Last century shipping was the life-blood of the Tasmanian colony. It was the means by which local production was distributed around the island as well as to mainland and wider markets. Conversely, it was also the avenue by which means of production, basic necessities and luxury goods found their way to Tasmania.
This reliance on shipping spawned a huge number of vessels, of all sizes and rigs. Each vessel required a captain and crew to run the vessel, in all types of conditions, quite often treacherous. There were many mishaps. Losses of vessels and sometimes crew were not uncommon.
Tasmania produced many mariners and this story looks at one family, the Taylor family. They probably differed from most other Tasmanian maritime families by virtue of their number involved - eight brothers from one generation holding masters certificates. It traces their maritime history from the mid-1860s through to the 1920s and touches on involvement past that period.
The Taylor brothers were at times engaged in the Tasmanian coastal, intercolonial and interstate shipping traders between 1860s and the 1920s. Includes comprehensive family trees and lists of vessels owned, commanded or crewed by the brothers.
Contents:
Abbreviations and References
Foreword
Introduction and Acknowledgements
Chapter 1. The Early Years
Chapter 2. The 1870s
Chapter 3. The 1880s
Chapter 4. The 1890s
Chapter 5. The 1900s
Chapter 6. The 1910s
Chapter 7. The 1920s and Beyond
Chapter 8. The Taylor Family Tree
Chapter 9. The Taylor Family's Ships
Index to People
Index to Ships
