South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 - 1900), Tuesday 22 February 1853, page 3


COMMENCEMENT OF STEAM-NAVIGATION ON THE MURRAY.

We announce with much pleasure that the Messrs. Randall have successfully started the steam-boat Mary Ann, built by them on the banks of the Murray. The experimental trip was made on

Saturday last, when the steamer went down the river as far as Wall, Mr. Baker's station, a dis-tance of twelve miles, performing the whole dis-tance, twenty-four miles, in four hours, including stoppages. Wood-fuel was used exclusively, and the steamer made good way even on the return trip against wind and current. When the breeze happened to be favourable in some of the reaches sails were used, but the distance was chiefly ac-complished by steam. The length of the Mary Ann is 55 feet, beam 9 feet, burthen 20 tons, power eight-horse. The cylinder is an excellent piece of workmanship, made in Adelaide, under the superintendence of Mr. Ghelkin, a German engineer. Judging from the experimental trip, the consumption of fuel is not likely to exceed a ton and a half per day. It is intended that the Mary Ann shall commence her first cargo voyage in about a fortnight, and in pur-suance of the spirited design of Messrs. Randall, after reaching Swan Hill with her lading of flour, &c., for the Victoria Diggings, she will proceed (according to ancient nautical parlance) ' so near thereunto as she may safely get,' under the com-mand of the younger son of Mr. Randall, who will thus have the honour of being the first steamnavigator of the noble river Murray.