The photograph reproduced above was kindly supplied to the Taupo Times by Mr A. A. Noble, of Taupo, who states that he understands that the steam vessel shown therein was owned by a Mr Sproule (or "Sprowle"), and that it carried freight between Taupo and Tokaanu. We have been informed by Mrs G. P. Reid, of Taupo, that her father, the late Mr Joseph Rickit, had mentioned to her a steamboat which was on the Lake before Mr Dan Ferney's steamer, Tauhara, and it seems likely that the vessel referred to is the one shown above. It has been stated in the Taupo Times that the Tauhara was the first steam vessel on the Lake, and that the Tongariro was second (see Taupo Times of Jane 11, 1952), but it now appears incorrect. Any information with regard to this early steam vessel will be welcome. In the photograph above the boat is shown moored in the Waikato River below the present Wharf.

Taupo Times, Volume II, Issue 86, 11 September 1953, Page 1

The photograph reproduced above was kindly supplied to the Taupo Times by Mr A. A. Noble, of Taupo, who states that he understands that the steam vessel shown therein was owned by a Mr Sproule (or "Sprowle"), and that it carried freight between Taupo and Tokaanu. We have been informed by Mrs G. P. Reid, of Taupo, that her father, the late Mr Joseph Rickit, had mentioned to her a steamboat which was on the Lake before Mr Dan Ferney's steamer, Tauhara, and it seems likely that the vessel referred to is the one shown above. It has been stated in the Taupo Times that the Tauhara was the first steam vessel on the Lake, and that the Tongariro was second (see Taupo Times of Jane 11, 1952), but it now appears incorrect. Any information with regard to this early steam vessel will be welcome. In the photograph above the boat is shown moored in the Waikato River below the present Wharf.