Summary

Australia South Australia Adelaide
Medal - Adelaide Exhibition 1881 Silver Prize
Awarded to: H. R. Murray for models

Silver prize medal awarded to H. R. Murray for 'models' at the Adelaide Exhibition. The exhibition opened in July 1881. This medal was used as a broach: the remains of the pin mount are visible on the reverse. The receipient may be the H.R. Murray who was described by the contemporary press as the 'well-known naval architect'. Murray designed a new type of fishing boat 'suitable for outside, as well as inshore, fishing in all weather' that was launched in Melbourne in September 1890. It met with some controversy but was generally well-received and considered a fine example of boat-building.

Physical Description

A silver prize medal (30 mm diameter) featuring a seated female figure facing, crowning a female on her right with a Victor's wreath and reaching out her left hand to another. In front of the seated figure and between the women offering goods is a small globe, on the left is a cello and on the right an anchor; in the background symbols of industry. The reverse features the name of the winner engraved within a wreath of grape vines. This medal was used as a broach, remains of the pin mount on the reverse.

Obverse Description

At centre a seated female figure facing, crowning a female on her right with a victor's wreath and reaching out her left hand to another on her left. In front of the seated figure and between the women offering goods is a small globe, on the left is a cello and on the right an anchor; in the background symbols of industry; in exergue, ADELAIDE / 1881

Reverse Description

Within a wreath of grape vines; AWARDED / TO / H.R. MURRAY / MODELS This medal was used as a broach, remains of the pin mount on the reverse.

Edge Description

Plain

Significance

In September 1890 a fishing boat was launched in Melbourne which was to create much interest and excitement in boating circles throughout the Colony of Victoria. It was clearly a step ahead of the average contemporary fishing boat. The Melbourne Herald wrote that

"A New Fishing Boat - ...Mr H.R. Murray, of South Melbourne, was commissioned to design and construct a centre-plate boat suitable for outside, as well as inshore, fishing in all weather. The boat left the Yarra by S.S. Dawn on Saturday, (27/9/1890), and has reached her destination. While on the riverbank (on the Yarra), she was an object of interest to nautical men, who one and all agreed that the new craft was not only well fitted for her work, but was one of the finest specimens of the boat builders art that has been launched in Victorian waters. She is very strongly built, and in both form and finish, is even more yacht-like than the centre-boarders of the long shore clubs. It will be noted from the following particulars that a new departure has been made in the elements of the Wanderer, (the name given). Length overall 28 ft, beam 9 ft, 4 ins, draft aft 3 ft. 6 ins. Draft with centre-plate down 10 ft, 6 ins. Unlike the Hobson's Bay and 'Cliff centre-boarders, the Wanderer has a well-rounded forefoot, and fine full entrance, with powerful shoulder and amidship body ..."

The Age described Murray as the 'well known Naval Architect'.

The favourable comments regarding the Wanderer prompted members of the St. Kilda Yacht Club to question Murray's competence to build a centre-boarder that could compete against their boats. The doubts about Murray's abilities as a designer and builder sparked a furious debate in the press, with letters to the Editor continuing for some time. Murray vehemently defended his reputation. -Couta Net web site http://www.couta.net/kerr-wanderer.asp. -D. Tout-Smith 2/2/2004.

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