The Manning River was not only important for shipping … it once hosted flying boats.
In late December 1949, brothers Roger and Phillip Dulhunty of Port Macquarie, started a flying boat service travelling from a base in Sydney to Port Macquarie.1 This was promoted as a fast and luxurious way to travel, although the fares were not cheap.
Lobbying from within the Taree business community led to Taree being included as an intermediate stop on the North Coast route. This was to be serviced by a Sunderland flying boat which could accommodate thirty-four passengers with a crew of six, and would operate from Fotheringham’s Wharf.2
A large crowd watched the arrival of the first Taree service which landed on Saturday 12 August 1950. Among the crowd was Taree local, Os Sutherland, who, as a member of the RAAF 10 Squadron, flew such aircraft in WW2.3
On Saturday 7 October an added attraction was the display of Jantzen swimwear, modelled by three swimsuit models, who, on arrival in Taree, paraded along the wings of the aircraft, much to the delight of the crowd.4
Sadly, this flying boat service to Taree was short lived, soon being relocated to Forster.5
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 Port Macquarie News Friday 6 January 1950 P5
2 Manning River Times Saturday 20 May 1950 P1
3 Manning River Times Saturday 19 August 1950 P1 and Dept of Veterans’ Affairs: WW2 Nominal Role
4 Manning River Times Saturday 7 October 1950 P1
5 Northern Champion Saturday 9 December 1950 P1 and Manning River Times Saturday 20 January 1951 P1
