Matchbox holder from SS PARINGA

Maker Adelaide Steamship Company Limited (1875 - 1977)

Date1908

Object number00007217

NameMatch box holder

MediumMetal

DimensionsOverall: 145 x 125 x 125 mm, 0.6 kg

ClassificationsTableware and furnishings

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

smoking

DescriptionThis matchbox holder was collected as a souvenir from SS PARINGA. PARINGA operated the Gulf Trip holiday cruise as one of the Adelaide Steamship Company's interstate passenger ships.HistorySS PARINGA was built by Scott of Kinghorn, Scotland. 1357 tonnes, length 70 metres. PARINGA operated the Gulf Trip holiday cruise from 1920 to 1930. The Gulf Trip was an important part of South Australian maritime history from 1906 to 1955. It appealed to many as a fairly cheap way to experience a romantic sea cruise, and to others as an ideal family holiday. The Adelaide Steamship Company was founded in 1857 when a group of businessmen saw the opportunity to capitalise on the Adelaide to Melbourne shipping route. Two ships were ordered from England and the company soon established itself on the coastal shipping scene. Over time, the Adelaide Steamship Company extended its routes around Australia, bought out other companies, expanded its fleet and eventually became one of Australia's most powerful and enduring shipping concerns.SignificanceThis matchbox holder is a good example of the types of souvenirs produced for and used aboard passenger vessels in the 20th century, on the Australian route.