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Launch of an armed Australian passenger-steamer, the COURIER, at Wallsend-on-Tyne
Launch of an armed Australian passenger-steamer, the COURIER, at Wallsend-on-Tyne

Launch of an armed Australian passenger-steamer, the COURIER, at Wallsend-on-Tyne

Maker (Established 1842)
Date1887
Object number00001142
NameEngraving
MediumInk on paper
DimensionsOverall: 198 x 275 mm
ClassificationsEphemera
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Janet West
DescriptionAn engraving from page 311 of the Illustrated London News, 10 September 1887, titled 'Launch of an armed Australian passenger-steamer, the COURIER, at Wallsend-on-Tyne'.History"...... The ship was named the Courier by Lady Berry, wife of Sir Graham Berry, Agent-General for Victoria, and formerly Premier of Victoria. During the recent visit of Sir James Lorimer, the Minister for Defence in Victoria, Messrs. Huddart, Parker and Co. drew his attention to the Courier as well as to the large Australian steamship Elingamite, now being completed by the same builders. After consultation with General Steward, the Military Advisor for the Colonies, it was agreed that the Courier should be strengthened and fitted at various parts of her decks to enable her to carry several 14-pounder Nordenfelt guns and these fittings are now completed. It is expected that this ship in cases of emergency, will be utilised by the Victorian Government either as a despatch boat or a transport ship or to mobilise two or three thousand men quickly." "The Courier has been adapted as an armed cruiser, and will be subsidised by the Victorian Government, to be used as a scout in time of war. Her exceptionally high rate of speed admirably adapts her for assisting in the work of coast defence." (The Argus, 16 December 1887).