AUSN Line menu, TSS ORUNGAL, luncheon 27 November 1933

Images(2)

AUSN Line menu, TSS ORUNGAL, luncheon 27 November 1933

Maker Australasian United Steam Navigation Company Limited (1887 - 1961)

Date1933

Object number00044963

NameMenu

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 97 x 114 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Alfred Easton, father of Warwick Easton

Terms

DescriptionThis luncheon menu appeared on the Australasian United Steam Navigation Company's TSS ORUNGAL on 27 November 1933. It features a list of mains, sides and beverages.HistoryThe Australasian United Steam Navigation Company (AUSN) was established in 1887 and acquired other competing companies, such as the Australasian Steam Navigation Company. In 1927, AUSN chartered the ORUNGAL for the coastal freight and passenger service between Cairns and Melbourne. They were refurbished to accommodate 240 passengers in a single class, however, throughout ORUNGAL’s service it was inundated with engine problems. In 1929, ORUNGAL broke down between Brisbane and Sydney and was towed by the AUSN cargo ship MUNGANA. ORUNGAL resumed service after repairs in 1930; however, the economic depression diminished passenger numbers significantly. ORUNGAL alternated from the Sydney/Fremantle service during winter and the Cairns route during summer. In 1936, AUSN finally purchased ORUNGAL, taking full ownership of the vessel. In June 1940, ORUNGAL was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy and sent to Darwin. Though still under control of the Australian Government, two months later it resumed the coastal service. In November of the same year, ORUNGAL was transporting passengers and cargo from Sydney to Adelaide and hit a reef and sunk near Barwon Heads. Those on board were rescued and the wreck was sold to a demolition company.SignificanceShipboard menus were the most common type of souvenir collected by passengers and crew. This particular menu was on board TSS ORUNGAL before it was requisitioned by the Royal Australian Navy during World War II. The menu, though a simple design, is a memento of a ship that served on the Australian coastal passenger trade between Melbourne and Cairns.