Pearl oyster fleet, Thursday Island

Date1900-1920

Object numberANMS0227[045]

NamePhotograph

MediumSilver gelatin print

DimensionsOverall: 151 x 200 mm

ClassificationsPhotographs

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Robert D McKilliam

Terms

DescriptionA black and white photograph of a group of small sailing vessels, peraling luggers, at anchor in the harbour at Thursday Island, Queensland. In the background is a long pier on many piles with a coastal township apperaing on the far right. The handwritten title of the image is 'Pearl Oyster fleet Thursday Island Q'.HistoryKnown locally as Waiben, Captain Stanley from HMS RATTLESNAKE named Thursday Island in 1848. Thursday Island soon became a European settlement for administration and industry due mainly to the ptroliferation of the pearling industry. The colony of Queensland annexed the islands in 1879 and by 1883 over 200 pearling vessels were based in the harbour. SignificanceThis image is a part of the Captain Robert McKilliam collection. Captain McKilliam worked for the Aberdeen White Star Line for 32 years and sailed aboard such famous clipper ships as SALAMIS and THERMOPYLAE. He moved to Sydney in 1913 where he served as Assistant Wharf Master on Darling Island.