Chen Quin Jack

The following collection of mementos from Nell’s trip on the S.S. Kumano Maru to China in 1907 provides a lovely personal insight into a woman’s experience on her first trip abroad.

In April 1907, Ellen Mon How – AKA Mrs Moon or Nell embarks aboard the S.S. Kumano Maru on a journey to China.

The journey to China may have been arranged through Christian missionary networks. A postcard from Mrs. Kem Yee of the Newcastle Chinese Mission indicates that she and Nell were quite close.

The postcard is addressed to Mrs Moon How, care of the Ming San School Macao. It appears that Nell was employed in a teaching position at the school. According to newspaper articles on Trove, I found that The Newcastle Chinese Mission, run by Rev Kem Yee was actively converting fellow countrymen to Christianity and encouraging them to return to their homeland as teachers.

A passenger list from the S.S. Kumano Maru, which was bound for Hong Kong on April 24, 1907, includes several people of interest. Among the passengers is Mrs. Fong Moon, and listed directly below her name are Mr. and Mrs. Win James—another couple I have identified through various correspondence as Nell’s travel companions. Additionally, Mr. Charlie Hing, a close family friend, traveled on this voyage.

These steamship journeys were long, and it took up to three weeks to reach their final destination. The following material highlights the extensive marketing efforts that shipping companies employed to entertain their guests. Each dinner featured beautifully illustrated and elaborate menus, such as the one dated Sunday, April 28, 1907. This menu is printed on the steamer’s stationery and is designed as a self-folding envelope. As a graphic designer, I appreciate these full-colour souvenirs as mini artworks, and I am truly impressed by the effort and care that went into creating them.

In addition to the interesting menus, there are concert programs that highlight the evening’s entertainment. There is also be an interval to announce the winners of the day’s athletic sports.

Postcards document the trip on the steamship, with dates recording the departure and arrival at Hong Kong …

“In remembrances sailed from Sydney April 23 1907 landed in Hong Kong May 13^th 1907 – From Hong Kong sailed November 29^th 1907”

This postcard from the The Nippon Yuen Kaisha S.S. Nikko Maru. View of Matsushima bay of a thousands islands in northern Japan

“In remembrance of the day on board the Nikko Maru November 1st 1907 bidding Mr & Mrs Choy Hing farewell for Australia”

… with love from Mrs W James

James Hing Choy (蔡興) was born in 1869 in the Heung Shan district, Zhongshan (now Chung Shan). He arrived in Sydney in 1889 where he was a founder and partner in the importing and exporting business Wing Sang & Co of Hay Street, Haymarket, along with other prominent businessmen; Wing Chan Ma, George Bew Kwok (郭标), and Ying Piu Ma (馬應彪). Later he co-founded the major department stores Sincere Company Ltd and Sun Co., Ltd.