School copy book belonging to Lily Knapton
Date1907 - 1908
Object number00028044
NameBook
MediumInk on paper, tape
DimensionsOverall: 205 x 166 x 7 mm, 0.007 kg
ClassificationsBooks and journals
Credit LineANMM Collection Gift from Gary McPherson
DescriptionThis school copy book was brought to Australia by eight-year-old British child migrant Lily Knapton on SS RUNIC in 1909. It was used as a school work book and contains a copy of alphabet letters and teacher's notes.HistoryThe Immigration Restriction Act 1901 was the first major piece of legislation passed by Australia's new federal parliament. The Act placed certain restrictions on immigration and reflected the government's desire to build a white Australia.
The government's preference was for immigrants from Britain and it offered cheap fares to attract them to Australia. Many Britons saw emigration as a chance to find work and establish a new life.
In 1909 eight-year-old Lily Knapton and her mother departed Liverpool on the White Star liner SS RUNIC. They were migrating to Australia to join Lily's father, who was working as a tailor in Melbourne, Victoria. From 1901 to 1930 RUNIC operated a regular migrant service from Liverpool to Sydney.
Lily brought her favourite toys, clothes and school books with her. She kept them all her life as souvenirs of her former life in Britain and her childhood voyage on SS RUNIC.SignificanceThis school book reveals fascinating details about social conditions and education in the British Empire at the turn of the century. It provides a rare insight into the nature of childhood and children's journeys from Britain in the early 1900s.
