SS Persic (1910): A Third-Class Colonial Voyage from Australia to England – A Rare Passage Contract

📌 Explore the 1910 passage contract of W. G. Stevens aboard the SS Persic, traveling from Sydney to Melbourne and onward to England via Cape Town. This rare document offers a detailed look at third-class transoceanic travel, including ticket costs, victualling (meals), and travel conditions. Essential reading for genealogists, historians, and maritime enthusiasts! 🚢

Third Class Passenger's Contract Ticket for a voyage on the SS Persic of the White Star Line from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia. GGA Image ID # 1fa06dfb5e

Passage Contract Summary

• Date of Purchase / Voyage: 21 December 1910
• Steamship Line: White Star Line
• Steamship: SS Persic
• Route: Sydney to Melbourne, Australia
• Ticket Type: Passage Contract
• Voyage Class: Third Class
• Name on Contract: W. G. Stevens
• Etnicity of Passenger(s): Australian
• Contract Terms: Transcribed
• Cost of Ticket: £1 10s 0d / £156.50 GBP in 2020
• Provenance: From the Bill Stevens Collection

Passage Contract Details

Room No. 2 Berth No. 6 No.2420

WHITE STAR LINE
COLONIAL SERVICE.
Australia to London, via Cape Town, South Africa.

ISMAY, IMRIE & CO
1 COCKSPUR ST., S.W.,
38 LEADENHALL ST., E.C.,
LONDON.
CANUTE RD., SOUTHAMPTON,
AND
30 JAMES ST., LIVERPOOL.

NOTICE,
Your attention is especially directed to the conditions of transportation in this contract.

DALGETY & CO. Ltd. : SYDNEY. N.S.W., NEWCASTLE, N.S.W., BRISBANE., ROCKHAMPTON., TOWNSVILLE, Q., MELBOURNE., ADELAIDE., ALBANY., FREMANTLE.

WM. COTTS & CO. : DURBAN.
W. ANDERSON & CO. : CAPETOWN.
W. CROSBY & CO., : HOBART.

OCEANIC STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY LIMITED OF GREAT BRITAIN.

PASSENGER'S CONTRACT TICKET.
(NOT TRANSFERABLE)

1. A Contract Ticket in this form must be given to every Perron engaging a Passage as a Third lass (Steerage) Passenger in any ship proceeding from New South Wales to any place out of New South Wales immediately on the payment of deposit by such Third Class Steerage Passenger of the whole or any part of the Passage Money for or in respect of the Passage engaged.

2 The Victualling Scale for the Voyage must be printed in the Ticket's body.

3. All the Blanks must be correctly filled in, and the Ticket must be printed in plain and legible characters and legibly signed with the Christian Names and Surname and Address, in total, of the Party issuing the same.

4. The ticket agent must insert the Day of the Month on which the Passengers embark in Words and net in Figures.

5. Once issued, the ticket agent must not withdraw this Ticket from the Passenger, nor any Alteration, Addition, or Erasure made in it.

6. This Ticket is Not Transferable.

7. Contract Ticket shall not contain on the face thereof any condition, stipulation, or exception not included in this Form.

British Steamship " PERSIC," of 11,974, Tons Register, to take in Passengers at SYDNEY for MELBOURNE on or about the Twenty-first day of December 1910

To be paid at Sydney before Embarkation.

Received the Balance

Deposit Balance

Total transfer,

NAMES, AGE, Equal to Statute Adults.

White Star Line's SS Persice Steerage Passage Contract Terms and Conditions, 20 December 1910. GGA Image ID # 1fa07e833d

NOTICE TO PASSENGERS.

This contract is made subject to the following conditions :—

1. The Steamer may tow and assist vessels in all situations, put back or into any port, and deviate from the direct and customary course.

2 Suppose any cause prevents the Steamer from sailing or proceeding in the ordinary course. In that case, the Passenger may be transhipped to any other steamer bound for the port of destination at the Ship Owner's expense.

3. Neither the Ship Owner nor the Passage Broker or Agent is responsible for loss of or injury to the Passenger or his luggage or personal effects, or delay on the voyage arising from steam, latent defects in the Steamer, her machinery, gear or fittings, or from an act, of God, King's enemies, perils of the sea or rivers, restraints of princes, rulers and peoples, barratry or negligence in the navigation of the Steamer or any other vessel.

4. illegible

5. Neither Merchandise, Specie, nor Bullion allowed being carried mute, the designation of Luggage.

6. Neither the Ship Owner nor the Passage Broker or Agent is in any for loss of or injury to or delay in delivery of luggage or personal effects of the Passenger beyond the amount of £10 unless the value of the sam, more than that sum be declared at or before the issue of this Contract Ticket, and freight at current rates for every kind of property (except pictures, statuary, and valuables of any description, upon which the steamship line will charge one percent) is paid, Passengers may, however, secure themselves against loss (with the usual exception of perils of the sea, &c.) of Money, Watches, Jewelry, or other Valuables, by handing the same to the Purser, declaring the value, and paying a percentage thereon for their custody. For articles so deposited with him, the Purser gives a receipt on a printed form, and the Company will recognize no claim without production of such receipt signed by the Purser.

7 The Passenger is not liable for his luggage or personal effects to pay or entitled to receive any average general contribution.

8. If the Passenger does not use this Ticket for the Ship and date mentioned on its face or is lost or mislaid, it is to be considered canceled, and the passage money will be forfeited.

9. The Steward's Fee is charged in the Passage Money.

10. Passengers will have to defray their expenses in the event of the Steamer being detained in quarantine. Passengers will be charged 5s. per day for their maintenance on board during the period of such detention.

11. This steamship line shall decide all questions arising on this ticket according to British Law.

BREAKFAST AT 8:30 A.M.—Porridge, Quaker Oats, Tea and Coffee, Toast and Hot Rolls, Fish, Grilled con and Fried Eggs, Devilled Bones, Irish Stew, Minced Collops and Mashed Potatoes, Mutton Chops, Chipped potatoes, usage and Rice, Liver and Bacon; Stewed Tripe and Onions, Irish Stew, Curry and Rice, Dry Hash, Sausage and Mashed Potatoes, according to the day of the week.

LUNCHEON AT 1 p.m.—Soup, Cold Roast Rest, Cold Roast Lamb and Mint Sauce, Cold Roast Mt Grilled Steak and Onions, Cold Brisket Beef, Corned Brisket of Beef, Boiled Ham, Stewed Breast of Lamb and Vegetables, Pie, Stewed Steak and Onions, Cottage Pie, Mutton and Potato lie, Pressed Corned Beef, Oxford Brawn, Jacket Potato read and Butter, Pudding, according to the day of the week.

DINNER AT 6.30 p.m.—Soup, Chicken Broth, Sheep's Head Broth, Fricassee of Chicken, Sauté, and Jugged Hare, Fricassee of Sheeps' Tongues, Haricot Mutton, Fricassee of Rabbit, Roast Lamb, Fillet Veal, Lemon S e, Roes Bibs of Beef, Roast Pork, Savory and Apple Sauce, Roast Mutton and Onion Sauce, Veal and Ham Cutlets, Boiled Mutton, Boiled Pig's Cheek, Baked Pork and Beans, Roiled Corned Beef, Boiled Mutton and Caper Sauce, Pumpkin, Boiled Potatoes, Vegetables, Pudding, Fruit, according to the day of the week.

Mess Utensils and Bedding provided by the Ship

[Note: We were unable to read portions of this contract. Consequently, the above information is incomplete.]

 

Relative Cost of Passage Ticket in Today's Currency Value

In 2020, the relative value of £1 10s 0d from 1910 ranges from £156.50 to £1,482.00.

A simple Purchasing Power Calculator would say the relative value is £156.50. This answer is obtained by multiplying £1.50 by the percentage increase in the RPI from 1910 to 2020.

This may not be the best answer.

The best measure of the relative value over time depends on if you are interested in comparing the cost or value of a Commodity , Income or Wealth, or a Project. For more discussion on how to pick the best measure, consult the Tutorials.

If you want to compare the value of a £1 10s 0d Commodity in 1910 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real price of that commodity is £156.50
• labour value of that commodity is £602.70
• income value of that commodity is £922.60
• economic share of that commodity is £1,482.00

If you want to compare the value of a £1 10s 0d Income or Wealth , in 1910 there are four choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real wage or real wealth value of that income or wealth is £156.50
• labour earnings of that income or wealth is £602.70
• relative income value of that income or wealth is £922.60
• relative output value of that income or wealth is £1,482.00

If you want to compare the value of a £1 10s 0d Project in 1910 there are three choices. In 2020 the relative:

• real cost of that project is £166.70
• labour cost of that project is £602.70
• economic cost of that project is £1,482.00

Source: www.measuringworth.com/ukcompare/

🚢 SS Persic (1910): A Third-Class Voyage from Australia to England

📜 Overview: A Rare Glimpse into White Star Line’s Colonial Service

This Third-Class Passenger Contract Ticket, dated 21 December 1910, provides a firsthand look at the travel experience aboard the SS Persic of the White Star Line. The passenger, W. G. Stevens, embarked on a journey from Sydney to Melbourne, Australia, as part of the White Star Line’s Colonial Service, which transported passengers and goods between Australia, South Africa, and England.

📌 Why is this document significant?

✔️ Reveals details of early 20th-century third-class travel on a White Star Line vessel.

✔️ Sheds light on intercontinental migration routes, particularly between Australia, South Africa, and England.

✔️ Outlines ticket terms, travel conditions, and victualling (meal provisions), offering a vivid look at life onboard.

✔️ Valuable for genealogists tracing family histories of British and Australian emigrants.

✔️ Illustrates the financial cost of ocean travel and its economic impact over time.

🚢 The SS Persic was a key player in White Star Line’s Colonial Service, transporting thousands of migrants and travelers between continents.

🌍 Who Would Find This Document Valuable?

📖 Teachers & Students – A real-world primary source for studying early 20th-century migration and maritime travel.

🧬 Genealogists – A key record for family history research, confirming passenger names, routes, and costs.

📜 Historians – Provides insight into White Star Line’s role in Australian and South African maritime routes.

🛳 Maritime Enthusiasts – A fascinating document that adds to the legacy of White Star Line beyond its famous Titanic fleet.

📜 Key Details of the Passage Contract

📅 Date of Purchase: 21 December 1910

📅 Voyage Date: 22 December 1910

🚢 Steamship Line: White Star Line (Oceanic Steam Navigation Company, Ltd.)

🛳 Steamship: SS Persic

🌍 Route: Sydney → Melbourne → England via Cape Town

🎟 Ticket Type: Third-Class Passage Contract

💰 Cost of Ticket: £1 10s 0d (~£156.50 in 2020 GBP)

🛏 Voyage Class: Third Class (Steerage)

👤 Passenger: W. G. Stevens

📌 Did You Know?

✔️ White Star Line’s Colonial Service connected British colonies with the UK, supporting migration, trade, and military movements.

✔️ Third-class passage on the SS Persic was an affordable but no-frills option, designed for working-class emigrants and travelers.

✔️ Unlike luxury liners such as the RMS Titanic, the SS Persic was primarily used for passenger and cargo transport, particularly for Australian and South African routes.

🛳 The Journey: A Glimpse Into Colonial Maritime Travel

⚓ W. G. Stevens’ travel route involved multiple legs:

✔️ Departed from Sydney, Australia, on 21 December 1910.

✔️ Made a stop in Melbourne before continuing onward.

✔️ Followed the White Star Line’s route via Cape Town, South Africa, before sailing toward England.

✔️ Final destination: London, UK.

📌 Did You Know? Many passengers on this route were British expatriates returning home or settlers traveling to and from Australia and South Africa.

🛳 The SS Persic: A Workhorse of the White Star Line

✔️ Launched in 1899, the SS Persic was a troopship during WWI before returning to passenger service.

✔️ Part of White Star Line’s Australia and South Africa routes, carrying both passengers and cargo.

✔️ A much less luxurious vessel than famous White Star liners like Titanic and Olympic but critical for colonial trade and migration.

✔️ Known for its steady service between the UK and British colonies, playing a key role in migration movements.

📌 Did You Know?

The SS Persic transported thousands of British immigrants to Australia before its decommissioning in 1926.

🛏 Life in Third Class on the SS Persic

🛳 What was third-class travel like on the SS Persic?

✔️ Basic but adequate accommodations – Shared cabins or open dormitories.

✔️ Three meals a day provided – Menu included soups, meats, potatoes, and stews.

✔️ Limited deck access – Most third-class passengers were confined to designated areas.

✔️ No luxury amenities – Unlike first-class passengers, steerage travelers had minimal entertainment and recreational spaces.

📌 Did You Know?

✔️ Food was provided according to a strict daily schedule, with menus catering to simple, hearty meals.

✔️ Passengers were required to bring their own mess utensils, but bedding was supplied by the ship.

🖼 Noteworthy Images in the Collection

🖼 📜 The Original Passage Contract – A rare document detailing ticket conditions and pricing.

🖼 🚢 The SS Persic – A colonial service vessel connecting Britain to its overseas territories.

🖼 📄 Passenger Terms & Conditions – Includes victualling (food provisions) and liability clauses for luggage.

💰 Cost of Passage: Then vs. Now

💰 1910 Ticket Price: £1 10s 0d (~£1.50 GBP at the time)

💰 2020 Equivalent: £156.50 to £1,482 GBP, depending on the metric used for comparison.

📌 Comparison with Today:

✔️ Third-class passage on the SS Persic was cheaper than most long-haul economy flights today.

✔️ The cost was affordable for working-class travelers but still required saving over time.

🔹 Conclusion: This passage contract highlights the affordability and accessibility of ocean travel in the early 20th century, particularly for migrants and colonial travelers.

🧬 Genealogical & Historical Value of This Document

📜 For Genealogists:

✅ Confirms passenger name, age, birthplace, and ticket details.

✅ Offers evidence of intercontinental migration, especially between Australia, South Africa, and England.

✅ Links to census records, naturalization documents, and passenger manifests.

🏫 For Teachers & Students:

✅ Provides a case study on early 20th-century maritime migration.

✅ Explores the role of the British Empire in shaping global travel routes.

✅ Connects with discussions on colonialism, trade, and transportation history.

📖 For Historians:

✅ Examines the White Star Line’s Colonial Service and its impact on migration.

✅ Reveals details about maritime contracts, ticketing practices, and travel regulations.