TRANSPORTATION

The first wharf, called the "On/veil Brush Wharf", was situated at Douse's Point, across from the China Point Wharf. A small rowboat ferry service for passengers was run by Ada Nelson. This provided access to stores at Orwell Cove. Ada had a contract with the government for this service. A fee of ten cents a trip was charged. This wharf proved to be unsuitable due to unstable ground for holding the pilings in place.

A new wharf was built by the Federal Government in 1884 at the end of the Port Selkirk Road and the name was changed to "Port Selkirk Wharf". This wharf was turned over to the Provincial Government in 1900. Records show this wharf with a warehouse (14' x 26') and a slip for loading and unloading boats. Dredging work was done in 1926 and again in 1929. Reconstruction was done in 1928 and it was resurfaced in 1936.

In 1871, tenders were called for a steamship to operate a ferry service for the transportation of passengers, horses, cattle, and sheep from Charlottetown to China Point and Brush wharves. The Island Steamship Company Ltd. won the contract and the 83 Heather Belle began service with Capt. Hugh MacLean as master. The steamshipt left Charlottetown for On/vell Brush Wharf every Tuesday morning at 4 am, and Brush Wharf at 7 am. on Wednesday morning, calling at Halliday's Wharf and China Point Wharf. Travellers who required a cabin paid 30 cents return, and those who stayed on deck paid 20 cents return . Other boats that called at Brush Wharf were the Jacques Cartier, Hi/Isboro, City of London, the Coast Guard Boat, and the Brant. Many of these steamers delivered supplies to the lighthouse operators at Douse's Point and Brush Wharf.

"The Jacques Cartier was open at one end and was also powered with horse and winch equipment. The Jacques Cartier

was burned on a return trip from Victoria and was finally stranded on the rocks at St. Peter's Island."11

11 Tell Me the Tales, by Walter Shaw, page 71.

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