c. 1900, Photograph, PRG 1258/1/3892
Side view of 'P.S. Viola' at river bank, with water reflections, possibly in Renmark region. It was built up on the barge 'Advance' by William Conner (Senior) who was a fisherman in the Swan Reach area. When it was sold to Bourke, it was renamed 'Advance' and worked the Darling for a number years using the barge 'Retreat'. Around 1910 it was was purchased by Alec Conner, used for a while on the Darling and then brought back to the Murray where he transported cargo for Permewan Wright between Mildura and Wentworth. Alec changed the name back to 'Viola' and around 1930 it was sold to William Wilson, a fisherman on the Murrumbidgee River. Whilst moored at Coonoon Station, about 82 miles below Hay, the crew departed the scene with a station employee for drinks, the duration of their absence extending to a number of days. When they returned the river had fallen and the Viola was marooned on the bank, at a very embarrassing angle. It was never refloated and remains at the same location [information supplied by a researcher] [see also PRG 1258/1/3895].