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| History : |
The company had its origins in three separate businesses: A. and J. McIntyre, established in 1854; Hugh R. Reid and Co. (later Reid, Poole and Co.) established in 1861; and James Deane and Co. established in 1864. In 1884 the businesses James Deane and Co., Melbourne Coal Co. and Hobson's Floating Dock Co., were sold to a private company directed by H.R. Reid, Captain James Deane and Captain James McIntyre and managed by Reid's brother-in-law, D. York Syme, who had been connected to the ventures since 1873. In 1884 the businesses, now Melbourne Towage Lighterage Co., Port Phillip Engineering, Shipbuilding and Dock Co. and Melbourne Coal Company, were incorporated as the Melbourne Coal, Shipping and Engineering Co. Ltd. in 1885. Till now chiefly engaged in Port Phlllip, the Company expanded in the 1890s into regular cargo and passenger traffic in the west, opening the first branch in Fremantle in 1898 followed by Sydney (1905), Adelaide (1908) and Newcastle (1909). Replacements and additions were made to the fleet in the 1920s. The last interstate vessel built was "Duntroon" in 1935. In 1961 Howard Smith Ltd took over the company. Howard Smith Ltd was in turn acquired by Wesfarmers Ltd in 2001. |
| Activities/Occupation: |
Shipping companies |
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