Ravenswood Dreaming by Kenneth J. Hill

Author:Kenneth J. Hill
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: BookBaby

Part 8

THE VENUS

While all this carnage was happening in the Upper Swan and York districts, the trade on the River and at the Fremantle Port thrived. John kept a sharp eye on the books and the accounts of J. Thomas and Company and continued to drum up business. Before long it became necessary to add another boat to their stable as the Gypsy on its own was unable to cope. To this end John purchased another boat, River Chief, which was also suitable for lightering work. With two boats operating and the employment of part time casual crew the transport side of the business was back on an even keel. The company’s income continued to improve and the surplus John saved religiously. He had gone over the figures and devised a plan that would set them up for the rest of their lives. By the end of 1836 they had saved enough money to buy another block of land in Fremantle. He was aiming to have at least one block for each of them.

1837 had started with a rush and continued to improve. By the middle of the year John calculated that they had enough capital to put the second part of his grand scheme into action. He called a meeting of his siblings to reveal the plan to them and to seek their support.

That evening when they were all seated around the table he called the meeting to order.

As all of you are no doubt aware we have been doing very well over the past fifteen months. Three heads nodded in agreement. So well in fact we have paid out all our debts, purchased a second block of land and provided all of us with all the necessities of life and a few luxuries in to the bargain.

They all agreed that this was so.

John continued, in addition to this we have a surplus of nearly three hundred pounds.

They all gasped, it was a staggering amount of money.

Are you sure John, James questioned?

Yes, I am sure James, I have been working on saving our profits for over a year now and I have checked everything.

He paused to let them absorb this information. They said nothing. Just sat in silence. It seemed they were speechless.

Shall I continue, John surveyed their faces.

I think we have an excellent reputation with the merchants and business people here in Fremantle and Perth and along the Swan and Canning Rivers. Our business though, is just one small part of a bigger picture that makes up the commerce of this colony and its outstations.

At the present time we transport goods out to ships for our customers and pick up goods from ships and deliver them to our customers. We also deliver supplies up the rivers and back load produce. While we are doing this well, and making a good income, others are making large sums of money exporting and selling produce to merchants in the north. They then back load goods for import and subsequent sale to merchants and settlers in Perth, Fremantle and beyond.

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