He worked for two years in a sailing ship, deserted in Hong Kong and joined an American sailer in Japan.
[4] Patrick Steamships Ltd. worked the coastal trade between the major east coast cities at rates below those of the Interstate Ship Owners Federation, who retaliated by matching his charges and restricting his access to coal fuel.
He was chairman of directors of Anderson and Co. of Sydney, Nixon Smith Shipping and Wool Dumping Co., and the Circular Quay Stevedoring Co. of Brisbane.
He was for many years President of the NSW Highland Society, a member of Legacy and the Graziers Association.
[10] He married Margaret Reed (died 16 January 1946) and had a home "Craigend" at Darling Point in Sydney.