Historical information

The photographic postcard was made in 1915-1916 by Willets Photography in Geelong. It is one of a series called 'Victorian Training Ships and it featured the sailing ships John Murry and the Dart'.

The John Murry was commissioned by the Victorian Government for the training of juvenile offenders from 1910-1918 and anchored just off Williamstown, Victoria. The ship was previously named Loch Ryan.

The Dart was named such in 1882, and in 1904 the New South Wales Government purchased her for use as a training ship. ln 1912 the Victorian Government bought her for use as a tender, to support the John Murry training ship until she was again sold in 1919 to the owner of a shipping and trading agency.

Significance

The postcard is significant for its association with sailing ships and with training ships. It is also significant for its representation of two training ships used for rehabilitation. This form of treatment became controversial so the project didn't last for many years. None-the-less, it is part of our Victorian history.

Physical description

Black and white postcard picturing two sailing ships plus printed and handwritten text. The ships are the John Murry and the Dart. The postcard is in the series 'Victorian Training Ships'. Made by Willets of Geelong.

Inscriptions & markings

Printed on front "Victorian Training Ships", "Greetings 1915-1916" and "Willets PHOTO / GEELONG" Written in ink below ships "John Murry" & "Dart".