Penneshaw Jetty

From 1883-1901 Agitation for a new jetty. Public meetings and petitions, rebuffed by the Marine Board as "the cost would not justify the means".

1902 Jetty built (known as Hog Bay jetty, although the township was renamed to Penneshaw in 1882). 105 metres in 3.3 metres.

1907 SS Karatta commenced a twice weekly service to Port Adelaide

1908 Extension. 152 metres in 5.5 metres.

1951 Severely damaged by storms.

1953 Upgraded with new rail tracks and ramp.

1961 Troubridge commenced service then Island Seaway (until 1995)

1981 Severely damaged by storms. Repairs reduced length to 145 metres.

A CRY FROM HOG BAY. [1900]

The residents of Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island, are deserving of a jetty for their persistency in asking for it. Time after time their request for increased facilities or shipping has met with rebuffs, but that has not deterred the representative of the district in Parliament from moving the re solution which invariably finds a place each year on the pages of 'Hansard,' viz. "That a report be obtained and laid upon this table of this House showing the cost of providing and erecting a landing wharf suitable for landing passengers and cargo at Hog Bay." The question came before the Marine Board at its meeting on Wednesday, when a report from the Engineer-in-Chief was read. He stated that the estimated cost of the jetty and approach to Bay Terrace— the site selected— was £1,800. The President drew attention to a lone report prepared by the Board and forwarded to the Treasurer in October of last year, in which the Wardens expressed the opinion that although a jetty would be a great convenience to the settlers and others the present or anticipated trade for some considerable time would probably not pay interest on an expenditure of £1,800. Having reviewed the subject the Board came to the conclusion that the opinion expressed last year was applicable now, and that as far as it was concerned Hog Bay would still have to exist without a jetty.

HOG BAY JETTY. [1901]

To the Editor.

Sir— I trust that members of Parliament will endeavor to remove the serious disabilities under which residents in the Hog Bay district of Kangaroo Island suffer by voting for the proposal to erect a jetty there. Even looking at the matter from the commercial side I think it will be found that the comparatively small sum required will not be unremunerative directly and in directly, for the resources of the district are not few, and are capable of much development. Certainly it would not be difficult to mention public expenditure in other places by the State which has not so good a chance of securing an adequate return. But it needs a personal acquaintance with the shocking want of facilities for landing passengers and transporting cattle and produce to enable anyone to realise the discomforts and cruelty consequent thereon. Having a close acquaintance with the present conditions, I feel I should be lacking in my duty if I did not try to arouse the minds of our legislators with a view of ending the present state of things. If they are still unconvinced let them make a visit of inspection, and then I am sure their humane instincts will move them to redress the wrong. The cry "Settle on the land," is one that meets with popular approval, but it is scarcely fair that people who desire to do so should stand a good chance of getting drowned before they are able to accomplish their wish. — I am, &c, F. W. SAMWELL. Port Adelaide, August 10, 1901.

'Sir— With your permission I will add my testimony to that of Canon Samwell and others in reference to the disgraceful state of the landing-place at Hog Bay, Kangaroo Island. I have on several occasions witnessed the landing and embarkation of passengers and the shipment and discharge of cargo, under circumstances which require to be seen to be realised. The landing place consists of protruding rocks, and considerable agility is required in those who would venture to scale them. In the case of ladies and elderly persons it is not a question merely of discomfort, but of positive danger. The shipment and discharge of cargo is carried out under appalling difficulties. Vessels do not approach nearer than to about a quarter of a mile from the shore. Small boats are the intermediaries between the lands-people and the ships, and these have to be met in the water by teams, the drivers of which are compelled to wade waist deep in water. The conditions all round are worse than those to which pioneers of 30 years since in other parts of the State were subjected. Hog Bay is suffering from a Governmental neglect, which is almost criminal. — I am, &c. GEORGE RITCHIE. 'Port Seaton,' Goolwa, August 8, 1901.

Sir—While the people of Hog Bay and the travelling public have to be carted into and out of boats by a dray, drawn by a team of oxen, in stormy weather no freight can be landed from, or shipped to, the steamer, and occasionally even the mails and passengers are carried on to Queenscliffe, a distance of about 50 miles by land through the scrub; consequently they can not be brought back by steamer for two days. Surely the people of Hog Bay and vicinity are entitled to be treated with consideration. I have had to ride and walk from Queenscliffe to Hog Bay for the above cause. Mr. Tucker deserves great credit for his advocacy of a much-needed public work. — I am, &c, S. BAIRNSFATHER. Norwood, August 12, 1901.