Sixty years of service

Well known in the Port of Melbourne for more than 60 years, the steam tug James Paterson was easily recognised by her twin funnels. She was built for the company of James Paterson, who migrated to Melbourne from Scotland in 1852. The Melbourne Herald of November 8, 1902, reported the arrival of the James Paterson about midnight the night before. She had been built by Rennoldson and Son of South Shields and had made the passage to Melbourne in about 57 days, with stops to take on coal. The newspaper reporter stated that the James Paterson had proved herself to be “a splendid sea-boat”, having come through heavy weather during the voyage. During the years that followed she proved this many times when in wild conditions she was called to rescue ships in danger of being wrecked.

Three months after her arrival, Hartley R. Watson was appointed to the position of first mate. Late in 1906 he was made permanent master of the James Paterson and remained so for the next 41 years, retiring at the age of 76. ‘HRW’ and the ‘Patto’, as they were known, became something of a legend in the Port of Melbourne in the day-to-day duties of berthing ships of all kinds. Captain Watson, who was born in Williamstown in October 1871, had gone to sea in sailing vessels and must have become used to enduring whatever the weather threw at him. During his long career with the James Paterson he insisted on having an open bridge, ensuring that he always had an unobstructed view in all directions. Soon after his retirement a wheelhouse was built providing later skippers with protection

In the early 1900s many sailing vessels were still in use, and Capt Watson stated on his retirement that he had towed 136 such vessels through Port Phillip Heads during his career. During World War I the James Paterson was requisitioned by the RAN and operated as a minesweeper.

The largest ship towed by the James Paterson was the Empress of Britain, which was in Melbourne in April 1938. When James Paterson & Co was taken over by McIlwraith, McEacharn in 1961, her black twin funnels were painted red but the old tug was retired three years later and broken up in 1966.

MAURIE HUTCHINSON, President, Peninsula Ship Society

The Peninsula Ship Society meets at Hastings Yacht Club at 10am on the fourth Tuesday of each month (except November and December). Visitors are welcome.