Another possibility for the "tonguing" reference is in the timber/lumber part of the Weller supply business. Cutting logs and finishing the wood into boards would involve cutting tongues and grooves as the last part of the work. The visit of the Weller company ship to a timber camp would be just as eagerly awaited.

The Wellerman song may be a pastiche of an older timber-getters chorus and new verses, possible originating with D H Rogers or Colquhoun himself. It seems likely to remain a mystery.