Passengers & Personalities

Tens of thousands of passengers were conveyed by the Wimmera on her trans-Tasman voyages and on domestic routes between Australian and New Zealand ports. A number of well-known and notable people of the Edwardian period trod her decks, supped in her saloons, rested and suffered mal-de-mer in her cabins. The Wimmera’s cabins were booked out on many occasions, but especially during holiday times and periods surrounding special or significant events.

Not only did members of the Australian and New Zealand general public book passage but also local and international dignitaries, government ministers and officials, military men, businessmen and entertainers. Representatives from the fields of politics, social, religion, science, arts, entertainment, sport and commerce joined her on both short voyages between coastal ports as well as lengthier crossings between Australia and New Zealand. For some, their passage on the Wimmera was merely one link in the chain of a world tour. Some of her passengers were not only important or well-known people of their time but have left a legacy in Australia and New Zealand and in the world.

© Ralph L. Sanderson 2004-2021

Arts, Science and Education

The following people, from across the fields of arts, science and education, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: Joseph Perry (Salvation Army bandsman/cinematographer) February-March 1905 Helene Fodor aka Helene Cross aka Helene Greenwood (author/artist) November 1906 Annie and Leonard Harford Lindon (mountaineer / principal) January-February 1906, December 1906 Walter Baldwin Spencer (anthropologist) January-February 1906, December 1906 Edgar…

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Business and Commerce

The following people, from across the fields of business and commerce, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: Louis Edward Walker (representative, Marconi Wireless Telegraph Company) – January 1906 Montague Cohen (businessman/lawyer) – February 1907 William Callender (General Manager, Bank of New Zealand) – November 1907 Alexander McCracken (brewer/businessman) – February 1908 (Sir) James Hugh Buchanan…

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Entertainers

The following people and groups, from across the entertainment field, including musicians, singers and actors, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: William Anderson’s Dramatic Company – A Sailor’s Sweetheart – December 1904 Fisk Jubilee Singers – December 1904 J. C. Williamson’s Dramatic Company / Knight-Jeffries – February 1905 Julius Knight (actor) (also May 1907) Maud Jeffries…

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Sports and Competition

The following people, from across the fields of sport, physical endeavour and competition, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: Emmeline Freda Du Faur (mountaineer) February 1905 Richard (Dick) Arnst (cyclist/rower) March 1905 / April 1906 / July 1906 Japanese wrestlers March 1905 Harry Parker (tennis player) November 1905 Bernard Cyril Freyberg (swimmer) December 1905 New Zealand “All Whites”…

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Religious and Social

The following people, from across various religious and social groups, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: Archbishop Michael Kelly (of Sydney) February 1905 Right Reverend Dr. George Michael Lenihan (Bishop of Auckland) February 1905 & October 1909 General William Booth (founder Salvation Army) May 1905 Lt-Colonel Charles Fermaud (General-Secretary World Alliance YMCA) June 1907 Reverend…

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Statistics

Melbourne passengers Until March 1908 the Wimmera was primarily employed on the horseshoe run between Melbourne and Sydney. In July 1912 she returned for a single visit before reverting to the Northern New Zealand run. From November 1914 to February 1917 (at which time she paid her final visit to Melbourne) she operated on a (modified)…

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Political, Legal and Regal

Amongst those identified as visitors or passengers on the Wimmera were a number of notable personalities of the time.

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The Shipwrecked

On several occasions the Wimmera counted amongst her passengers, the captains, crews and others whose own ships had met with recent disaster.

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Immigrants

1907 On Friday 14 June 1907 the Wimmera arrived in Hobart from Melbourne. Aboard were two returning Tasmanians and former emigrants to South Africa. Both Hobart-born John Mitchell, a plasterer, and T. J. Canning, a painter, were among 676 repatriated Australians who had reached Melbourne aboard the Howard Smith Company’s cargo steamer Cycle (formerly Boveric). Due…

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Newly-Weds

In the social pages of both the Australian and New Zealand press the nuptials of many couples were reported. In addition to descriptions of the couples, the church, the service, reception, gifts and bridal wear, references were also often made to their immediate travels or honeymoon plans. On occasion, these plans included intended travel aboard…

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Stowaways

Stowaways aboard ships were not uncommon in the Edwardian period. Local newspaper reports reveal a number of court proceedings against those who were caught avoiding the payment of fares and seeking a free passage on the Wimmera.

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Unwilling Passengers

Occasionally unintentional passengers also found themselves on board when the vessel was departing or had already departed port.

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Military and Naval

The following people or groups, from the military and navy, were passengers on the SS Wimmera: Pre-War Prior to World War 1 notable figures and serving members of both Australian and New Zealand Forces were passengers on trans-Tasman steamers. Some have been identified as being aboard the Wimmera. Major-General John Charles Hoad (Inspector General Commonwealth…

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Crime and Justice

Amongst her passengers, a number were either fleeing the law, returning to face justice, or were on the hunt for wanted men.

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Miscellaneous

“A bond of £1200 had to be signed by the Brennan-Fuller management before the troupe of Chinese jugglers and acrobats, known as the Pechilli troupe, were allowed to land from the Wimmera at Auckland recently. The troupe consists of four men and a boy of 16, and Madame Pechilli, who acts as manageress only. Before…

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Waihi miners

In the wake of industrial disputes by mine workers at Waihi, on the North Island of New Zealand, a large number were reported to have not only abandoned the town but also the Dominion. Many were steerage passengers aboard the Wimmera when she sailed from Auckland for Sydney on 10 June 1912. More Waihi men…

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