Trophy of the Steamship Owners' Association of NSW and Victoria for their Cricket Association

Maker P Blashki and Sons

Date1895-1903

Object number00031349

NameTrophy

MediumWood, metal

DimensionsOverall: 535 x 380 x 40 mm, 3 kg

ClassificationsCommemorative artefacts

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis trophy was made for the Steamship Owners' of NSW and Victoria's cricket association. It features the Australian Coat of Arms with a Kangaroo and an Emu. The wooden backed trophy features metal leaf decoration down its sides and is engraved with writing referring to an interstate cricket competition between shipping owners in NSW and Victoria.HistoryThe Steamship Association of NSW of the late 1800s acted on behalf of its members to determine working conditions and payments for its employees. The Steamship Owner's Association became involved in a dispute over pay with the Mercantile Marine Officers' Association, which errupted in to the infamous 1890 Maritime Strike. The Strike affected the ports of all the Australian colonies and led to the downfall of both the Victorian and New South Wales governments. Burns, Philp & Co Ltd became incorporated in 1883. Their early operations included running small stores on Queensland's Gympie goldfields and shipping goods between Brisbane and Sydney. The company expanded and began shipping between Australia and the South East Pacific running numerous plantations and warehouses overseas. In the interwar period of the 20th century Burns, Philp & Co became an established name in Australia, their ships clearly recognisable by the Scotch Thistle flag. During World War II a number of their ships were commandeered by the Merchant Navy and used as troop and supply transports. The company’s specialised knowledge of the Pacific became very useful in the allied war effort and both the ships and their personnel were taken into war service. During the 1970s Burns, Philp & Co made major operational changes and became involved in the production and distribution of food and beverage. Burns, Philp & Co operated on the Australian Stock Exchange until December 2006 when it was divided and sold.SignificanceThis trophy highlights the histories of organised sporting clubs of shipping associations in Australia during the late 19th and early 20th century.