SS MINDINI

Artist Alfred William Dufty (1858 - 1924)

Date1911 - 1922

Object number00051923

NamePainting

MediumOil painting on board.

DimensionsOverall: 570 x 730 x 25 mm, 1815 g
Sight: 440 x 600 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Donald McLean

Collections

Ship portraits

Terms

DescriptionOil painting by Alfred William Dufty of the Burns Philp & Co. steamship SS MINDINI.HistoryBurns Philp represents an important and unique chapter in Australian shipping history. Originating in a trading company in Townsville, Queensland, in the 1870s, Burns Philp developed its own shipping line and trading empire throughout northern Australia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Islands. By the 1920s it was a household name. It operated a fleet of large main-line ships in conjunction with a fleet of smaller inter-island ships. Its main-line ships ran regularly as far afield as Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. Burns Philp passenger liners were well known with their black and white checquered funnels and the Burns Philp thistle on the house flag. Many Burns Philp captains were legendary colourful figures, and the company's name conjured up the romance of the South Seas. Martin MacGilivray started his career with Burns Philp Co. as third engineer on the TITUS in 1902, promoted to second engineer on the GUTHRIE in 1905 and to Chief Engineer of the INDUNA in 1907. He resigned as Chief Engineer of the MATARAM in 1915 to take up a shore position. He served with the Australian Commonwealth Line from 1917 to 1928. He then went back to Burns Philp & Co. and was Chief Engineer of the MAIWARA when in died in 1938 or early 1939 in Rabaul. MINDINI 2,065 gross tons, steel hulled, single screw steamship for the passenger / cargo trade acquired by Burns Philp in 1911 who renamed it MINDINI. Placed upon the Brisbane - Solomon Islands service. Wrecked upon Mellish Reef off Rabaul March 8th 1923. SignificanceMartin MacGilivray served on the MINDINI as chief engineer prior to 1912.