The Petrel Papers was a weekly shipboard
newspaper produced on board the Parramatta during a voyage from London
to Sydney (1882 -1883). The
'Parramatta' departed London 7 Oct. 1882 and arrived at Sydney on 3 Jan. 1883
under Captain Goddard. The journals contain contributions from passengers and crew
including reports of shipboard activities and entertainments; details of the
ship's progress including latitude, longitude, distances, temperature and
barometer readings; verse and stories written by passengers.
The Petrel Papers was written and edited by John Maffey and was 'published'
by being 'read aloud at the Saloon table during dessert' each Saturday. The
manuscript newspaper was then circulated amongst the ship's passengers and
crew. Though Maffey was supposed to have a committee of three to assist him
with compiling the newspaper, he claimed he received neither assistance nor
contributions. As his personal correspondence suffered as a result of the
newspaper taking up most of his spare time, this copy of the newspaper was sent
home for circulation to his family and friends.
Click on the link below to read The Petrel Papers:
Source: State Library of New South
Wales
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