Research on PS Hygeia

[Doug]

Hi all. One of the captains of the Melbourne based PS Hygeia was my grandfather and want to find any information relating to the ship, in particular the engines boilers etc.
I have a copy of Fitchett's book and have found some articles in the contemporary archived press as well as some excellent images. Does anyone know of any film of her? or drawings of the machinery and deck plans? the only film I have found is of the Weeroona

[Barry]

Float a Boat have plans for the Hygeia.

http://www.floataboat.com.au/Newsletters/2009/FAB%20N_Letter%20Sept%2009.pdf

The builders model is at the Queenscliff maritime museum. I have some photos of the model which I can find if your interested.

[Roderick Smith]

I guess that the film clip is the one in 'Bayside memories', showing an arrival at Sorrento.
I believe that I have seen a clip of the sinking, but that may be confusion with the second panel in Fitchett.
One paddlebox was preserved at Donnybrook Mineral Springs Park in the 1950s, complete with the nameboard.  It must have disintegrated years ago, and the site is now a monastery.  However, it may have a set of historic photos of the site through the years.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Doug]

Thanks for the quick response, I guess I will keep searching.
My interest is because of the direct family connection, grandfather was Captain Fred Maitland who was in charge when the fatality occurred, the incident and subsequent hearings, inquiries, were reported in the press of the time but I want to find out more about the vessel.

[Barry]

http://museumvictoria.com.au/collections/itemimages/160/238/160238_Large.jpg

[greateastern]

here is more info that may be of use and here are the engines. had to get them in another copy.

[Roderick Smith]

The reason for the approach via St Kilda was that Station Pier was under reconstruction:  only half of the new pier was finished.  Princes Pier could have been used.
St Kilda was a more-scenic approach, and the entourage came up the magnificent tree-lined St Kilda Rd.

Fitchett mentions Weeroona being used for something ceremonial in a later year.

In the 1930s, my father and uncle (both young men) were regulars on the trio, chasing young ladies and dancing onboard.

In the mid 1930s, my uncle shared with a minister the job of scattering my great uncle's ashes in the bay from one of the three.  That uncle had worked for Port of Melbourne management.

Roderick B Smith
Rail News Victoria Editor

[Doug]

Thanks all, this much more than I have, I can't seem to find the woodcuts of the engines which are mentioned in the engineer article. Any clues?

[greateastern]

Doug, I have added the engines. oftentimes the 2-plate spread is missing and it was from that copy, so I got it from another elsewhere. hope that helps

[Doug]

Thanks very much, much appreciated