This is a summary of customs collected by the South Australian Government for New South Wales and Victoria in 1856. Customs were collected on beer and spirits, coffee, tea and sugar, tobacco and wine.

Border tariffs were the single most difficult issue in the paddle steamer trade on the river.

The Australian Colonies Government Act was passed by the British Government in 1850 had enabled the colonies to levy Customs duties. The initial lack of interest in river navigation by New South Wales and Victoria saw Goolwa established as a major port, with customs to be cleared from there. Hence when William Randell set out from Mannum in the Mary Ann in 1853 he had first to steam down river to clear his cargo, before proceeding up river to his markets. The taxes collected at Goolwa on goods carried to New South Wales and Victorian customers were credited to those colonies, but it became apparent quickly that they were loosing revenue and by 1855 these colonies decided to collect their own taxes, and Albury and Wodonga became customs points for their respective colonies.

Day, David Smugglers and sailors: the customs history of Australia 1788-1901. Canberra: AGPS Press, c1992

Day, David, Contraband & controversy: the customs history of Australia from 1901 Canberra AGPS Press, c1996

Parsons, Ronald Ships of the inland rivers: an outline history and details of all known paddle ships, barges and other vessels trading on the Murray-Darling system Ridgehaven, S. Aust.: Gould Books, 1990

Painter, Gwenda A different river: river trade and development along the Murray Valley network South Melbourne: Hyland House, 1993

SA Memory: Wooden Walls and Iron Sides: Riverine shipping

Old Customs House, Morgan

South Australian Customs Officers