In 1915, Captain James Cockle, manager of the NCSN Co; (North Coast Steam Navigation), at Taree, was promoted to Coffs Harbour.

In 1917, Capt. Cockle became a leading member of the Coffs Harbour Chamber of Commerce, (which was inaugurated in 1911) and achieved a membership of 73 in its first five years of operation.

In March 1923, it was announced that 100 ton concrete blocks would be used on the eastern breakwater.

Three months later Capt. James Cockle , master mariner and shipping agent, who had known the harbour intimately for approximately eight years,  placed his views regarding the harbour’s completion before a P.W.D. (Public Works Department), committee.

He believed that the eastern breakwater should go right across to Muttonbird Island and a passage be opened for ships in the northern breakwater.

In 1925 in Sawtell, Dave Bailey (an early Coffs Harbour resident), recalled the days when everyone camped in tents: when at New Year, Captain Cockle, dressed in his kilts, would pipe the Old Year out and the New Year in, as he marched around the 200 or so camps.

In 1926, an entry in Neil Yeates’ historical book on, Coffs Harbour (1880-1945),  recorded

in the ‘Sands Directories for 1920-1926’ -  Captain James Cockle, North Coast S.N. Co; Ltd. (Jetty), Local Agent.

In 1928, Capt. Cockle and ‘group,’ arrived at Coffs Harbour Jetty Beach and had there photo taken in front of a visiting plane.

In 1931, the seaplane carrier HMAS “Albatross” visited Coffs Harbour, but anchored outside the entrance. Sightseers who saw over the vessel were ferried to and fro in launches.

The Captain of the Albatross was presented by Captain Cockle with a bunch of a bananas, grown by Mr. George Gaudron, on behalf of the local  Fruitgrowers’ Assn.

Captain Cockle’s residence, for many years, was just below the “big hill” - which had been reserved about 40 years ago for a “signal station” near the Coffs Harbour Aerodrome.

In 1938, an entry in Wise’s NSW Post Office Commercial (country) Directory, has Cockle J. Cockle, manager N.C.S. Co; (North Coast Steam Ship).

The following entry was recorded in ‘North Coast Run’ – Men and ships of the N.S.W. North Coast…By Mike Richards……’Other seafaring personnel who proved to be successful local managers were as follows. The first and probably the foremost that comes to mind was Captain James Cockle, who represented the company at Coffs Harbour for many years…...’

Capt. Cockle was instrumental in rectifying any problems with timber loading on vessels at Coffs and there were such problems.

…..’It was noted that very few men could have handled this more efficiently in the heyday of coastal shipping and remained sane. Nevertheless there was one and he was Captain James Cockle. There was not much of him, but what there was, was all “24carat” and he was absolutely tireless…..’

One could not keep up with him when visiting Coffs Harbour; he was like quick silver – turn your back on him for a few moments and you’d probably find him down at the jetty, having jumped on a passing locomotive when he had perceived some hitch in the loading or discharging of goods.

It was commonly said, (when some matter arose that caused a tricky situation to arise at Coffs Harbour), “leave it to Cockle, he will know how to handle it.

“Within the company the port was not often called Coffs Harbour, it was more commonly referred to as ‘Cockle’s Harbour.’

With all his onerous duties and long working hours, he had a fine sense of humour and very seldom lost it. This must have been a great assistance to him.

[Compiled by Coffs Harbour Regional Museum, 2008]