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From the swamp at Osborne, a shipbuilding yard has been created, following the awarding of a Commonwealth contract to Poole and Steel Ltd. Already one ship is under construction using the most modern techniques. Spoil from dredging the Port River was used to build up the adjoining land and workshops and drydock for shipbuilding have been erected. The first ship for the government contract is already under construction: the Eurimbla will be 6,000 tons and 331 feet long. The yard uses the most modern methods, including the new pneumatic riveter working on compressed air. Electric cranes operate above the drydock moving materials to wherever needed.

During the later stages of World War I, the Commonwealth government realised that there was a shortage of ships in Australia in part due to wartime losses but in part because of a downturn in shipbuilding. The government devised a scheme to promote shipbuilding in the states by advancing loans to companies. In all it required 40 ships with a total tonnage of 148,000 tons. The Sydney firm of Poole and Steel won the contract in South Australia; they were contracted to build four ships. Arthur Hugh Poole, the director of the company was English by birth, but migrated to Australia via New Zealand. Apprenticed as a blacksmith he progressed to building dredgers. He moved to Sydney in 1902 and established a business with James Steel. Prior to winning the Commonwealth government contract for four ships Poole and Steel had obtained a South Australian government tender for several dredgers.

Poole & Steele Shipyard

Poole, Arthur Hugh, 1863-1953

State Library of South Australia: Mortlock Wing. Wooden Walls and Iron Sides August 2004-