A group of children hoisted by a crane on board HMAS AUSTRALIA II
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Where: New South Wales, , Australia
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When: 06 December 1930
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This image depicts children in a crate hoisted on board HMAS AUSTRALIA II. The event was the annual children's Christmas party and was hosted on 6 December 1930. The girl wearing glasses on the left is Miss Rosemary Game, daughter of Sir Philip (Governor of New South Wales) and Lady Gwendolen Game. The boy next to her is possibly her brother Philip Game and the boy far right is possibly her other brother, David Game. The girl with pigtails and wearing a hat is possibly Miss Rosemary Budge, daughter of Sir Harry Budge, Secretary to the Governor, Sir Philip Game.
This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Samuel J. Hood Studio collection. Sam Hood (1872-1953) was a Sydney photographer with a passion for ships. His 60-year career spanned the romantic age of sail and two world wars. The photos in the collection were taken mainly in Sydney and Newcastle during the first half of the 20th century.
The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. This record has been updated accordingly.
Photographer: Samuel J. Hood Studio Collection
Object no. 00034838
Source: Flickr Commons
Views: 184215
This photo is part of the Australian National Maritime Museum’s Samuel J. Hood Studio collection. Sam Hood (1872-1953) was a Sydney photographer with a passion for ships. His 60-year career spanned the romantic age of sail and two world wars. The photos in the collection were taken mainly in Sydney and Newcastle during the first half of the 20th century.
The ANMM undertakes research and accepts public comments that enhance the information we hold about images in our collection. This record has been updated accordingly.
Photographer: Samuel J. Hood Studio Collection
Object no. 00034838
Info:
Owner: Australian National Maritime Museum on The CommonsSource: Flickr Commons
Views: 184215
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ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
It seems there were several children's parties on HMAS Canberra in December 1931. - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16818779 I bet this is the Officers' children one on Saturday 12 December (SMH 14/12/1931 p.3 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/16814285). " ... ... A large crane, in which the little guests were given rides .... ... "
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia Thanks for those articles! It was definitely the children's Christmas party and judging by these articles, you're probably right, it looks like it was the one on Saturday afternoon for the Officers' children. Great work beachcomberaustralia! Woudn't it be wonderful if we could identify some of those children? It was 81 years ago, perhaps some of them may still be around and remember this event... We also have an image of the kids on the slide which we will be uploading today so watch this space.
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
http://www.flickr.com/photos/anmm_thecommons Hmm - this is going to sound REALLY geeky and picky - I need to get a life! ... 1931 date may be wrong ... The Harbour Bridge behind is not very completed for "December 1931" - they would be flat out completing it in three months for a March 1932 opening. I think from the state of the decking and pylons, that this might be December 1930. Also compare with this October 1930 photo - http://www.flickr.com/photos/anmm_thecommons/7298366086/ I had a look at Trove for children's parties in December 1930, but no luck so far.
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia] Not at all, we also enjoy being geeky and investigating these images and we always appreciate feedback from our followers! So, we know for sure that the Dutch navy visited in October 1930 and that it was their first visit. The DE RUYTER image above, shows the first part of the deck being lowered. In the image of the children in the crate, there are quite a few more deck pieces. Another bit of information, this image bit.ly/MfsM5h is from the same day (as you can see the lady in the white outfit and hat in both images). The inscription in the lower part of the negative says 'Xmas party 1931'. Perhaps more research into the Sydney Harbour Bridge will confirm, because I do see what you mean, they would have had to rush the last few pieces for the March 1932 opening!
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/anmm_thecommons] Thanks for the extra photo - it is really difficult to argue with the photographer's own signature date! The wikipedia article has a useful history and dates of construction. The two "creeper cranes" seen here are particularly good indicators of progress. Also on the page is a photo (from the AWM) of the HMAS 'Canberra' going under the bridge in 1930 - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Harbour_Bridge#Construction Whether 1930 or 1931, this is still a wonderful photo!
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia I did see that image, one of the pieces of information that appears over at Historic Houses Trust, says that the 'creeper cranes' were dismantled and the deck was in place by June 1931. It's very confusing, but as you say, it is a wonderful image.
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia It's a great conclusion, I suppose we can all say that we've written the wrong year from time to time. Perhaps it was an estimate written on the negative well after the event took place? Really, we wouldn't get anywhere without the progressive photographs from the http://www.flickr.com/photos/state-records-nsw/! Thanks for sharing your findings with us quasymody, we will change it to December 1930!
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02] After researching this further I'm still not so sure. Check out this Dec 1931 article: nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16814285 Notice the mention of the slippery slide and the large crane? It's pretty compelling but it doesn't seem to fit with the bridge. Perplexing :S Then I thought that Mrs Cooper in this article: nla.gov.au/nla.news-article16737964 who also attended that day may be seen in this pic, zoom in, in white hate, smiling (to the right)
Also the Budge family (Sadie and her younger sister Rosemary) were reported to have attended. See this Women's Weekly for a picture of Rosemary: nla.gov.au/nla.news-article55459730
Compare that to the girl in pigtails and a hat in this photograph...although she also looks a bit like the girl two spaces left ...
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02] I think you are definitely right about the date being December 1930, not 1931. I also think that it has to be the same occasion, particularly as you can see the woman in the white outfit. It's pretty distinct. The bridge construction is really the most reliable, and convincing, way of dating the photo. But as to the vessel, we can't be certain that it is HMAS Australia or Canberra. I spoke to our navy curator and that's really what makes these pics so difficult to pinpoint. I also think I may have identified two of the children, and we now know for sure that Rosemary Game attended the two naval events, both on Australia in 1930 and Canberra in 1931. See a comparison pic of her here: nla.gov.au/nla.news-article29799130 If that really is her, perhaps it's more logical to assume that the event depicted is the one on board HMAS Australia on 6/7 December 1930..? In addition, I just uploaded this pic, in the same series and probably the same day, which shows the vessel in full view which may assist with identifying it. Perhaps there was more than one party going on at once (on the other vessels in the pic)??:
ALSO, in case you haven't seen it there was a debate involving HMAS Australia and Canberra not so long ago with another one of our pics. Take note of the info about the windows: www.flickr.com/photos/anmm_thecommons/8293272990/
P.S. [http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia/] looks like you were right in the end about the date being wrong! :)
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
[http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02] There are too many parts to this puzzle indeed. Although, reading the discussion over here, it is more likely that these photographs depict HMAS Australia and not Canberra.
Kookaburra2011
Lady, hold onto that baby!
excellentzebu1050
Fantastic !
spelio
This would be a similar time....
smenaaliaga
Great
TEXASJOHN
Cool!
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 That's Philip Game, her brother I reckon! Thanks quasymody.
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 Thanks QM, all in the database now :)
Eff Bee
What a fantastic image.
SJH Foto
I wonder if any of these kids are still alive
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
Vivid description of the party on board HMAS AUSTRALIA (II) on Saturday 6 December 1930, as reported in The Australasian 13/12/1930, with a who-was-there and what-they-wore - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/140836751 , including - ... ... A huge crane - a most dignified munition-lifter - also entered into the spirit of the hour, and its cage, filled with children, swung out, right over the sea, and landed them again, awed, but happy on the deck, while a gigantic diver in his weird undersea costume would, if you shouted in his ear, answer questions and tell you marvellous things about the bottom of the sea. ... ...
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
[The full article for reference ...] Such A Party! On Saturday afternoon, December 6, Rear Admiral Evans and the officers of H.M.A.S. Australia gave a delightful party on board the warship, which was moored at Garden Island. It was a very gay function, where extreme youth and unsophisticated charm met, and "chased the glowing hours with flying feet." The day was lovely with floods of golden sunshine, and the whole ship's company entered with spirit into the proceedings, on which much thought and care had evidently been bestowed. Naval pinnaces took the excited little people in charge of mothers or nurses to the Australia, which was transformed into a fascinating playground. Even the great cannon on deck became festive and fired off salvos of multi-coloured balloons in an unexpected manner that simply thrilled the little guests. A huge crane - a most dignified munition-lifter - also entered into the spirit of the hour, and its cage, filled with children, swung out, right over the sea, and landed them again, awed, but happy on the deck, while a gigantic diver in his weird undersea costume would, if you shouted in his ear, answer questions and tell you marvellous things about the bottom of the sea. Slippery slides, Aunt Sally, and Punch and Judy , and all the other celebrities did their bit, and one of the greatest thrills was "Mickey the Mouse" who led the revels, and elicited screams of joy - one little guest was indeed so overthrilled by his antics that she had to be taken home, but most of the small guests were on the friendliest terms with him. Afternoon tea was served on deck at long tables, and jazz caps "from the farm yard" were immediately donned, and each little guest was presented with a box of chocolate with a picture of H.M.A.S. Australia on the lid. The reputation of the navy as hosts, always brilliant, was proved once more. Mrs. Evans wore a graceful gown of beige satin, with a flared skirt, a small closely fitting hat in the same tone, and brought her two small sons. Mrs.Farquliar-Smith, wife of Commander Farquhar-Smith wore a grey and black patterned silk frock with bands of black and white ribbon edging the flared skirt, and added a black hat. Others present were: Captain and Mrs. Chalmers, Miss Crowdy (who accompanied Rosemary, the little daughter of His Excellency the Governor and Lady Game), Mesdames W. Owen, Boy Buckland, K. Austin, Dennis Allen. Hogan, Cohen, J. B. Stevenson, Pennefather, W. Marks, R. A. Eskin, Madame Inoue. and the Misses Wilhelmsen. [ trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/140836751 The Australasian 13/12/1930 ]
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 Yes, it's all my fault! Too geeky and picky ... ! But 20,893 viewers is not at all bad (as at 15/3/14).
Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons
http://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia http://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 oh no he didn't! :P I think you're right. Perhaps our Christmas party debate is no longer a debate then! I sense a blog post in this...'The Christmas party debate settled!...Probably.' :)
Ruby Lace
Guaranteed, workplace, health and Safety would not allow this today.
Ruby Lace
https://www.flickr.com/photos/51979177@N02 I am thinking, yes ... ya need to 'get a life' Facts and figures, dates and times seem to be paramount, yet the photo, within itself begs real comment for it's own merit at the time of taking. I have sailed out of this beautiful harbour many a time, on mostly Destroyers and ventured far and wide. Sent to places of conflict, that afterwards and upon returning to these same shores of comfort, was treated like you would not believe. We were the 'forgotten ones' for what we did, now longer existed. We were vermin, in the eyes of most and many Australians. The sooner they forgot about us the better and therefore, we never existed and it took 25 long years to gain recognition and our self respect, to a point where we could start to believe in ourselves and that what we had done, really happened. All I ask, it to 'look into and beyond the photo' and you just may see what lies beyond and it has absolutely nothing to do with time times and dates.
dagboshoots
https://www.flickr.com/photos/ruby_lace My thoughts exactly. Such a shame, looks like big fun :-)
Silvia On a Cloud
This picture is great! :) .. I'm new on Flickr..if you want to check my profile and comment my pictures..i will be so greatfull ^_^ Thank you!!! www.flickr.com/photos/126838882@N06/with/15531820386/ Have a wonderfull day!! ^_^
hobbitcamera
Looks like the kids are having fun!
icy watch
27/12/2014 This really is a very nice picture. Something has been dearly lost with the building of ships today. checkout this classic passenger box from those good old days... Shipping / Passengers / Nauru Boat Harbour, Central Pacific 1957 photo by Nancy Hitchcock, Australian National University. digitalcollections.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/48712 cheers Mark L Frankling Bourgogne, France
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
48,579 viewers - 28/12/2014. Doubled plus in the last ten months.
mighty chickens
The good old days of White Australia...no, really, it's perfectly fine that this nation moved on mentally. Anyways, a pretty photography. I love the joy coming from the children's faces despite the crowdedness.
cyber_site69
wow its nice image Exclusivebot
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
90,221 viewers (14/8/16) !!
renzovd90
awesome
ɹǝqɯoɔɥɔɐǝq
143,673 views (7/3/2019) !! Still going strong. Alas, quasymody / plastic transport's research and comments have all been deleted, so some of the dialogue above makes no sense.
spelio
[https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia] See a similar shot..
amberfaulds
❤
covid convict
trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246186291/27027392 - Daily Pictorial, 8th December, 1930...similar pic here (see pic bottom rhs)...different group... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/246186263 - the Daily Pictorial, 8th December, 1930...some more pics here... There appear to have been 2 children's parties held on board HMAS Australia in December 1930...a party held on Saturday 6th which appears to have been for the children of naval officers...the Game children, etc. My guess is that the Sam Hood pics were taken on that occasion. A second children's party appears to have been held the next day, Sunday 7th...it evidently involved some 400 children...it appears to have been for the children of ex-servicemen...this second children's party was evidently organised with the assistance of the Smith Family...my guess is the Daily Pictorial pics were taken at this second children's party... trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/16736812 - SMH, 8th December, 1930...this item refers to the second children's party... trove.nla.gov.au/work/187281319 - For what it's worth, by the time they arrived in Australia, Philip and David Game were no longer little children. This NLA Fairfax pic shows them on their arrival in Sydney on 29th May, 1930. So I don't think they appear in these children's party pics... trove.nla.gov.au/work/183007642 - this NLA Fairfax pic of Rosemary Game is of course a good match with the girl we see in the basket.
spelio
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia Excellent, Well researched.. Vivid description of the party on board HMAS AUSTRALIA (II) on Saturday 6 December 1930, as reported in The Australasian 13/12/1930, with a who-was-there and what-they-wore - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/140836751 ,
spelio
https://www.flickr.com/photos/beachcomberaustralia 177,563views23-0522