He was sure that the rivulet would be a constant supply of fresh water with its source being high in the adjoining mountains. A consistency of supply was one thing but it would be useless to the settlement if the water was not kept clean and pure. Collins issued a general order that cautioned the settlers against polluting the stream by any means whatsoever, under threat of being severely punished.
It didn't take too long before industrial interests found the force of the rivulet's flowing waters to be strong and reliable enough to turn water wheels etc and in time, there would be flour mills, distilleries, breweries, timber mills and tanneries dotted along the banks of the rivulet exploiting the potential of the flowing waters. By 1870 there were three tanneries where hides were turned into leather based in the lower part of Weld Street, South Hobart. At the time this street was known as Elphinstone St.
Main Information & Text Source -
“Mansions, Cottages and All Saints” – Book by Audrey Holiday & Walter Eastman