Type :
|
Sloop
|
Launched :
|
unknown
|
Builder :
|
unknown
|
Gross :
|
unknown
|
Dimensions :
|
unknown
|
Passenger capacity :
|
unknown
|
Speed :
|
unknown |
The
first vessel to carry the name
Bee
was a sloop owned by the New South Wales Colonial Government.
She operated on the Parramatta River and to the Hawkesbury River and
Botany Bay along with the schooner
Frances and the schooner
Cumberland.
Other vessels named at the time in a similar role were
Argument and the
William and Mary.
Though these vessels could not properly be called ferries as there were
no passenger only services in the very early years, they did carry
people as well as cargo and were often the only vessels that did such.
Bee and her running mates were
operating at least as early as 1803 and probably much earlier.
The vessels are mentioned regularly in the early newspapers and were
mentioned carrying items such as lime and coal.
Bee was offered for sale (by
auction) in March 1803 along with all her equipment - interestingly
payment was demanded in wheat. The sale seems to have gone through as
shortly afterwards she was advertised to carry passengers and goods to
and from Parramatta. She was purchased by one William Miller.
In 1805. a half share in the vessel was offered; it is known at this
time that she was based at the Hospital Wharf and was capable of
carrying 350 bushels of grain. Shortly after this there is no further
mention of the little vessel.