literature

The Journey of the Waroona ch1

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31st April, 1932
Sydney Harbour
Chapter 1

It was the great depression. Throughout the world, countries suffered from the consequences of the collapse. Australia was hit hard. Australia relied on export for its economy and with the depression, the agricultural and wool business suffered. 29% of Australia’s population was out of work and it seemed as if the economy would never recover. Crime rates were high and nearly everything was stopped.

It was therefore a sense of occasion as the Tramp Steamer Waroona. The ship was typical of its class, with a long, relatively low hull with a lowered section amidships for access to the hold. The forecastle and poop decks were raised about two metres above the lowered well deck. The superstructure basically consisted of three decks, a lower deck that ran nearly the entire length of the poop deck, ending just short of the stern. The second deck above this stretched halfway from the front of the lower deck to about half-way. It was on this deck that the ships funnel and two clinker lifeboats were found. The final deck was the bridge, which had two overhangs on either side to allow the captain to see the length of the ship. The ships name was engraved on a sign either side of the bridge and on the bows just above the anchor. The ships hull was painted black and the superstructure white but you could hardly tell. Due to the depression, it had been years since the Waroona had last been overhauled and as a result, the superstructure looked yellow and the hull a dark brown because of rust.

The pier was suddenly a hive of activity as the Waroona drifted slowly alongside. Men on the shore caught the lines thrown from the ships crew and tied them securely around the bollards. The ships crew hurriedly readied the ships bow and stern masts’ cranes and began to unload the ships assorted cargo. The thick clouds of black smoke billowing from the Waroona blended with that of the waiting steam train alongside. A gangplank was secured to the vessel and a young man came ashore. His clothes were filthy and ripped in places. He had the appearance of a person with little money. His name was Nathan Lowes.
Chapter one of a new series I have been writing lately
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