-
In the early 1870's Taupo as getting the first of its permanent
European settlers.
Encouraged by the end of the land wars and with the Armed
Constabulary based in the area the settlers wanted new areas for
grazing. Another development at this time was the beginning of
tourism especially with the popularity of the thermal sights of
Rotorua nearby.
-
In anticipation of this Mr JW Bell built and launched Taupo's first
steamer in 1874. Referred to as the 'little steamer', this firts
commercially operated boat on Lake Taupo proved to be an uneconomic
venture.
-
'Victoria' was about the same length as the 'Tongariro', 50 ft long.
But whereas Tongariro gave many years service, the SS Victoria's
lasted only five years. Her captain. Mr Bell had her built in Taupo
from kauri timber brought down from Auckland. There was a small
cabin on her deck and she had a wood fired staem engine down below
which powered an 18" single thread screw.
-
Victoria was launched in Taupo with a cake and champagne ceremony.
She could carry up to 30passengers with a crew of six and would take
up to three hours to make the 26 mile(40 km) trip to the Tokaanu
stream. Once there the passengers were rowed to the village.
-
Using a flexible timetable the Victoria made a weekly round trip.
She also handled wool clips from farms scattered around the lake.
-
The SS Victoria proved to be an uneconomic venture. She was ahead of
her time and was too big for the work that she was expected to do.
The expected number of passengers and volume of freight was not
realised for this sort of boat at that time. Added to this, the
trout fishing, which made Taupo an attractive destination had not
started and farming was only marginal. She was also unstable in
rough conditions making some trips unpleasant for travellers.
-
Eventually she was laid up only to sink at her anchor because of
neglect. Then after being raised for an equally uneconomic life
transporting woolclips she was replaced by the schooner Dauntless.
-
In 1887 with the growing interest in tourism and the creation of the
Tongariro National Park, two more steamers were put on the lake. The
smaller steamer 'Hinemoa' was owned and run by Captain A.O. Sproule
d the 'Tauhara' by Dan Ferney.
-
By 1894 Dan Ferney had taken over the operation of both vessels and
commercial boats were well established on the lake.