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Commemorative tray
Commemorative tray

Commemorative tray

Datec 1902
Object number00048071
NameTray
MediumSilver plated with copper base metal
DimensionsOverall: 33 x 450 mm, 1145 g
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Ern Dorrington and the Estate of Joyce Leroy nee Boulden
DescriptionThis tray forms part of a commemorative tea service with accompanying teapot, milk jug and sugar bowl. The tray is decorated with a stamped floral pattern and inscribed with presentation details; Presented to Captain Samuel Boulden by his friends of the MANNING RIVER NSW as a memento of his connection with the trade of the River. J Thomson, Mayor, Taree; W Fotheringham, Mayor, Wingham; F M Baker Hon Sec; L O Marten Hon Treas; committee.HistorySamuel Boulden captained coastal steamers and river boats on the mid-north coast of New South Wales between the 1880s and 1902. In 1901 he was reported in the Raleigh Sun as 'Captain Boulden, of the North Coast Company's steamer Electra' (Feb 1 1901 p2) He is mentioned in the Port Macquarie News newspaper several times between 1882 - 1902, in connection with an accident at the Manning River bar, his resignation from the ship ELECTRA and his appointment to the Newcastle Marine Board in 1902. The ELECTRA appears to have been so named as it was the first of the North Coast Steam Navigation Company vessels to have electric lighting. The tea set and incription on the plate appears to have been made at the time of Captain Boulden's resignation from the ELECTRA, when he joined the Newcastle Marine Board in 1902. The plate is inscribed; Presented to Captain Samuel Boulden by his friends on the Manning River N.S.W. as a momento of his connection with the trade of the River. J. Thomson, Mayor, Taree. W Fotheringham, Mayor, Wingham. F M Baker, Hon. Sec. L O Marten Hon. Treas. (Committee). SignificanceThe ELECTRA was the first of the North Coast Steam Navigation Company vessels to have electric lighting installed.

The inscribed tea set is an interesting example of a gift of appreciation by a local community for a captain's service in the 'river trade' of the mid-north coast.