In 1901, the Timaru Harbour Board needed a boat for pilot an general duties. She was built in Auckland and delivered to Timaru on the 7 February 1902. She was named 'Elsie Evans', after the wife of the chairman of the board. She served in many roles until 1927 when she was sold to PW Moss of Portobello, who took her over in 1928. It was used for towing punts and other vessels, and on occasions would take over the Portobello-Port Chalmers run when required. In 1943 J Aitken took over the vessel, putting in a diesel engine to maintain the Port Chalmers service, and she was also used for excursions. She was further onsold, but ceased operating in 1954. She was to have been used as a fishing boat to work out of Taieri Mouth, but this never happened. She lay for years partially stripped-down, exposed to all weather conditions. In March 1978 she was purchased by John Sutherland and brought back to Portobello. She was further sold on in 1992. She is finally back in Portobello, restored and rearing to go.

Elsie Evans