PS Gem
The PS Gem is a retired side-wheel paddle steamer that was first launched in 1876 on the Murray River at Moama, New South Wales. She operated as a cargo and passenger steamer, regularly cruising between Morgan and Mildura. The Gem operated as a tourist passenger vessel during the 1930s and 1940s, and was retired in the early 1950s. In 1962 the Gem was sold to the then Swan Hill Folk Museum, where it would become a static display and historic monument. History Launch and early life The Gem was built in 1876 by Air and Westergaard in Moama for Elliot Charles Randell (brother of William Richard Randell, captain of the Mary Ann (1853), the Murray's first paddle steamer). Built of red gum with iron frames, and expected to steam at 15 miles an hour, she was launched on 24 June 1876. The Gem was initially used as a barge, and towed behind the PS Pearl. She made her maiden voyage behind the Pearl on 22 July 1876, leaving Echuca for Hay with a collective 22 tons of cargo and four passengers. It was reported in early 1877 that the Gem and her sister barge Ruby were to be fitted with