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"1887" - Crikey, that's an oldie and a goodie! I wonder if it was a slip-of-the-pen for 1888? Very easy to do at the start of the year. There are multiple articles about the ORIZABA as Flagship for the Centennial Regatta in 1888 (on 27 January), but none for 1887. Hmmm ...

beachcomber australia Indeed, I researched it to make sure because our records had 1887 as well. But IBERIA was flagship that year, so yes, your suggestion that it was mislabelled is more likely. And yes, I think we've all made that mistake eh? :P But thanks for pointing out the inscription, I hadn't noticed it!

Australian National Maritime Museum on The Commons Just found another faint inscription including CENTENNIAL, see note bottom left.

The ferry is Wallaby

beachcomber australia MV Baragoola Thanks you two! We have entered these details into our database records :)

Brilliant photo of the ORIENT. So often she is in the background, not featured. This is the ship which got me sucked into these old photos, due to a famous painting by Charles Conder The Departure of the Orient - Circular Quay (1888) (AGNSW), now available in the amazing GoogleArtProject - www.googleartproject.com/collection/art-gallery-of-new-so... - press the little man for 'Museum View' to visit the painting at the AGNSW.

I think the ORIENT was the flagship for the Anniversary Day Regatta in 1884. Was this the big occasion? "To-day the R.M.S. Orient is to be moved from the Circular Quay to Farm Cove, where she will be the flagship at the Anniversary Regatta. She will be moored to the Nelson's buoy. " SMH 24/1/1884 - trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13558302

Particularly as the next photo shows Admiralty House before the additional floor was added in 1885.

beachcomber australia Amazing! Have been playing around with GoogleArt, how clever! 1884 seems logical re the dates of the other images in the album & the smaller craft & spectators would certainly indicate a big regatta...

Description of the 1884 Anniversary Regatta in the SMH 28/1/1884 p.8, including this -

" ... In this instance, the flagship was the Orient, one of the largest and best finished steamers afloat. She was surrounded by craft of all kinds and dimensions, and so numerous that but for the skilful manner in which they were directed they must, as they flitted or darted to and fro, have met with accidents. They gave the harbour in the vicinity of Farm Cove an appearance the animation of which was heightened by the crowds of persons who congregated at Fort Macquarie and Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, and by the fluttering flags of the vessels at Circular Quay, amongst which was the gay tri-colours hoisted as a compliment to the colony by a Messageries Maritimes steamers. The decks of the Orient made most agreeable promenades, and were occupied by several hundreds of persons, including a very large proportion of ladies, who in the natural pride of their sex displayed the magnificent costumes of the present period. On one deck was stationed the band of the Naval Volunteers and on another that of the Vernon, so that visitors had a plentitude of music in addition to their other enjoyments, some of which appeared to closely partake of the character of flirtation. ..."

trove.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/article/13550521

See comments on 'SS ORIENT 1' photo -

Likely to be the Anniversary Day Regatta 26/1/1884. Can anyone identify the Manly paddle steamer, full of folk dressed up for a Grand Day Out ?

beachcomber australia Fear not! We have passed this photo to our friendly ferry consultant & will post the results post haste :) Might help clear up the other details.

It's Fairlight

MV Baragoola Thank you! See another FAIRLIGHT photo by Mr Hall for comments and further links -