The first ship to be built in Australia was launched in 1789, it was a convict built ship 'The Rose Hill Packet' and provided a ferry service between Sydney Cove and Parramatta. It was the first of many generations of ferries which provide links between communities around the foreshores of Sydney. The North Shore Ferry Company was established in the 1860s and by 1899 following a series of merges most of the ferry services were absorbed into a new major company, the Sydney Ferries Limited. Ferries that have serviced the harbour have included paddle steamers, double-enders with a wheelhouse at each end, coal-fired and oil-fired steamers, diesel-powered, hydrofoils and today SuperCats and HarbourCats.

This certificate was granted to Messrs Matthew Byrnes and Thomas Richards, the owners of the 'Pyrmont' a paddlewheeler in 1858, the ferry worked between Sydney Harbour and Pyrmont. The Steam Navigation Board was constituted in 1852 for the purpose of 'inspection and regulation of Steam and other vessels carrying passengers in and from the Colony of New South Wales'. The Board was abolished in 1872 when its duties were taken over by the Marine Board.

The certificate was produced by the Steam Navigation Board of NSW and the clipping by the Sydney Morning Herald.

This certificate was granted to Messrs Matthew Byrnes and Thomas Richards, the owners of the 'Pyrmont' a paddlewheeler in 1858, the ferry worked between Sydney Harbour and Pyrmont.

Certificate, River going, for paddle wheeler 'Pyrmont' and news clipping, paper, published by the Steam Navigation Board / Sydney Morning Herald, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1856-1858

Certificate printed and inscribed on thick paper. River going certificate no. 214 for the steamer 'Pyrmont' which was constructed of wood and propelled by paddles. It was certified to carry 40 passengers including crew and the certificate is dated 3rd December 1858. The certificate states that the original or a copy has to be displayed on the vessel where it is visible to passengers.

Small newspaper clipping dated March 17 1856. States that a new ferry 'Pyrmont' will commence service between Sydney and Pyrmont. The owners are Messrs Matthew Byrnes and Thomas Richards. Clip is from the Sydney Morning Herald.

Made: Steam Navigation Board; Sydney; 1856 - 1858

Made: The Sydney Morning Herald; Sydney; 1856 - 1858

Owned: Byrnes, Matthew; Sydney; 1856 - 1858

Owned: Richards, Thomas; Sydney; 1856 - 1858

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1856 - 1858