The AUSTRAL Chronicle (a bi-weekly journal aboard SS AUSTRAL)
Maker
Orient Line
(1878 - 1966)
Date1886
Object number00003947
NameShip newspaper
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 15 x 250 x 193 mm, 0.55 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA ship board journal titled 'The AUSTRAL Chronicle', produced as a bi-weekly journal aboard SS AUSTRAL from 13 March to 18 April 1886 during a voyage from Sydney to London.
Contents included were letters to the editors, short stories, diary of events, poet’s corner, sporting and entertainment news plus a lost and found section.
HistoryThe passengers on long voyages often worked together to produce ship board newspapers. In addition to logistical matters, these productions covered many topics depending on the contributor’s skills. In addition to helping people pass the monotony of weeks at sea, these papers serve today as a valuable snapshot of life aboard these vessels.
These bound editions on of the AUSTRAL Chronicle were produced by a number of "fellow passengers having joined together to produce and publish a bi-weekly journal, they have taken advantage of "All Fools Day" to issue their first number.
It is contemplated, if sufficient funds can be raised, to publish the "AUSTRAL Chronicle" as soon as possible after arrival in London, in a form that will be presentable in appearance. To enable the Editors to do this, and defray the expense of transcribing the journal, subscriptions are solicited; and for every five shillings subscribed, a corresponding number of the AUSTRAL Chronicle will be presented to each subscriber.
It is the intention of the Editors of the AUSTRAL Chronicle to supply an intelligible and readable account of the voyage. To effect this, every event of note and interest occurring thereupon will be recorded. It is further intended to open the Chronicle to original articles upon politics, literature, the arts and sciences; and also to encourage, by publication of them, sketches of life and scenery and events of a general or personal character. These, or some of these, will, if the funds subscribed suffice, be illustrated in the printed copies... To carry out this project the Editors appeal with the utmost confidence to their fellow passengers.
There are on the good ship AUSTRAL some 800 should; in this number are comprised men of all sorts and all conditions, moved by the same motives, feelings and passions as exist and actuate their fellows on shore; and from the operation of these originate all those various human events which characterize all communities.
No town in any English-speaking community, inhabited by like numbers to those now afloat in the AUSTRAL would or could exist and hold together without its newspaper. Then why should the population on the AUSTRAL not have its newspaper?"
SignificanceShipboard newspapers are an important snap shot of life on board a ship during a long voyage. Although usually produced by a handful of contributors, the events listed show how time aboard was spent and letters to the editor often reveal issues passengers were having on the voyage.
1882 - 1883
