S.S. Walrus: Running rum along the Queensland Coast (One Minute Archive)

The SS Walrus was a floating distillery notorious for its production and distribution of rum (and it’s ability to avoid paying fees on it).

In 1869 two Queensland entrepreneurs presented plans to convert a sailing ship into a floating mill and distillery. A license was granted to the Walrus to operate along the nearby rivers until 1872. Its license was not renewed due to the vessel being deemed unsuitable, but it didn’t stop them from allegedly producing rum illegally for the next 11 years.

However, in 1876, the flow of rum almost stopped when the ship struck trouble. Samuel Crawford rescued the abandoned ship after it was deserted. The vessel was expected to break up at sea.

A warrant was issued for 500 Pounds to cover the salvage costs, paid by the owner to reclaim the vessel. We can surmise the value of the ship because the Law of the Sea says that if a rescuer throws a line to a ship in distress that rescuer then owns the ship – including salvage costs. Because salvage costs are normally great, this rescuer, Samuel Crawford must have considered the Walrus to be very valuable to have taken on the risk and Costs of rescuing. Also the owner must have considered his ship very valuable to have answered the warrant and paid bail in the end.

After the narrow escape, the S.S. Walrus continued to operate until it was run aground on the banks of the Albert River. The still was sold to be used in the Beenleigh Rum Distillery in 1884, the oldest registered in Australia.

References
Queensland State Archives Item ID846850, Correspondence - inwards -

Queensland State Archives Item ID96963, Minute book - courts -

[mikewalrus]

WoW! Interesting and sounds like fun!