RX94 - Industry
RX94 - Industry, was a locally built vessel dating back to 1870 — a representative of the mid-Victorian trawler and drifter designs that once dotted local waters. Constructed with the skill and craftsmanship typical of the era, Industry served not only as a working boat but also as an enduring symbol of the town’s maritime heritage. For much of her long career, she belonged to the Adams family, who relied on her sturdy construction and reliable performance for their fishing and drifting endeavors.
From Service to Controversial Donation[edit]
The vessel continued to ply local waters well into the mid-20th century, finally being retired at the end of World War II. At that time, her owner, Ned “Wintry” Adams, decided to donate the boat to the town. The decision, however, soon led to bureaucratic wrangling and public controversy. When Industry was formally presented to the local Council, heated discussions broke out regarding her proper placement and the responsibilities associated with her maintenance. By 1948, the situation had become so contentious that a special Council sub-committee was established. Their task was twofold: to determine an appropriate home for the vessel and to decide if preserving the historic craft was even worth the considerable financial and logistical investment.
Owner’s Frustration and Declining Condition[edit]
Ned “Wintry” Adams was not a silent donor. In a candid expression of his dismay, he responded to accusations that he had “dumped a wreck on the doorstep of the Council” by clarifying his original intent:
“I have been accused of dumping a wreck on the doorstep of the Council and that is not true. I was asked if I would care to present the boat to the town. As far as I am concerned, they can do what they like with it now. I am fed up and disgusted with the whole business, when I gave them the boat, she was seaworthy and in good condition. Now children have climbed all over it and taken most of the inside fittings away. It can still be moved, but it will cost a lot of money to restore it.”
Adams’ remarks highlight both his pride in the vessel’s past condition and his frustration over its subsequent neglect. The deterioration of Industry—a result of both casual misuse and the lack of a coherent preservation plan—underscored the challenges faced by local authorities when dealing with historical artifacts that, while rich in heritage, demanded resources for proper upkeep.
A Dramatic End on Guy Fawkes Night[edit]
Ultimately, the impasse over funding and responsibility proved insurmountable. In a final, dramatic chapter reflective of both local sentiment and a sense of closure regarding the town’s troubled heritage project, Industry was set alight on the beach during Guy Fawkes Night in 1949. The burning of the vessel, an event that coincided with the traditional bonfire festivities of November 5th, marked the end of her physical presence—a poignant farewell to a once-proud workhorse of the local fishing fleet.
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