Historical information

On Boxing Day 1905, Mr Dudley Le Souef, the director of Melbourne Zoological Gardens, offered the grounds for a picnic. The seamen of the fifteen ships anchored in the harbour were invited.
In the centre wearing a white cap is Mr Charles A. Holmes, Honorary Lay Reader of the Mission and behind him is Ethel Godfrey.

The following day in the Age we could read:
"Yesterday the scene of festivities was the Zoological Gardens, where a number of seamen from fifteen of the ships in the harbor had a sailors' picnic. The director of the gardens, Mr. Dudley Le Souef, kindly, allowed the picnickers the free use of the picnic ground, and also provided them with milk and hot water. A lengthy programme of sports was gone through, and those who were not inclined for athletics spent their time in strolling round examining the zoo logical inmates of the gardens. It was noticeable that the large carnivora were the favorites with the English sailors, whilst foreign seamen were immensely attracted by the kangaroos, wallabies and other Australian marsupials. After tea Mr. Le Souef delivered an interesting illustrated lecture entitled Sea Birds and Their Homes. In carrying out the two days' arrangements Mr. Goldsmith was energetically assisted by voluntary helpers, both ladies and gentlemen, and also received many contributions. " The Age, Wednesday 27 December 1905, page 5.

Physical description

Small monochrome outdoor photograph, very clearly focussed, depicting three men delivering or collecting teacups, and two ladies watching on in background

Inscriptions & markings

Mr Holmes distributing cups
Zoo
Miss Godfrey Centre