Invitation to Trafalgar Day celebrations

Date21 October 1907

Object numberANMS1475[018]

NameInvitation

MediumPaper

DimensionsOverall: 114 × 152 mm

ClassificationsEphemera

Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection Gift from Glenn Alfred Thorpe

Terms

DescriptionInvitation to Miss Thorpe, daughter of Alfred Thorpe, from the Canterbury Branch of the Navy League to attend Trafalgar Day celebrations 21 October 1907. The card is illustrated with an image of HMS VICTORY. The Canterbury Branch of the Navy League was founded in New Zealand in 1896, affiliated with the Navy League of Great Britain with the stated aim of urging both governments and the populations of countries within the British Empire of the importance of a strong navy as the best guarantee of peace. Part of a collection of objects assembled by Alfred Thorpe (c. 1852 – 1931) relating to his merchant and naval service career and association with Antarctic exploration while serving as pilot and harbour master at Lyttelton Harbour, New Zealand. The collection is illustrative of the important role Lyttelton paid in Antarctic exploration in the early 20th century, as both the final major port vessels of exploration and their relief ships visited on their journey south, and also the first they put in at on their return. SignificanceThis collection of objects highlights the importance of the port of Lyttleton in early 20th century Antarctic exploration and the role of pilots and harbour masters in supporting the crews and vessels sailing south. The collection not only illustrates the professional relationship between port staff and ships’ crews, but also the high degree of mutual respect the association engendered. The close working association between mariners and key maritime roles, such as pilot and harbour master, is apparent in this collection.