c. 1900, Photograph, PRG 1258/1/3895
Bow and side view of 'P.S. Viola', with a fish punt, and three crew. Fish punts were used to house the already netted fish, keeping them alive until they were sent off to market, perhaps on a weekly basis. The fish punt had compartments for different fish and small holes in the side of the vessel to allow a gentle flow of water through each compartment, keeping the water fresh and aerated. The fish punt was suspended from a stout plank or limb, across the hull, forward of the paddle, usually on the starboard side although this would not be mandatory. Each compartment had a cover with a removable hatch for adding extra fish as they were netted. According to a researcher, the Viola was still a steam launch in 1900 rather than a paddlesteamer. Another researcher indicates that there was a steam launch 'Viola' and a paddle steamer 'Viola' built in 1892, probably at Milang. Conner family history has it that William Conner built the P.S. 'Viola' in 1892 at Swan Reach on the barge 'Advance' and sold it up the Darling about 10 years later where its name was changed to 'Advance'. Conner used the P.S. 'Viola' as a fishing steamer [See also PRG 1258/1/3892].