Historical information

THis collection of cuttings relates to the Warrnambool Steam Packet Company.The Warrnambool Steam Packet Company was established in 1868 when capital was raised with 2000 shares at a value of five pounds each.It was established to provide passenger, accommodation and a large stock and freight service between Warrnambool and Melbourne.. At the time Stephen Henty was operating three steamers along the coast and at the prospect of losing his Warrnambool trade with the establishment of the new Warrnambool company, he sold one of his steamers , the Edina in March 1868. The first five directors elected were F P Stevens, J G Crammond, WW Jamieson, R B Paterson and George Wood. Fares were from one to three pounds and freight was 17 shillings per ton.The steamers connected with coaches from the north of Warrnambool as far as Hamilton. The cuttings record the financial position of the company for the first ten years.

Significance

This collection of cuttings is valuable as a research item as it documents the development and operation as well as many of the stake holders in one of Warrnambool's earliest shipping companies. The cuttings are from a range of papers including The Warrnambool, Examiner, The Warrnambool Advertiser and the Argus.

Physical description

Ledger book with blue pages which is lacking the cover. It contains a number of cuttings which relate to the Steam Packet Company.

Inscriptions & markings

Dated on first page: Monday November 1st 1869. Most of the cuttings are dated and some are from the Examiner. the Advertiser and Warrnambool Standard.