The Cunard Daily Bulletin – RMS Etruria’s September 1908 Voyage & Life at Sea

Explore the Cunard Daily Bulletin from September 11, 1908, aboard the RMS Etruria. This historical onboard newspaper offers insights into ocean travel, maritime communication, passenger entertainment, global news, and advertisements from luxury brands of the era.

Front Page, RMS Etruria Onboard Publication of the Cunard Daily Bulletin for 11 September 1908. GGA Image ID # 12f269b6a3

Cunard Daily Bulletin, RMS Etruria Edition, provided readers with plenty of advertisements, short stories, Saloon Passenger List for this voyage, Marconigrams, View of the RMS Mauretania First Class Stateroom and a Photograph of the RMS Etruria.

American and British Lights. GGA Image ID # 12f298f2e6

First Class Stateroom on the RMS Mauretania. GGA Image ID # 12f2a4aadd

Marconigrams Direct to the Ship Included in the 11 September 1908 Etruria Edition of the Cunard Daily Bulletin. GGA Image ID # 12f2a74bbf

MARCONIGRAMS DIRECT TO THE SHIP

EDITORIAL OFFICE - R.M.S.  “ETRURIA” - Friday, September 11th, 1908, 1:00 a.m.

Reuter’s telegrams received from the Marconi Station at Clifden. Galway, Ireland.
Ship’s position: 550 miles from Liverpool.

Financial Situation in Germany
Berlin, September 10th
In an article devoted to Germany’s finances, the North German Gazette declares the necessity of an extensive reorganization the whole financial scheme in order to affect a steady redemption of the national debt. The article also advocates avoidance of a debt for unproductive purposes and suggests that the Empire s debt amounting to £212,000,000 should he met with new taxes on articles of consumption, a property tax, and an extension of the death duties.

Danish Ex-minister of Justice charged with forgery
Copenhagen, September 10th
The Danish Press gives vent to great indignation against Alberti, ex-Minister of Justice, who is charged with forgery. His defalcations are now estimated at £750,000.

Belgium and the Congo
Brussels, September 10th
The Belgian Senate, today, voted on the last articles of the Colonial Law, and have adopted a treaty for the cession of the Congo Free State to Belgium.

Australian Immigration
Melbourne, September 10th
It is reported that the Premiers of the various States of the Australian Commonwealth have agreed to resist the movements by the Federal Government to encourage immigration.

Battling Nelson beats Joe Gans
San Francisco, September 10th
In the fight for the light-weight championship. Battling Nelson beat Joe Gans after a stubbornly contested fight which lasted for twenty-one rounds.

The new Governor General of the Commonwealth
Sydney, September 10th
Lord Dudley, the new Governor General of the Australian Commonwealth, landed at Sydney, officially, yesterday. He took the prescribed oaths at a reception held in his honor in the Domain.

A new rival to the “Dreadnought”
Portsmouth, September 10th
H.M.S. "St. Vincent” the largest, heaviest, and most powerful battleship in the world, was successfully launched here today.

LOCAL INTELLIGENCE

(By Wireless Telegraphy)
Thursday. September 10th

During the clay communication has been held with the S.S. ”Amerika” and the S.S. "Baltic” also with the land stations at Rosslare and Crook haven.

Today’s Communications:  During the day communication is expected with the S.S. "St. Haul”, " Vaderland”, “Minnetonka”, " Oceanic" and the Company’s R.M.S. "Carmania”.

Messages for transmission to all parts of the world through these Ships should be handed in at Purser's Office.

FROM THE LOG

Daily Runs
Thursday. September 10th
Liverpool Bar Lightship to Queenstown, 228 miles.
From Damn's Hock Lightship to Noon, 50 miles.

Weather
Thursday, September 10th - Moderate to fresh breeze; cloudy, clear weather.

Winds
Thursday, September 10th : N.W.

BAROMETER
Thursday, Sept. 10th
4 a.m.: 29°70
8 a.m.: 29°80
Noon: 29°82
4 p.m.: 29°90
8 p.m.: 30°00

THERMOMETER
Thursday, Sept. 10th
Air
4 a.m.: 50°
8 a.m.: 50°
Noon: 53°
4 p.m.: 54°
8 p.m.: 54°

Sea
4 a.m.: 50°
8 a.m.: 50°
Noon: 53°
4 p.m.: 54°
8 p.m.: 58°

Programme of Music

The Orchestra will give the following selections today:

1 p.m. to 1.45 p.m.

• Barn Dance: “De Gorn Coon“ (Bidgood)
• Waltz: “Kunstler-Lebin” (Strauss)
• Polka: “En Joie“ (Windeath)
• Selection: “Romance and two Dances” (German)

7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

• March: "Bohemia“ (Myddleton)
• Waltz: “Sourire d’Amour” (Billi)
• Lancers: “Royal Hibernian” (Balfour)
• Entr’acte: “Oft we wandered” (Marks)
• Selection: “Iolanthe” (Sullivan)

Mons. A.Strebelle, Musical Director

RMS Etruria of the Cunard Line. Length: 500 Feet, Beam: 57 Feet 3 Inches, 8,119 Tons, and 14,500 Horsepower. GGA Image ID # 12f2b09cb1

Comparative Size of Cunard Passenger Steamship Over Time. GGA Image ID # 12f2b6dc45

Saloon Passenger List included in the 11 September 1908 Etruria Edition of the Cunard Daily Bulletin. GGA Image ID # 13124c83d3

View the transcribed 10 September 1908 RMS Etruria Passenger List

Advertisement - Robinson & Cleaver Ltd., RMS Etruria Onboard Publication of the Cunard Daily Bulletin for 11 September 1908. GGA Image ID # 13125d7915

Advertisement - Irish Industries, RMS Etruria Onboard Publication of the Cunard Daily Bulletin for 11 September 1908. GGA Image ID # 1312720153

Advertisement - W. Turner Lord & Co., RMS Etruria Onboard Publication of the Cunard Daily Bulletin for 11 September 1908. GGA Image ID # 1312a0b6ae

Advertisers In This Issue

• Liberty & Co. London and Paris for Shawls, Scarves, and World-Famed Artistic Fabrics
• Hotels in Scotland: St. Enoch Station Hotel (Glasgow), Station Hotel (Ayr), Station Hotel (Dumfries), and Station Hotel (Turberry)
• St. Ermins Hotel, London
• Perrier: Champagne of Table Waters
• Warning's Modern Furniture & Decoration. London, Liverpool, Paris, Madrid, and Montreal
• Scott & Co. Agents for the Sale of Scotts Hats
• J. H. & S. Johnson, Manufacturing Chemists, Drug Merchants, Pure Chemicals
• Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London
• Collard & Collard -- The Forte Piano, London
• The Electric Landaulet Company, Ltd., Chelsea Petrol and Electric Cars for Hire
• Waygood Lifts by R. Waygood & Co., Ltd., London
• Mellier, Decorators and Upholsterers of the Lounge and Library on the Mauretania (London)
• Robinson & Cleaver, Ltd., Linen Manufacturers, Belfast. Irish Handmade Goods
• Henry Wilson & Co., Ltd. Cooking Apparatus Supplied to Cunard, White Star, and Other First Class Liners
• Harris's Real Wiltshire Bacon
• J. J. Rayner & Sons, Merchant Tailors, Naval Outfitters, and Contractor (Liverpool)
• Cadbury's Chocolate
• Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
• R. H. Macy & Co., New York, Marvels of American Merchandising
• Berliet Cars by J. E. Jutton, Ltd., London
• Dunhills' Motorities, London
• J. H. & S. Towers, Genuine Irish Laces (West Beach, Queenstown)
• Heidelberg Hotel Bellevue and Schloss-Hotel, Ernest Tailor-made Suits, Afternoon Frocks, Evening Gowns, Millinery, Etc. Recent Street, London
• Martin Kosminski, Manufacturing Furrier, London
• J & J Patton, Educational Agents, London
• Barclay Perkins World Famous London Stouts
• R. Twining & Co., Ltd., Oldest Tea & Coffee Merchants in the World (London, Liverpool, Paris)
• Turner & Dunnett, General Printers, Chromo Lithographers, and Publishers, Liverpool
• Elkington Plates by Elkington & Co., Ltd., Liverpool (Branch offices in London, Brimingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow, Newcastle-on-Tyne.
• London & North Western Railroad of England
• Hotel Metropole, London
• Redfern, Court Dressmakers and Furriers, London
• Schweppes Soda Water
• Gourdoulis, The Egyptian Cigarette
• Empire Hotel, Bath
• Midland Railway Hotels
• Pears' Soap
• The Irish Linen Stores, London
• The Goldsmiths & Silversmiths Company, Ltd., Regent Street, London
• W. Turner Lord & Co., London
• Irish Industries, Dublin
• Gresham Model, Dublin
• Residential Suites, Mayfair, London W.
• Hill, Thomson & Co., Queen Anne: The finest and oldest scotch whisky
• White Label Worestershire Sauce from J. A. Sharwood & Co., London
• The Cunard Steam Ship Co. Ltd. Travellers' Checques
• The Cunard Steam Ship Company Ltd. Money Drafts
• John Duncan * Sons, Fishmongers, Game, & Poultry Dealers, Liverpool
• Wm. Egan & Sons, Ltd., Patrick Street, Cork
• Mattoni Water -- The Empress of All Natural Table Waters.
• Allan Royal Mail Line to Canada and United States
• Hunyadi János Mineral Water
• Cook's Tours Round and About the World, Thos. Cook & Sons, London

📜 The Cunard Daily Bulletin of the RMS Etruria – A Window Into 1908 Ocean Travel 🌊

🚢 A Snapshot of Transatlantic Life Aboard the RMS Etruria

On September 11, 1908, the Cunard Daily Bulletin aboard the RMS Etruria provided its passengers with a rich tapestry of news, social updates, and maritime culture. This edition offers an invaluable glimpse into transatlantic travel during the early 20th century, covering news from around the world, entertainment, shipping updates, and advertisements from elite establishments catering to ocean liners' affluent clientele.

For teachers, students, genealogists, and historians, this publication is a treasure trove of information, illustrating not only the luxury and sophistication of early 20th-century steamship travel but also how ships functioned as microcosms of society, bridging continents through commerce, culture, and communication.

🔎 Why This Bulletin is a Valuable Historical Resource

🌍 Global News Through the Lens of Ocean Travel

The Marconigrams, an early form of wireless telegraphy, provided passengers with up-to-date world news while at sea. This was a technological marvel for 1908, allowing ships to receive news directly from land-based stations. Some of the notable global updates included:

Economic Struggles in Germany – The North German Gazette discussed the urgent need to reform Germany’s finances, foreshadowing the economic instability that would later lead to World War I.

Political Scandal in Denmark – The former Minister of Justice was accused of forgery, showcasing political corruption on an international scale.

Belgium & The Congo – The Belgian Senate finalized the cession of the Congo Free State to Belgium, marking a critical moment in colonial history.

Australian Immigration Policies – The Australian Commonwealth States opposed federal government efforts to promote immigration, reflecting debates about national identity and labor rights.

The Lightweight Championship – A thrilling sports update announced that Battling Nelson defeated Joe Gans in a 21-round boxing match, demonstrating the global interest in American sports.

The Royal Navy’s HMS St. Vincent Launched – Britain introduced a new rival to the famous HMS Dreadnought, signaling the naval arms race leading to World War I.

💡 For Historians & Students: This bulletin is a real-time historical document, capturing economic shifts, colonial transitions, and global sports & military advancements, helping us understand the pre-WWI world order.

📡 The Role of Wireless Technology in Maritime Communication

One of the most fascinating aspects of this bulletin is its Marconigrams, which allowed real-time updates from other ships. On September 10, 1908, the RMS Etruria communicated with several notable vessels, including:

• S.S. Amerika
• S.S. Baltic
• R.M.S. Carmania
• S.S. Oceanic

This early maritime communication network highlights the growing sophistication of global connectivity, even at sea.

💡 For Technology Enthusiasts & Teachers: This bulletin demonstrates how wireless telegraphy revolutionized ocean travel, making it safer and more connected, a precursor to modern satellite communications.

🛏️ First-Class Luxury on the Seas: A Glimpse at the Mauretania

The bulletin features an image of a First-Class Stateroom aboard the RMS Mauretania, an advertisement of luxury ocean travel at its peak. The Mauretania, the RMS Etruria’s contemporary, was one of the fastest and most luxurious liners of the time, emphasizing the competition among shipping lines to offer superior accommodations.

💡 For Genealogists & Travel Historians: This bulletin offers visual evidence of the luxury available to the elite passengers, providing clues about social status, economic trends, and class distinctions aboard these grand vessels.

🎼 Shipboard Entertainment & Social Life

The onboard orchestra performed a curated selection of popular dances, waltzes, and operatic pieces, including:

🎵 “Künstlerleben” by Strauss

🎵 “Iolanthe” by Arthur Sullivan

🎵 “Sourire d’Amour” by Billi

Music was an essential part of the onboard experience, fostering social interaction and leisure during long voyages.

💡 For Music & Cultural Historians: The musical selections offer insight into popular entertainment of the era, providing a cultural bridge between Europe and America.

🛳️ Navigational Insights & Daily Log

The daily log and weather reports included:

• Distance traveled: 228 miles on September 10
• Weather conditions: Moderate to fresh breezes
• Barometric readings: Stable at around 30.00
• Sea temperature variations: Ranging from 50° to 58°

These records were crucial for mariners and passengers, offering a snapshot of navigational precision at the time.

💡 For Maritime Historians & Enthusiasts: The log details provide an authentic record of sea travel, revealing the scientific precision and routine behind transatlantic crossings.

📢 Advertisements: A Look at Consumer Culture in 1908

The bulletin was filled with advertisements from luxury brands, showcasing the high-class clientele aboard the RMS Etruria. Notable brands included:

Liberty & Co. (London & Paris) – World-renowned for shawls, scarves, and fine fabrics.

Perrier – Marketed as the “Champagne of Table Waters”, a prestigious refreshment at the time.

Collard & Collard Pianos – A leading brand for those seeking fine musical instruments.

Cadbury’s Chocolate – A household name, even in the early 20th century.

Schweppes Soda Water – Another enduring brand, showing the early rise of globalized beverages.

💡 For Economic & Business Historians: These advertisements reveal consumer habits, brand longevity, and the tastes of the upper class in 1908.

📌 Why This Bulletin Matters for Research & Education

👩‍🏫 For Teachers & Students

A primary source on early 20th-century ocean travel—perfect for studying technology, social customs, and global news.

An example of how transatlantic voyages connected the world, influencing economics, politics, and culture.

A fascinating lesson in how print media kept travelers informed at sea.

📜 For Genealogists

If ancestors traveled on the RMS Etruria, this bulletin offers a firsthand account of their experience.

The passenger list, news, and ads paint a vivid picture of who traveled, why, and what services were available.

📚 For Historians & Researchers

This document showcases the evolution of maritime communication and entertainment.

The financial and political news offers context to major pre-WWI global developments.

The advertisements illustrate economic trends and consumer culture in 1908.

🔍 Final Thoughts: A Time Capsule of Ocean Travel 🌎

The Cunard Daily Bulletin of September 11, 1908, is more than just a newspaper—it’s a historical artifact that provides a real-time snapshot of global affairs, shipboard life, and maritime innovation. Whether you are a genealogist, historian, student, or maritime enthusiast, this document bridges the past with the present, offering a vivid account of ocean travel during the height of the steamship era.

🌊 Aboard the RMS Etruria, passengers weren’t just crossing the Atlantic—they were witnessing history unfold, one Marconigram at a time. 🚢📡✨