I can't recall where I've seen the explanation that the plea for a southerly breeze is simply that the huge fleet of Newcastle collier ships on its return from London had to wait at the bar of the Tyne until the wind and the tide was in their favour. Otherwise a northerly breeze could keep the fleet waiting offshore at the bar for several days at a time. See this The Bishoprick Garland:A South Shields Song for a brief mention of the earliest known version of the lyrics.

It might be best if this thread could be combined with this one Lyr Req: Blow Ye Winds Southerly.

Matthew