury at Governors Bay c. 1905, FC Bishop collection, Canterbury Museum.

The white structures along the foreshore are tents pitched by visitors who could enjoy

an inexpensive holiday by the sea.

Mullogh at Governors Bay jetty (Coral Atkinson postcard collection).
A single screw iron steamship, Mullogh was built in 1855 in Belfast, Ireland. After serving the Canterbury area for many years, in 1923 she was stripped and beached on Quail Island where she lies today.

Remains of Mullogh to the left, near shore. Her rusty boiler visible. (Jane Robertson, 1915)

A very crowded Monica heading to Governors Bay (Graeme Small).
The twin-screw steamer Monica was built in Auckland and commenced work on Lyttelton Harbour and around the Banks Peninsula bays at the end of 1909.

Monica at Lyttelton c. 1925. Press, Alexander Turnbull Library.
The banner to the left reads 'Governors Bay Excursions'.

A proposed extension (marked in red) to the 'small steamers jetty' in Lyttelton, 1909. (Archives NZ/ECan)